Get Rid of Opossums from Under Shed – Humane Wildlife Removal

How to Get Rid of Opossums Under My Deck or Shed

In case you are wondering why possums love living under your deck or shed rather than out in nature, then you most likely don’t realize what a rich food source you create around your home for the possum. These creatures love scavenging through cans, composite piles, and gardens. Once the possum has established that it has a reliable food source within your home, it will find a favorable place to live. Often, in the attic or under a building. You have to keep in mind that opossums living under decks and outbuildings can pose a great threat to pets.

Another great way of keeping these creatures away from your home is through exclusion techniques. By correctly sealing around your shed or deck, you will be able to prevent the possum from gaining access in the first place. It would be best if you eliminated any gaps under the structure using a wire mesh or a strong barrier flush to the ground. In case you choose to install a mesh fence, slope the base outwards as this helps to confuse the possum and it discourages it from investigating any further.

The most effective way of eliminating a possum living under your shed or deck is trapping the animal or having it removed. Considering that possums really love to scavenge, they are one of the easiest species to trap.

Trapping, when combined with various prevention and repellent methods, offers the fastest technique of removing possums from your property.

How to Make Use of a Live Opossum Trap

Once you’ve bought a live trap, ensure that you carefully go through the instructions in order to understand how to use it properly. Traps come in different designs and sizes. However, many traps come with spring-loaded or one-way doors.

Set up the trap either near where the possum feeds (preferably next to your trash can or garden), or close to the nesting area if you’ve already identified it. Nighttime is the best time to do this, considering that possums are nocturnal animals. You will also avoid trapping diurnal animals that you aren’t trying to trap.

Put bait inside the trap. While possums can consume almost anything, finding the best bait while trying not to attract other animals will be a trial and error affair. Here are some great ideas for bait:

Fish
Meat
Dog/cat food
Fruits

Many homeowners will try out several repellents before finally hiring a professional. While sometimes it is good to learn the hard way, you definitely have other important things to do with your time. Keep in mind the general rule of thumb: Repellents rarely work. Putrid concoctions, predator urine, mothballs, and other repellents are all based on the assumption that possums won’t live in places where they feel threatened or uneasy.

However, what most don’t realize is that possums are some of the most resilient pests you will come across. Thus, don’t expect the possum to leave just because you have placed some coyote urine.

As mentioned earlier, trapping and removal is the most effective solution to your possum problem, and it also helps to save you a lot of trouble and time.