Can I Get A Pest Control Company To Help Me Get Rid Of An Opossum?

Can I Get A Pest Control Company To Help Me Get Rid Of An Opossum? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is typically no. Pest control companies handle pests and insects, not wildlife. Sometimes you may find one who will come and put out poisons for these animals but that is a bad idea.

Poisons cause a very inhumane death and they present other hazards too. They can be found by pets and children, causing injury or death to a non target species. They are also outlawed in many localities. Besides, there are currently no approved opossum poisons on the market. Those marketed as such are usually just large rat poisons.

Poisons do not work quickly. They cause a slow agonizing death giving the animal time to crawl into any tiny space and die. This can leave you the task of locating and removing a rotting carcass. It leaves a terrible, gut-churning stench and you could end up with a symptomatic infestation of insects that feed on the carcass.

Most Pest control companies simply are not trained to handle wild animals such as opossums.

What Are Your Options?

You do have a few options. First, you should find out what your local laws are governing this creature. They tend to differ between states and municipalities. Your best option is to look them up online or contact your local wildlife management team.



They may also be able to put you in touch with someone specifically licensed to help you handle the situation. If your local laws allow, the animal can be eradicated or relocated to another place. If you choose relocation, ensure that the animal is released at least five miles away from your property or it may return.

Some localities designate a certain open hunting season to help control opossum populations. If this is the case, the animal can be eradicated with a simple head shot. However, this should only be attempted if the laws allow and you are an experienced shooter with great aim.

If the animal is outside, you can take steps to discourage their presence. Remove any type of brush piles and critter proof underneath buildings to block access. Ensure that pet food and garbage is put up and pick up any fruit that has fallen from trees.

It is also a good idea to trim any tree branches at least six feet away from the roof top. This helps prevent opossums from taking up residence in your attic.

If you already have an opossum in your attic, you will probably need to set some live traps or call a professional with experience handling these situations.


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