How to Effectively Trap and Remove Possums: A Comprehensive Guide
Effectively trap and remove possums by using humane traps baited with fruit or marshmallows, placing them in areas frequented by possums, and then legally relocating the animals a safe distance away from your property. This guide provides expert-backed strategies for how do you trap and remove possums? safely and ethically.
Understanding Possums and Why Removal Might Be Necessary
Possums, also known as opossums, are nocturnal marsupials native to North America. While they play a role in the ecosystem by consuming insects, rodents, and carrion, they can become unwelcome guests around homes. They are attracted to readily available food sources like pet food, garbage, and fallen fruit, leading to potential problems. These problems include:
- Property Damage: Possums can damage gardens, rummage through trash, and even nest in attics or under decks.
- Disease Transmission: They can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and transmit parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Pet Conflicts: Possums may compete with pets for food or even engage in defensive encounters, particularly with dogs.
Therefore, knowing how do you trap and remove possums? becomes crucial for homeowners facing these challenges.
Essential Tools and Materials for Possum Trapping
Successfully trapping and removing possums requires the right equipment and preparation. Here’s a list of essential items:
- Humane Trap: Choose a sturdy, wire-mesh trap large enough to comfortably accommodate a possum (typically around 32″ x 12″ x 10″). Consider a trap with a covered back to provide a sense of security for the animal.
- Bait: Possums are omnivores but are especially attracted to sweet and smelly foods. Excellent bait options include:
- Fruit (apples, bananas, grapes)
- Marshmallows
- Pet food (canned or dry)
- Bread with peanut butter
- Gloves: Wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent onto the trap, which could deter possums.
- Towel or Blanket: Use a towel or blanket to cover the trap during transport to reduce stress on the animal.
- Release Plan: Before trapping, research local regulations regarding possum relocation. It’s crucial to ensure relocation is legal and to identify a suitable release location (e.g., a wooded area or park).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Successfully Trap a Possum
Here’s a detailed process on how do you trap and remove possums?:
- Choose the Right Location: Place the trap in an area where you’ve observed possum activity, such as near garbage cans, gardens, or under decks.
- Bait the Trap: Place the chosen bait inside the trap, towards the back. Consider creating a trail of bait leading to the trap entrance to entice the possum.
- Set the Trap: Carefully set the trap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the trigger mechanism is functioning properly.
- Camouflage the Trap: Partially cover the trap with leaves or branches to make it less conspicuous. This can help to increase the possum’s confidence in approaching it.
- Check the Trap Regularly: Check the trap daily, preferably early in the morning. Leaving a possum trapped for extended periods is inhumane and can cause undue stress.
- Handle with Care: If you’ve caught a possum, approach the trap calmly and quietly. Cover the trap with a towel or blanket to reduce the animal’s stress.
- Relocate the Possum: Transport the trapped possum to your chosen release location. Release the animal by opening the trap door, facing it away from you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trapping Possums
- Using Inappropriate Bait: Avoid using poison or harmful substances as bait. This is illegal and inhumane.
- Neglecting Legal Regulations: Always check local regulations regarding possum trapping and relocation before taking any action.
- Handling Possums Directly: Never attempt to handle a possum directly, as they can bite or scratch in self-defense.
- Releasing in Unsuitable Locations: Releasing a possum in an unfamiliar or unsuitable environment can significantly reduce its chances of survival. Select a location with adequate food and shelter.
- Not Addressing the Underlying Issue: Simply removing the possum without addressing the underlying cause (e.g., accessible food sources) will likely lead to another possum moving in.
Safety Precautions
Possums, while generally not aggressive, can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Here are some key safety precautions:
- Wear Gloves: Always wear thick gloves when handling the trap or a trapped possum.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Never attempt to handle a possum with bare hands.
- Supervise Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the trap and any trapped possums.
- Wash Your Hands: After handling the trap or coming into contact with anything the possum might have touched, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
| Safety Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| —————————- | ——————————————————————————— |
| Wear Gloves | Protects hands from scratches and bites. |
| Avoid Direct Contact | Prevents potential injury and disease transmission. |
| Supervise Children & Pets | Ensures their safety around the trap and the possum. |
| Wash Your Hands | Removes any potential contaminants after handling. |
Maintaining a Possum-Free Property
Trapping and removing is just one part of the process. To ensure possums don’t return you also need to:
- Secure Food Sources: Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Don’t leave pet food outside overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from your yard.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as holes in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and openings in the roof. Seal these openings with wire mesh or caulk.
- Remove Shelter: Trim overgrown vegetation and remove debris piles that could provide shelter for possums.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Possums are nocturnal, and bright lights may deter them from approaching your property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if I have a possum problem?
Possum problems are often indicated by tipped-over garbage cans, disturbed pet food, droppings near your home, and noises in the attic or under the deck at night. You might also see the possums themselves. Possum droppings are typically dark and pellet-shaped.
What is the best time of year to trap possums?
The best time to trap possums is usually during the spring and fall when food sources are less abundant and they are actively seeking food. Avoid trapping during extreme weather conditions, as this can be stressful for the animal.
Is it legal to trap and relocate possums?
Regulations regarding possum trapping and relocation vary by state and local jurisdiction. It is essential to check with your local animal control or wildlife agency before taking any action to ensure you are in compliance with the law.
How far should I relocate a trapped possum?
The general recommendation is to relocate a trapped possum at least 5 miles away from your property. This distance helps to prevent the possum from returning to your home. Choose a release location that provides suitable habitat, such as a wooded area with access to food and water.
What do I do if I accidentally trap another animal, like a cat or a raccoon?
If you accidentally trap another animal, such as a cat or a raccoon, carefully open the trap door and allow the animal to escape. Avoid handling the animal directly to prevent injury. Contact your local animal control if the animal appears injured or sick.
What are some signs that a possum is sick or injured?
Signs of a sick or injured possum include: lethargy, difficulty walking, visible injuries, discharge from the eyes or nose, and unusual behavior. If you encounter a sick or injured possum, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Can I use poison to get rid of possums?
No, you should never use poison to get rid of possums. Poison is inhumane and can also harm other animals, including pets and wildlife. It is also illegal in many areas.
Will mothballs or other repellents keep possums away?
While some people suggest using mothballs or other repellents to keep possums away, their effectiveness is questionable. Furthermore, mothballs can be harmful to humans and other animals. The best approach is to remove food sources and seal entry points.
What is the best bait to use for trapping possums?
The best bait for trapping possums depends on what is readily available and appealing to the local possum population. Fruit, marshmallows, and canned pet food are generally effective choices. Experiment to see what works best in your area.
Can I trap and relocate possums myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
You can trap and relocate possums yourself, provided you follow all local regulations and take appropriate safety precautions. If you are uncomfortable handling wild animals or are unsure about the process, it is best to hire a professional wildlife removal service.
How do I clean and disinfect the trap after catching a possum?
After catching a possum, clean and disinfect the trap thoroughly using a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Wear gloves and eye protection during the cleaning process. Rinse the trap thoroughly with water and allow it to air dry before storing it.
What should I do if I find a baby possum?
If you find a baby possum, leave it alone and observe it from a distance for a few hours. The mother may be nearby and will return to retrieve her young. If the baby possum appears injured or abandoned after several hours, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Do not attempt to handle the baby possum yourself.