These experts will send those critters packing
Possums can be both advantageous and troublesome. On the positive side, they help manage pests and reduce the tick population. However, possums can carry diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis, and their scavenging habits can damage property. If your property is suffering from these nocturnal visitors, here's who to call for possum removal.
When getting rid of possums, turning to a professional possum removal service is your safest bet. These experts have the skills, tools, and understanding of local laws to address the problem quickly and humanely. The cost of wildlife removal can differ, but expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 to remove possums.
Homeowners should avoid handling possums. Although possums are typically timid and not aggressive, they’ll lose their cool when cornered, and their bites or scratches can carry bacteria that may lead to infections.
Additionally, in many states, it's illegal for homeowners to trap and relocate wildlife without proper authorization. Professionals have the expertise to handle possum removal safely, humanely, and by local guidelines—plus, they can provide insights on long-term deterrents to keep these creatures from returning.
City or county-operated animal control services can help with possum removal, usually at no cost and in compliance with legal safety standards. However, you can’t always count on these services outside of an emergency.
Due to limited resources, response times may not be swift, and they may only respond to severe cases of infestation or when there is evidence of a rabid or diseased animal. Furthermore, some local animal services do not handle all types of wildlife, so possums could be outside their scope in your area.
Animal control doesn't provide prevention strategies to keep these critters from returning or assist with exclusion techniques—they remove the animal, and the rest is up to you.
It's important to note that transporting and releasing possums is illegal in most states. Relocated animals often struggle to survive and may cause new problems in the release areas.
Many professionals start possum removal by thoroughly assessing the situation, identifying the possum's entry points, and determining the extent of the problem. They also collaborate with homeowners to eliminate food sources by securing trash cans, keeping pet food indoors, and removing fallen fruit.
Afterward, wildlife experts work with homeowners to seal entry points and offer advice on making the property less attractive to possums. This process includes installing fencing with wire mesh to keep possums out of gardens and yards and trimming tree branches that might provide access to roofs.
