How to Get Rid of Possums in Attic For Good Without Killing Them

Have you heard your house growl, hiss, and screech in the middle of the night? If you have, you probably have a possum infestation in your hands.

These marsupials may be cute — and even beneficial to your garden — but they don’t belong in your attic. Apart from their unearthly shrieks, they can also wreak havoc and spread disease in your home.

Unless you want to keep them as pets, it’s best to get rid of possums in your attic. Read on to discover ways to achieve this feat without killing them.

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Why Possums Love Attics

You might not find your attic appealing and only use it for additional storage space. However, this space provides possums with warmth, shelter, and sometimes even food sources. As long as your attic offers them sanctuary, they won’t hesitate to climb fences, trees, and walls to get there.

In most cases, you’ll encounter female possums in May or June as they look for places to keep their young safe. You might also come across a group of adult possums denning up together during the winter months.

Signs of Possums in the Attic

Possums are loud and less confined to nocturnal schedules, so you should see signs of their presence any time of the day. If you have a group of possums living in your attic, you might notice the factors below.

• Visible entry points: Possums need relatively large entry points to get inside your home, like torn-up shingles or uncovered vents. Also, they don’t see very well, so they find open doors and pet flaps inviting.
• Loud noises: These creatures use various vocalizations, from shrieking to grunting to clicking. Also, they make loud scratching, scuttling, and ripping noises.
• Scavenger manifestations: Possums act like scavengers in rural areas. They raid garbage, pet food containers, and compost piles.

How to Get Rid of Possums in the Attic

You can use a few products to get rid of possums in your attic without killing them. The most recommended ones include live traps, catch poles, and exclusion doors.

Humane Live Animal Trap

A humane live trap is a steel cage that safely traps animals. For the contraption to work, use fish, apples, or canned pet food to lure possums.

Spread the food evenly on the trap and place it in the attic or near an entry point. When you catch the possums in your attic, transport them to a distant location or release them back to the woods.

Catchpoles

Alternatively, you can use a PVC catchpole to capture possums. Be careful, though. While these animals are neither fast nor aggressive, they will defend themselves when threatened. If necessary, you can grab them by the tail without hurting them.

Exclusion Doors

An exclusion door is a one-way contraption you can place at an exit point. Once possums go through it, they can’t return to your attic anymore. For these to work, make sure to seal all possible entry points back to your home.

How To Prevent Possums From Entering Your Attic

Once you drive possums out of your attic, the next logical step is to prevent them from reentering your home. Here are a few practical ways to do it:

• Identify access holes and seal them. Check your walls, windows, and doors for potential entry points.
• Eliminate access to food and water sources. Cover pet food, trash, and crops in animal-proof containers.
• Keep your yard clean. Remove eat-out leftovers and other litter. A dirty lawn attracts possums, rodents, and insects alike.
• Use repellents in your garden. If you want to keep possums further away, you can use chemical or electronic repellents on your lawn.
• Install special fencing. Possums are skilled climbers, but a wire or electric fence can keep them away. Keep barriers at least four feet high and set at an outward angle.

Summary

Possums are often shy and harmless creatures, but they can be a nuisance when they invade your home. It’s best to get rid of possums in your attic because they can unintentionally cause you and your property harm.

More Animal in Attic Removal Guides

Attics are often overlooked spaces that attract all sorts of critters. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to get rid of them. Check out some of our other Animal in Attic Removal Guides to learn more:

• Bats – Read guide
• Bees – Read guide
• Birds – Read guide
• Mice – Read guide
• Rats – Read guide
• Raccoons – Read guide
• Squirrels – Read guide
• Snakes – Read guide