Outdoor Animal Control - Oppossum

I have an oppossum in my attic. Tried all the recommended baits (bacon, fresh vegetables, etc.) with no results.

Has anyone out there been successful trapping oppossum? What did you use?

a well aimed 22.

not quite trapping but the result was the same.

'possums gone.

Ya, I had one in my attic once and after uncuccessfull attempts to lure him out, a well placed 22 shot allowed me to carry him out.

Opossum traps are usually cage traps and can be baited with just about any kind of food because they will eat anything. Canned cat food, dog food, chicken work well. Opossums are easier to trap than other wildlife because they are not finicky about what they eat. Local ordinances often do not allow relocation and release of wildlife. Many also do not allow lethal trapping or discharge of firearms in a residential area.

Using the right size trap is important. Usually cat traps work best. Traps that are too large may have a too stiff or tight trigger mechanism that can not be sprung by a younger, no so heavy opossum. Place bait behind the trigger, not on it. And, place a tiny bit outside the trap near the entrance.

Most areas have Animal Control for removing nuisance wildlife. Check with your local authorities. Laws pertaining to nuisance wildlife, trapping, shooting, releasing and relocation vary according to the state, county or municipality where you reside. Many pest control companies will remove animal pests from property.

If you know where the opossum is entering, wad up and lightly stuff newspaper in the hole. Sprinkle a layer of flour around the entrance. Opossums are nocturnal and leave when it gets dark to hunt for food. Keep checking on the newspaper and tracks in the flour to make sure the opossum has left. Then, seal the hole. The problem will be if there are young left in the attic. Many prefer not to seal the hole until late fall/early winter (Oct-Dec) when breeding season is over. Too, opossums that get trapped in the attic will die and then you have to deal with the odor problem.

Opossums are usually attracted to homes which leave out garbage and pet food. Elimination of food sources tends to minimize opossum problems. The oppossum may be nesting on your property and feeding on neighbor's garbage and pet food. Of course, you have no control over the neighbors. Attic access is an indication that openings in the structure need to be sealed to exclude animal pests. Keep landscape clear of weeds and debris that can provide hiding and nesting places for opossums and other wildlife. Animal pests often access attic via tree branches. Branches should not be closer than 10 feet of the structure. Branches that overhang roofs allow bugs on the roof. This food source attracts opossums.

It is important to pest proof your home. Exclusion is the most effective control. Some pest control companies offer pest proofing.

When I was a kid, I used to run a trap line and possums would get in all my traps set for raccoon, fox, muskrat, beaver, etc. They aren't picky but your problem is probably one of the following: a brand new cage trap (with manufacturing oils/scents on it), the bait choice, trap placement or there are other readily available food sources (or combination of above).

Make sure to remove any other food source they have access to and I'd leave the trap outside in the weather for a couple weeks to reduce the manufacturing scents.

Try not to handle the cage too much or store it near gasoline or anything else that might leave strong, unnatural scents on it.

Possums will eat anything but they do have their favorites. Some like the veggies and others prefer fish/meat. All of them will eat almost anything if they're hungry, but if they have choices, they can be picky. Eliminating other sources and changing what you use for bait every few days will help too.

Also be sure it's located adjacent to their nightly path. The flour idea mentioned above will help you locate it's route but check the obvious: Attic vents, electrical service entrance, HVAC pipes, etc.

Once you locate their path and you still cant catch him, try a box or body trap - google it if needed. They are pretty cheap and once you locate it's path, you can set trap at the entrance without need for bait. They also kill the animal instantly so don't have to worry about releasing or firing a weapon in town.

Hope this helps.

Humane societies often rent or lease out humane traps if you are trying to release the critter elsewhere. Since they are used by multiple people the scent might be a problem, or since multiple critters have been in there it might be beneficial.

Just a thought.

I've used a Have-A-Hart trap, baited it with peanut butter and tuna, and laid a blanket over all but the trap entrance....works everytime for me!

Just got one accidentally yesterday
Seafood cat food in a havahart type trap set out for raccoons

Got another accidental incidental today

Apparently the trick to trapping opossums is to trap for raccoons and hope that the opossums stay away

It is a brand new trap and has a strong scent. I'll leave it outside a couple days and try the catfood with a side of veggies and peanut butter. And a breath mint.

just wanted to report back for anyone with a similar problem. got em in the yard with crispy bacon. relocated him to field a few miles away (don't tell anyone).