How to Evict Your Unwelcome Guest: Getting an Opossum Out From Under Your House
How do you get an opossum out from under your house? The key lies in humane exclusion – making your property unattractive to opossums and then gently encouraging them to leave using deterrents and one-way exit strategies. Patience and prevention are essential for long-term success.
Understanding the Opossum Under Your House
Finding an opossum under your house can be alarming. Before rushing to action, it’s important to understand why they are there and what to do. These nocturnal marsupials, often misunderstood, are generally beneficial to the environment. However, their presence under your home is a potential problem, and prompt action is necessary.
Why Are Opossums Under My House?
Opossums seek shelter and food. Your crawl space likely offers:
- Protection from predators: Opossums are vulnerable animals.
- Warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer: A consistent temperature is attractive.
- Access to food sources: Pet food, garbage, and insects.
- Potential nesting sites: They may be looking for a place to raise their young.
The Risks of Having Opossums Under Your House
While opossums are relatively harmless, they can pose some risks:
- Odor: Their droppings and nesting materials can create unpleasant smells.
- Parasites: They can carry fleas, ticks, and mites.
- Property damage: They may damage insulation or wiring.
- Noise: Their nocturnal activity can be disruptive.
- Potential for disease transmission: Although rare, they can carry diseases transmittable to pets.
The Humane Eviction Process: How Do You Get an Opossum Out From Under Your House?
The most effective method is humane eviction, ensuring the opossum leaves unharmed and doesn’t return.
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Identify the Entry Point: Thoroughly inspect around the perimeter of your house, looking for holes or gaps in the foundation, siding, or vents. Common entry points include:
- Cracked or broken foundation walls
- Gaps around pipes or wires entering the house
- Unscreened vents
- Areas where siding is missing or damaged
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Confirm Vacancy (If Possible): If you can safely access the area, check for signs of an opossum, such as droppings or nesting material. Avoid direct contact. You can also sprinkle flour near the entry point and check for tracks the next morning. If you suspect they have babies, wait until the young are old enough to travel with their mother (usually by late fall).
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Deterrence: Make the area unattractive:
- Bright Lights: Opossums are nocturnal and dislike bright lights. Place a work light near the entry point.
- Loud Noises: A portable radio tuned to a talk radio station can be effective.
- Scent Deterrents: Some people find success with ammonia-soaked rags placed near the entrance. (Be careful not to leave rags accessible to other animals or children).
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One-Way Exclusion Device: This allows the opossum to leave but prevents it from re-entering. These can be purchased at hardware stores or online. Install the device over the identified entry point.
- A simple version is a one-way door attached to the entry point.
- Another option is a loosely hung burlap sack allowing them to push out but not back in.
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Monitoring: After a few days, check the exclusion device to see if the opossum has left. Remove the device and permanently seal the entry point. Use durable materials like hardware cloth, sheet metal, or concrete.
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Clean Up: Once you’re sure the opossum is gone, clean up any droppings or nesting material with a bleach solution (wear gloves and a mask).
Important Considerations
- Avoid Trapping: Trapping and relocating opossums is often illegal and inhumane. Relocated opossums have a low survival rate.
- Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable handling the situation yourself or if the opossum is difficult to access, contact a wildlife removal specialist.
- Legal Considerations: Check your local and state laws regarding wildlife removal.
Prevention is Key
Once the opossum is gone, take steps to prevent future infestations:
- Seal all potential entry points: Regularly inspect your foundation, siding, and vents.
- Secure garbage cans: Use tight-fitting lids and store cans in a garage or shed.
- Remove pet food: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
- Trim shrubbery: Overgrown shrubs can provide cover for opossums.
- Clear fallen fruit: Remove fallen fruit from trees in your yard.
Comparison of Opossum Removal Methods
| Method | Description | Effectiveness | Humane? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ——————- | —————————————————————————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- | ——- | ———- |
| Trapping & Relocate | Capturing the opossum in a cage trap and moving it to another location. | Often ineffective due to opossums returning or dying in unfamiliar territory. | No | Moderate |
| Lethal Trapping | Using traps designed to kill the opossum. | Effective in the short term, but inhumane and does not address the root cause. | No | Moderate |
| Humane Exclusion | Identifying entry points, deterring the opossum, and using one-way exclusion devices to encourage it to leave without harm. | Highly effective if done properly; addresses the underlying problem. | Yes | Low to Mod |
| Professional Removal | Hiring a wildlife removal specialist to handle the eviction process. | Very effective, especially for complex situations or when dealing with a large infestation. | Varies | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time of year are opossums most likely to be under my house?
Opossums are most likely to seek shelter under your house during the colder months (fall and winter) and during the breeding season (late winter to early summer). These periods offer protection from the elements and a safe place to raise their young.
Are opossums dangerous to my pets?
While opossums are generally docile and avoid confrontation, they can bite or scratch if threatened. They also carry fleas and ticks that can infest your pets. It’s important to keep your pets vaccinated and prevent them from interacting with opossums.
What does opossum poop look like?
Opossum poop is similar in size and shape to dog poop but often contains undigested food, such as seeds and insects. It’s typically dark brown or black and has a strong, unpleasant odor.
Can I just ignore the opossum and hope it goes away?
Ignoring an opossum problem is not recommended. They can cause damage to your property, attract other pests, and pose a health risk. It’s best to address the issue promptly and humanely.
How long does it take for an opossum to leave on its own?
An opossum might leave on its own within a few days, especially if it’s just passing through. However, if it has found a suitable nesting site, it may stay for a longer period. Deterrence and exclusion are often necessary to encourage them to leave permanently.
Do opossums carry rabies?
Opossums are remarkably resistant to rabies. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive. However, they can carry other diseases, so it’s best to avoid direct contact.
What’s the best way to clean up after an opossum?
Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up opossum droppings or nesting material. Use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect the area. Dispose of the waste in a sealed bag.
How do I know if there are baby opossums under my house?
You might hear high-pitched squeaking or chattering sounds coming from under your house. You may also see the mother opossum carrying her young on her back.
Is it illegal to kill an opossum?
In many areas, it is illegal to kill opossums without a permit. Check your local and state laws regarding wildlife removal. Humane eviction is always the preferred method.
Will mothballs deter opossums?
While some people use mothballs as a deterrent, they are not recommended. Mothballs are toxic and can pose a risk to children, pets, and other wildlife. Humane and safe deterrents are more effective.
Should I call animal control to remove an opossum?
Animal control may be able to assist with opossum removal, especially if the animal is injured or aggressive. However, they may also refer you to a wildlife removal specialist.
If I seal the entry point, will the opossum starve inside?
This is a major concern. That’s why confirming the opossum’s absence is crucial before sealing. The one-way exclusion device allows it to leave before sealing. If you suspect young are present, contact a professional.