How to Trap Possums Humanely: A 5-Step Guide
Just remember, they’d rather play dead than put up a fight
Possums are primarily nocturnal creatures that can be both helpful and a nuisance. They are excellent at controlling rodent and insect populations but notorious for raiding garbage cans and chewing up gardens. And let's not forget their sharp claws, enabling them to climb and wreak havoc on your home's siding and shingles. One solution for managing an infestation is knowing how to trap a possum humanely.
Prepping for Possum Capture
Before attempting to get rid of possums, check your state's wildlife laws. In many areas, removal is only allowed if they are causing property damage, and you may need a permit. Also, transporting and releasing possums is illegal in many municipalities. That's why, in many instances, it's best to call a possum removal expert who understands local guidelines.
The best capture method is a cage-style live trap, 32 to 42 inches long, designed to safely trap and hold the possum without causing injury. When handling the trap after capture, protective gear is a must to protect hands, arms, and legs from potential bites or scratches.
How to Trap a Possum
The best time to set possum traps is just before dusk. Since possums are active at night, this will increase your chances of catching them as they search for food.
1. Identity Where to Place Traps
These creatures are relatively easy to trap because they aren't very cautious. To determine where to place possum traps, look for signs of activity, such as tracks, droppings, disturbed trash, or claw marks.
Possums often stick to certain paths along fences or walls and like dark, quiet spots like sheds or crawl spaces. Setting traps near these areas or close to food sources like gardens or compost piles will increase your chances of catching one.
2. Bait the Traps
Possums love strong-smelling foods. Due to their pungent odor, canned fish like mackerel, slightly spoiled meat, and rotten eggs are great options. Sweet treats like marshmallows, apples, bananas, or berries also work well.
Possums are especially attracted to unusual scents—anything new or interesting will prompt them to investigate. This makes trying unusual types of possum bait, like aniseed dip or oil, highly effective.
Bait Placement
Place the bait at the far end of the trap to ensure the possum has to enter completely to reach it. That way, the trap won’t trigger too early, which can lead to escape or, worse, injury to the animal.
3. Set the Trap
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the trap is properly secured. Possums weigh 4 to 6 pounds but can be as heavy as 10. Anchoring the trap with a stake or a heavy object is an excellent way to stop the cage from tipping over if the possum struggles, preventing harm or escape.
Visit the trap at least once every 12 hours. If you have an extensive property, local guidelines may require that your trap has a label sharing your name, address, and permit number.
4. Carefully Handle the Possum
We don’t recommend DIYing this step. Safety is key when handling a trapped possum, so ensure anyone approaching the trap is wearing protective gear and using caution to avoid scaring the animal more than necessary.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance to avoid any potential mishaps. If you need to move the trap, hold it at arm's length so the possum's claws don't grab onto you. Draping a cloth over the cage can calm the possum during the process.
5. Removing Possums
Relocating and releasing possums is illegal in many areas. However, in some states, it is legal for homeowners to euthanize these animals humanely, depending on the time of year.
Many homeowners who opt for DIY capture call an animal control expert for legal removal. Also, remember possums can play dead. You may think an animal died after capture, and then they wake, potentially complicating removal for inexperienced homeowners. It’s best to hire a professional at this stage.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Your decision ultimately relies on your comfort level and understanding of local wildlife laws. DIY trapping can be effective and inexpensive if you are up to speed on guidelines and humane methods and already own the equipment. However, it requires careful attention to detail, such as ensuring the possum's safety, checking traps regularly, and following legal guidelines for removal.
On the other hand, opting for professional possum removal takes the guesswork out of the process. These wildlife experts are trained to handle animals humanely and can navigate the legalities of the process, justifying the possum removal cost. They can also identify and address any entry points or attractants on your property, helping to prevent future issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best deterrents for possums include securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, removing outdoor food sources like pet food or fallen fruit, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof or an open window. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle and discourage them from visiting. Additionally, you can take advantage of their strong sense of smell by using garlic, onion, or commercial possum repellents to keep them off your property.
Possums are not aggressive toward people or pets. They are shy critters that prefer to avoid confrontations. When threatened, they may hiss, growl, or display their teeth but are more likely to play dead as a defense mechanism. Possums rarely attack unless cornered or provoked. They are not a significant threat to pets, though a curious dog or cat might provoke a defensive reaction.