Opossum Removal & Trapping in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts & Vermont

Opossums are North America’s only marsupial. They are not terribly bothersome, but they get into trash cans, den up under porches and in attics, and larger denning sites can have an offensive odor.

We offer opossum removal at affordable prices. We have opossum traps to take care of your opossum problem.

The biggest problem that opossums cause is getting into trash cans that have no lid or exposed trash bags. Larger denning sites of opossums can cause a foul odor, and they will sometimes den up with skunks.

Opossums are nocturnal and are North America’s only marsupial. They will eat anything they can fit into their mouth — anything at all. They can have up to 12 young at a time, with an average of around 6. When the female gives birth, the young are so small they can fit into a teaspoon. The female then deposits them into her pouch, where she keeps and nurses them until they are ready to come out and ride on her back. They are weaned at about 2½ months.

The opossum is not a very smart animal; its brain is about the size of the end of a human thumb. The term “playing possum” is actually false — the opossum will actually go into shock when it is attacked. The opossum has no real defense. When approached, they will open their mouth and show their teeth, which has given them the nickname “grinner.”

Are opossums dangerous?

Not very. The good news for concerned property owners is that the opossum is not actually a dangerous animal. It will not attempt to attack you, especially if you leave it well enough alone.

However, that doesn’t mean you should just attempt to live alongside the opossum in peace, since that’s unlikely to work either. While opossums may not threaten you directly, they do pose an active threat to your health, since they carry a wide range of diseases. They can also be quite damaging to your garden and your crops. So the best thing to do, if you suspect an opossum infestation, is to act quickly.

Opossums are common nocturnal marsupials found in many places across the United States. They are often characterized by their pointed snouts, dark hair, and long tails. Opossums generally prefer forested areas near sources of water; however, as land continues to be developed, they are increasingly common within urban and suburban areas. Opossums are known to rummage through trash cans and can destroy vegetation on a property, which is why many people seek methods to keep them out. Here are some ways to keep them away in a safe and effective manner.

Eliminate entry points

Opossums are not able to create their own nests. Because of this, they seek out sheltered spaces they can use to rest and protect themselves from predators. Areas of the home such as crawl spaces and attics are common spots where the animals will set up their homes. To prevent this, entryways or open spots into the home should be fully covered up. Places such as the roof and foundation should be checked for holes or cracks. If any are found, they should be barricaded with expandable foam or concrete mix. Barriers such as vent covers can also be installed to further the effectiveness of these solutions.

Startle tactics

Similar to keeping out animals like skunks or raccoons, opossums can be kept away by creating a space around your home that is uncomfortable for them. Scare tactics can be used to fend off opossums and turn them away from scavenging for food in your yard. Smaller investments such as motion-activated sprinklers and lights can be placed in different spots around the home and come on when wildlife is in the vicinity. When they quickly turn on, the opossums are startled and will leave. Sonic repellents can also be used in a similar fashion. These devices let off a high-frequency sound that repels opossums and keeps them away from your home or property.

Fencing

Installing quality fencing around your property is a great way to deter possums from entering your yard or home. Because opossums are not very skilled diggers, they will be unable to get around the barrier, which safeguards your yard and prevents the adverse effects of having opossums on the property. It can also help protect against other wildlife such as raccoons.

Hiring a wildlife removal company

Although the options above will add protection to your home and yard, the best way to solve this issue is by hiring professionals who are experienced with it. Trained wildlife specialists at New Hampshire Animal Damage Control can install preventative infrastructure and use efficient methods to ensure that your yard is protected in the long term. The focus is on solving the issue effectively, so you don’t have to spend excess time or money on low-quality fixes.

Opossums are some of the animals notorious for going through garbage and eating whatever they find. These animals are omnivores and will eat anything. The problem with possums in your trash is the amount of mess they leave behind — they will tip over the trash can and spill its contents all over your driveway.

To keep possums out of your garbage can, you have to make the can completely impregnable for the animal. If it cannot get into the can, then it won’t get to the trash. Here are some tips for keeping possums out of your garbage cans.

Secure garbage cans with bungee cords

A garbage can with a loose lid is an open invitation to possums and animals in general. Making sure your garbage can is secure, with trash out of reach, will certainly frustrate their efforts to get food. Possums will only stick around your property if they always have enough to eat and a warm shelter to hide away from predators. Remove these things, and they will leave your home in a heartbeat. Bungee cords tied over the lid of your garbage can are an effective way of ensuring that the lid doesn’t come off, even when animals succeed in tipping it over.

Take garbage cans indoors at night

Opossums and other nuisance wildlife are attracted by the smell of garbage. The animals feed on rotting food, and the smell coming from your garbage tells them there is something in there that they want. Because possums are nocturnal and only search for food at night, you can make sure they don’t get to your garbage by taking it indoors at night.

You can store your garbage in the garage every night and take it out every morning. This may sound tedious, but it’s a small price to pay to keep possums away from your trash. The obvious downside is that you may forget to take your garbage can in one night and wake up to trash littered around your driveway. To make sure that never happens, we suggest getting an animal-proof garbage can.

Repel them with ammonia

Unlike the two options above, the possum will still have access to the trash but will be repelled by the foul smell of ammonia. Many animals don’t mind bad smells, but ammonia has been found to drive some animals away. Try spraying ammonia into and around your garbage, or soak a rag in ammonia and place it in your garbage can — possums hate the smell of ammonia, and it repels them.

Invest in an animal-proof garbage can

If you want something that completely secures your garbage and works better than tying down your trash can with a bungee cord, invest in a good animal-proof garbage can with a turn-and-lock lid. This is also a better option than taking your garbage can in every night. A garbage can with a strong seal is your best bet against possums, raccoons, skunks, and other animals that go through trash in search of food. A metal garbage can with a very secure automatic lock is the best choice, because some animals can chew through plastic.

A common question property owners ask is: why is there an opossum living under my porch? And not just opossums! Skunks, raccoons, and a host of other animals also prefer the den underneath your porch to living in the wild.

Odd as it may seem, they’ve actually got excellent reasons for that. First off, the area under your porch is fairly difficult to access, both for you and for other predators. That means possums living under your porch are generally safer than out in the wild. Living under your deck also gives them easy access to the many sources of food and water on your property — and a living area with access to food and water is practically the dream for most nuisance wildlife.

So what can you do if you’ve discovered possums living under the porch? First off, we strongly recommend calling a professional wildlife removal team, as they will be better prepared to deal with any potentially dangerous situations. Each state also has its own laws and regulations as to what you can and can’t do in terms of animal removal, so that’s another area in which professionals are useful. But if you are unable to contact a professional, here are some ways to remove possums from under the deck on your own.

1. Fill up the space when they’re not there.

Opossums are nocturnal creatures, meaning they leave the den at night to look for food. Now’s your time to act. With the help of a flashlight, you can go in and fill up the hole under your deck with old newspaper, concrete, or expandable foam.

Tip: remove as much filth, food leftovers, and other offending materials from under the deck as you can before you fill it up. If you’re unable to fill it permanently right now, at least stuff the hole with old newspaper or cardboard to make it more difficult for the possums to re-enter.

2. A loud radio may help.

Possums, like many other wild animals, intensely dislike loud sounds. So you may play a loud radio, or bang pots and pans together around your deck. This will make the area inhospitable to your furry visitors and make them want to leave.

3. Scare them away.

You might also use items like helium balloons or pinwheels, which frighten possums and other nuisance wildlife because they look menacing. What’s great about these options is that they don’t just scare off possums, but also birds and other intruders that may be bothering your yard or garden — two birds with one stone.

4. Eliminate the food source.

It’s important to understand what’s attracting the possums to your property. Open trash cans, pet food bowls left out overnight, and fallen fruit in your yard may all be contributing to a persistent possum problem. Eliminating these can go a long way toward getting the possums to leave.

5. Use predator urine.

An interesting way to scare off possums is to use predator urine. Fox urine is sold in specialty stores all over the country, and scattering it near the deck (while it may smell foul) is a good way of convincing possums there are foxes nearby, and that they had best leave.

Opossums are pest animals and can do a lot of damage, especially when they find their way into a garden. These creatures are also nocturnal, which means they are usually only awake at night and rest throughout the day.

Because of this, it can be challenging to tell exactly which intruder is destroying your garden. They will, however, leave droppings, tracks, overturned garbage cans, and damage to your plants and fruits as evidence of their presence.

Once you are certain that you are dealing with an opossum, there are a number of ways to get it out, including setting a trap or calling a pest control expert. Opossum removal can be difficult, so the best way to manage the population is to take preventive steps.

Tips for getting rid of possums

• Pruning trees and bushes, eliminating brush heaps and other waste, and cleaning up dropped fruit will make the garden look less inviting to pest animals like possums.
• Pet food should be stored at night, and trash can lids should fit snugly.
• Seal off or cover any openings or entrances near the house, including those on decks, porches, and other structures.
• Many people erect fences to help deter opossums from a garden. Fencing should be a minimum of 4 feet high.
• Although there are various chemical repellents on the market, they typically have little effect on their own. Other opossum control techniques, such as motion-activated sprinklers or trapping cages, are more effective.

Trap possums using a cage and bait

The best way to remove a destructive possum from your garden is to use a live trap to catch and remove the animal. Since possums are nocturnal, setting up and baiting the trap at night is the most effective approach. Possums eat a variety of things, including fruits, insects, grains, and anything they can find in a garbage can. They will be attracted to foods like jam, peanut butter on toast, and overripe fruit. To make it unlikely that the critter will miss the bait, place the trap along common paths or areas you have noticed the animal frequents.

You should be very careful when trapping a possum, because these animals can carry and transmit various diseases:

• Opossums can carry many diseases, including but not limited to toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, leptospirosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, tuberculosis, spotted fever, and trichomoniasis.
• They are resistant to rabies, but can carry ticks, mites, lice, and fleas.

Prevent possums from accessing your garden

It’s often better to take proactive steps to prevent animals like possums from invading your garden. Here’s how you can make your garden off-limits to them.

Install electric or wire fencing. Opossums are adept climbers, but a wire or electric fence can deter them from a garden. Fencing should be at least 4 feet high, with the top foot pointing outward to form an overhang. You can also add an electric wire 3 to 4 inches above the top, angled outward. Block off any additional spaces, such as those under porches, stairways, and crawl spaces, using sheet metal or steel wire mesh.

Protect fruit plants with netting. Cover the plants in your garden with netting before they start producing fruit or sending out new shoots. Possums may not be fully deterred by netting, but they should find it challenging enough to avoid eating much of the fruit. Remove any fruit that has fallen below fruit trees or bushes, because fallen fruit will often attract possums and other fruit-loving animals to your garden.

Opossums are a special breed. For one, they are the only marsupial found in North America — not to mention their ability to play dead and their surprisingly sharp memory. Although opossums are mostly docile, they are still classified as a pest species because of the problems they cause for humans, from scavenging garbage to living under houses or in the attic.

In the attic, their presence comes with rustling sounds as they move across the ceiling. What’s more, they leave a whole lot of droppings, which damage the insulation and pollute the space. They also chew through wood and drywall. Opossums are also carriers of diseases such as tuberculosis, leptospirosis, spotted fever, and trichomoniasis, among many others. Here’s how to get rid of this nuisance wildlife:

The purpose of an inspection is to assess the severity of the opossum infestation you’re dealing with. Not only do you want to locate areas with the highest activity, but you also want to look for potential entry holes. Look through your attic, paying attention to the corners and crevices. Also, inspect the insulation for signs of activity – like torn-off insulation or accumulated droppings. Opossum droppings are large with slightly pointed ends; they resemble a dog’s droppings.

Opossums in the attic can be removed through two main strategies: exclusion and live trapping.

This involves identifying all potential entry holes into your attic and sealing them up except one. A one-way door is then installed in the last hole that’s left open. With the exclusion device installed, any opossum that leaves is unable to get back in. Once you’ve gotten rid of the opossum, you can remove the exclusion device and seal up the hole.

Note that exclusion is not ideal for female opossums with babies (called joeys). Why? Because you risk separating the mother from her joeys. The abandoned joeys will eventually die, and you automatically have a new problem to deal with.

Like other wildlife, opossums can also be captured with live traps. As scavengers and omnivores, opossums can eat almost anything, so a wide variety of food can serve as bait — but the best options are fish, apples, or canned pet food. Trapping opossums requires an adept understanding of their behavior, which helps determine the right positioning and appropriate bait, among other factors. That’s why working with professionals like those at New Hampshire Animal Damage Control is prudent.

When dealing with a female opossum with her babies, trapping is the best option. Since opossums are nocturnal, you can capture the babies at night and use them as bait to lure their mother into the cage. After capturing the opossum(s), they should be relocated at least 10 miles away from the current location. Note that the trapping and relocation of opossums are subject to local wildlife laws. Make sure you check with your local wildlife authority before trapping or relocating an opossum.

After you’ve gotten rid of the opossum, you should clean up the entire attic. Pick up all waste materials – with your gloves on – and dispose of them. Use an enzyme-based cleaner to kill all bacteria. Opossums are destructive in the attic; they can tear up air ducts and insulation. That’s why all damage needs to be fixed.

Getting rid of the nuisance opossum from the attic is only the first step. It’s also important to put measures in place to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips to bear in mind:

• Eliminate food sources from your yard.
• Properly seal off trash cans.
• Do not leave pet food outside, especially at night.
• Remove seed crumbs from underneath bird feeders.
• Seal up potential entry holes into your attic.
• Cut off tree branches overhanging your roof.
• Keep your yard and garden clean.
• If possible, install a fence.

If you need a wildlife expert to help you handle your opossum infestation and put preventive measures in place, promptly contact us at New Hampshire Animal Damage Control.

New Hampshire Animal Damage Control prides itself on years of opossum removal experience, serving New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts & Vermont. Our experts know exactly how to remove opossums — both adults and young — and will make sure to do the job right the first time.

We will inspect the property to determine how the opossum got in and what attracted it. Based on that, we will either use exclusion (allowing the opossum to get out, but not back in) or live trapping (most effective for yard removal). This allows us to remove the opossum to a safe location without harming it. Once that’s done, we move on to clean-up and restoration, to make sure your home and yard are as good as new.

• Humane opossum trapping and removal — adults and young
• Repairs to damage done by the animal
• Home sanitization
• Attic insulation clean-up and installation