HOW TO HUMANELY REMOVE OPOSSUMS FROM YOUR HOME

SUMMARY
Opossums are shy nocturnal animals that may wander into attics, basements, or crawl spaces in search of food and shelter. While they rarely pose serious threats, their presence indoors can cause damage and spread disease. This guide explains safe and humane methods to remove opossums and prevent future invasions.

FEATURES

• Identify entry points: Inspect your home for gaps, vents, or loose siding where opossums enter.

• Encourage safe exit: Leave doors, windows, or crawl space access open at night when opossums are active.

• Remove attractants: Eliminate food, water, and clutter that keep them around.

• Use humane deterrents: Employ light, sound, or scent repellents to encourage departure.

• Secure with exclusion devices: Install one-way doors or heavy-duty mesh after they leave.

• Seek professional help: Contact wildlife control if you cannot remove them safely.

GUIDE DESCRIPTION 
Opossums are generally non-aggressive animals that prefer to avoid humans. They often enter homes unintentionally while searching for food, shelter, or a safe place to nest. Although they can be beneficial outdoors by eating insects and rodents, an opossum inside your home can lead to health and safety concerns. Their droppings can spread parasites, and their nesting behavior can damage insulation or wiring.

The first step in humane removal is identifying entry points. Common access spots include attic vents, crawl space openings, chimneys, or gaps around foundations. Look for droppings, scratch marks, or signs of digging near these areas. Once you confirm the entryway, avoid sealing it immediately, as this could trap the opossum inside.

Instead, focus on encouraging a safe exit. Since opossums are nocturnal, leave potential exits open at night with lights and noise inside the affected area. You can also place food outside, away from your home, to encourage the animal to leave. Once you are confident it has exited, secure the entry point to prevent re-entry.

To make your home less attractive, remove attractants. Secure trash cans with tight lids, feed pets indoors, and eliminate standing water. Clear away clutter such as woodpiles or brush that can serve as shelter near your home.

Another effective strategy is using humane deterrents. Bright lights, radios, and motion-activated sprinklers can make the space uncomfortable for opossums, encouraging them to move elsewhere. Commercial opossum repellents, often based on predator urine or strong scents, may also help when applied carefully.

Once the animal has left, install exclusion devices like one-way doors or heavy-duty mesh. These allow opossums to exit but prevent them from returning. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your home for other potential access points and seal them with durable materials.

If the opossum is injured, has babies, or refuses to leave, it’s best to contact professional wildlife control. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely and legally. In many regions, wildlife removal regulations require licensed professionals for relocation.

By taking these steps, you’ll protect your home while ensuring that the opossum is treated humanely. Prevention and early action are key to keeping wildlife where they belong—outdoors.

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