Opossum Removal

Opossums are great to have around your yard. They feed on harmful insects, clear out the garbage, and are charming. Impressed? Probably, not. While many of us appreciate wild animals like opossums, having them around becomes problematic.

Opossums are unique in that they are the only marsupial found in North America. Furthermore, only one species, the Virginia opossum, is found in the United States. These critters are particularly prevalent in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and cause a series of problems for homeowners, some of which include:

• Breaking into the attic and setting up their nest.
• Residing under crawlspaces like under a porch, shed, or deck.
• Eating garbage, pet food, and birdseed.
• Stealing fruits from the garden.
• Defecating in the yard, attic, or pool.
• Risk of diseases, including leptospirosis, relapsing fever, tuberculosis, spotted fever, coccidiosis, and trichomoniasis, among many others.

Wildlife X Team Tulsa can help you solve your opossum infestation problem.

Opossum Removal Process

Opossums are nocturnal. However, having possums lurk around your home in the middle of the night isn’t pleasant. Opossum removal requires a good understanding of their behavior. Over the years, the professionals at Wildlife X Team Tulsa have honed an effective removal process. Here’s how we go about it:

Inspection

Inspection is needed to identify the root cause of the problem. Why are they there? For food or shelter? Where are the possums residing? In the attic or crawlspaces? Looking out for signs of infestations – like scattered trash, droppings, trail marks, and more – can be helpful. Once the source of the infestation is determined, removal can take place.

Removal

Opossums are docile creatures. Even in the face of a threat, they’d rather play dead than act aggressively. But do not be deceived, they can act violently if cornered. When handling opossums, make sure to wear hand gloves to prevent the spread of diseases.

If the opossum is residing in your attic, it can be captured with a snare pole. Do make sure to check your attic for possum babies also.

For opossums in your yard, live trapping is usually the most effective method. Fish or canned cat or dog food are good baits. However, note that traps may attract other wildlife. But by strategically placing the traps at the right locations, the chances of that happening are reduced.

After the animal is captured, it must be relocated, to at least, 10 miles away from the capture site. Since opossum removal is subject to state law, a permit is required. That’s why involving Wildlife X Team Tulsa would be the best course of action.