Opossum Trapping - How to Trap a Possum
GENERAL OPOSSUM TRAPPING: Opossum trapping is subject to state laws regarding capture and relocation or euthanization of wildlife. If you have unwanted possums outside the home, in some cases, the only fix is to trap and remove the nuisance wildlife. We can safely, legally, and effectively catch and remove your nuisance opossums. Trapping is an art, and most amateur attempts go awry for a variety of reasons. An intimate knowledge of opossum behavior, both prior to and after trapping, and of various opossum trap types is necessary to ensure that the possum is trapped and removed without incident.
- STEP 1: Determine if trapping is necessary, or if there is a preventative alternative.
- STEP 2: Select the right trap for the situation, of at least a dozen types of opossum traps.
- STEP 3: Set the traps in the correct areas, in the shade, camouflaged, on a flat sturdy surface, away from any obstructions or areas that can be damaged, etc.
- STEP 4: Use the correct bait. Don't use meat-based baits, which can attract stray cats.
- STEP 5: Monitor the trap daily, remove trapped opossums (carefully!) & transport them.
Before you look towards the idea of possum trapping for idiots, you should probably remember these five vital things:
- If you don't address the original reason you have opossums on the property, new ones will just keep coming, no matter how many you trap and remove.
- Relocating the possum after you have trapped it doesn’t necessarily work. The possum will find its way back; problem not solved.
- Opossum trapping is not legal in most states for residents who don't carry a wildlife trapping and removal license.
- A company that is qualified in possum animal removal will guarantee you a job well done, with a humane manner behind it – this will be easy on your conscience.
- You are going to waste both time and money by attempting to trap these creatures by yourself, and you should probably just hire a professional in the first place.
Rather than focusing your attention on trapping that problematic possum, maybe you should think outside of the box. Did you know that by removing the things that has lead the little critter to your home in the first place, you will be well on your way to NOT having a possum problem? Why not give the following things a go first, to see if that solves your problem?
1. Is the lid on your garbage can? This is going to attract the animal and others like it. Put a lid on it, and make sure it cannot be knocked over. The possum will soon move on.
2. Are you leaving food lying around? This is like opening the doors of a five star restaurant for the possum, and again, other animals like it. Bring the pet bowls in, and stop leaving food everywhere.
3. Do you have fruit trees in your yard? These are attracting the possum! Pick up any food that drops, and make sure that the fruit isn’t within easy reach of a potential possum.
4. Are your doors and windows constantly open? If they are, you are leading the way to the food hub of your palace – the kitchen! Shut the doors and windows, and make sure that screens are closed, and you will be halfway to winning the battle!
Opossum catchers – leg hold traps: When it comes to trying to catch an opossum that has been making a nuisance in your yard, you should be aware that there are a number of different types of traps that you can use, and each one will have its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing what each has to offer should make your decisions much easier, especially when it comes to picking a trap that is going to safely and humanely remove the opossum from your yard or garden. Leg holds are just as simple as the name suggests – holds that will safely trap the leg of the opossum, (as long as the right bait or lure is used) and keeps the animal there until you are ready to release it, either back into the wild, into a new nest box that you have created, or pass it over to a wildlife expert or rehabilitator. The one thing that you need to remember is that these traps need to be checked at least once a day, otherwise you are going to have a starved opossum to deal with – this goes against the whole idea of trying to humanely remove the animal. There are a few things that you are going to need to remember with the leg holds. Firstly, you are going to need to use the right bait or lure. This could be anything really, although the opossum has shown quite a liking to sugary foods. Cat food is another good one to use as well. You are going to need to place these leg traps on land that is flat, and not in a place where the poor possum could potentially end up hanging. Also, remove anything from around the trap itself – these could be used by the opossum in a bid to escape, and this will lead to the animal hurting itself. Finally, make sure you check, as we have mentioned, at least once per day so that you can release the animal from the trap as soon as possible.
Go back to the main Opossum Removal page for more information about possum trapping.
