Opossum Control

Possum trapping with a live trap. For this method of opossum removal, which is, incidentally, the best method, it's best to use opossum traps that measure 12" x 8" x 7" and have only one entrance. An opossum trap should be placed near locations where you know the opossum to have been. Generally this will be areas like next to garbage cans, along fences, by chicken coops, near compost piles, and alongside buildings. Secure possum traps firmly to trees, fences, or buildings or stake them to the ground so that possums don't tip them over to get the bait instead of entering the trap.

Opossum bait. The best thing to use as opossum bait is cheap, canned cat food. However, since we know possums will eat almost anything, almost anything will work. In lieu of canned cat food, try using corn on the cob, melon, apple, any other fruit, sunflowers, peanut butter on bread, or sardines. Whatever you use for your opossum baits, place a little in front of the entrance to the trap and a little at the rear of the trap behind the trip mechanism. If the possum you're trying to catch has bait shyness, tie the trap door open for several days and continue to bait. When the possum is taking the bait reliably, untie the trap door and reset the trap properly.

For opossums living under your porch, shed, garage, house, whatever. Start by locating all access points and temporarily block off all but one of them with plywood, tin sheeting, etc. Next, create a one-way door for the final access point. Do this by cutting a piece of ½" hardware cloth so that it's 3 inches larger than the opening on all sides. Hinge the top to the structure above the hole and leave the other sides loose. This will allow the opossum to push the door open to get out but make it hard to get back in. Finally, spread a layer of flour on the ground around the opening. Check for tracks in the morning to see if the possum left and if it got back in.

Block openings permanently. After successful possum removal, it's time to make sure they can't get back under there. To do this, you'll need a below-ground fence. Get a roll of ½" mesh hardware cloth, roll it out where you want it, bend a 6 inch ledge into the bottom of it so that the ledge is coming towards you and away from the structure at a 90° angle, and bury the whole thing 12–18 inches below ground. Once it's buried, fasten the top of the fence securely to the underbelly of the structure it's blocking access to.

Fencing gardens, poultry coops, etc. The technique mentioned above can also be used around gardens, chicken coops, compost bins, etc. There are, however, two main differences. First, the fence will need to be at least four feet tall and the top 12–18 inches should be bent out towards you and away from the garden at a 45° angle. Second, you may need to add a couple electrified wires to keep them from climbing over. Start by running two wires along the bottom. The first one should be 6 inches up from ground level and the second one 4–6 inches above that. Run a third one along the top. All wires should be 3 inches out from the fence. Buy electric fence systems from Havahart.

Opossums in the attic. If possums are plaguing your attic, watch outside for a couple nights to figure out how they're getting in. Once you know where all the entrance points are, wait until dark when the opossums are out and patch those holes. You won't have to get rid of opossums from the attic if they can't get in there in the first place. Trim tree branches that an opossum could climb onto the roof from and get rid of any English ivy. Also, as it's easy for possums to climb the corners of many houses, consider attaching large, slippery squares of metal sheeting to them that possums won't be able to climb past.

Ammonia and mothballs. Ammonia is the most commonly recommended possum repellent. To use it, pour some in an old coffee can or pan and throw an old rag or towel in it to help with wicking the ammonia and dispersing the fumes. Place your chosen ammonia receptacle in whatever little hidey hole you're trying to keep possum-free. While you're placing your ammonia, feel free to toss a few mothballs around.