How much does it cost to remove a possum from the attic?

Author: Damaris Adams  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

The average possum removal cost is $250. You might may $150 to remove one possum with a catch pole or as much as $600 to trap an entire family that has set up a home in your attic or crawl space and caused damage in the process.

How do I get a possum out of my attic?

If the deterrents do not chase the opossum away, get into the attic and search for them. Wear protective gloves and grab them. You may introduce a live trap in the attic to catch it, but make sure to check it regularly. A better alternative is to set traps outside, on the roof or near the entry hole.

How much does it cost to get an animal out of your attic?

Usually, a local animal removal service will charge a flat fee of $150 to $250 for basic trapping and removal. But it becomes more expensive when animals are in hard-to-reach places. These hard-to-reach spaces include: Attic removal costs: $200–$1,500.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a possum?

Easy methods to get rid of possums include:
  1. Remove nearby sources of food.
  2. Cover openings to your home.
  3. Fill cavities in your roof and walls.
  4. Use repellent scents.
  5. Try a nesting box.
  6. Use spotlights or motion-activated possum sensors.
  7. Set out traps.
  8. Call in the experts.

How far can you remove a possum?

If you just release the possum – and note that to relocate a Brushtail possum more than 50 metres from its capture site is ILLEGAL – and don't find and seal the point of entry, another possum will soon take up residence in its place. If you use a trap, release the animal after dark and at the base of a large tree.

Opossum removal in attic #1

How much does possum removal cost?

The average possum removal cost is $250. You might may $150 to remove one possum with a catch pole or as much as $600 to trap an entire family that has set up a home in your attic or crawl space and caused damage in the process.

Do possums return to the same spot?

Opossums are often transient, using whatever den is most convenient within their somewhat loose home range, rather than returning to a particular den each day. Females with young tend to be the exception, using the same den sites for weeks at a time.

What do possums hate most?

Natural Deterrents
  • Spices. Many strong spices have scents that possums dislike. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. Lemon, lime, and orange peels can be placed near areas where possums have been seen or used to create a simple citrus spray. ...
  • Ammonia. The strong, pungent smell of ammonia is incredibly off-putting to possums.

How long will a possum stay in your house?

Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on.

What attracts possums to your house?

The nocturnal opossum is attracted to our neighborhoods by the availability of water, pet food left out at night and overripe, rotting fruit that has fallen from trees. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases.

Does insurance cover animal damage in attic?

If a raccoon wreaks havoc in your garage or attic, homeowners insurance may help pay for repairs to the structure. But damage to the items you've stored inside the garage or attic typically won't be covered.

How much does it cost to rodent proof an attic?

Rodent Removal: If your attic has become a hangout for rodents, they'll need to be removed and steps taken to make sure they don't come back. Rodent removal can cost between $170 and $570, and rodent-proofing can add another $125 to $200.

How do I scare animals out of my attic?

By turning on bright lights and a radio, you can make your attic an unpleasant environment to encourage raccoons to leave on their own. To determine whether raccoons are using a suspected entry hole, stuff rags or bunched up paper in the holes and check to see if they've been disturbed.

How small of a hole can a possum fit through?

Possums can squeeze through a nine-centimetre gap! Make the necessary temporary repairs (prepare something during the day) to prevent re-entry after the possum has gone out to feed at night (they usually leave their shelter about an hour after sunset).

Will possums tear up your house?

Roof or Building Damage. As a larger pest, opossums can cause substantial damage to your roof or building structure when attempting to access your attic. Once inside, they will often expand their entry hole and create new points of entry to make it easier for them to quickly find their way in and out of the area.

How to get a possum to move?

Sprinkle a layer of flour around the entrance. Wait for the opossum to leave at night. Opossums are nocturnal and will leave shortly after sundown to hunt for food. Check frequently for the newspaper to have been pushed out and for tracks in the flour leading away from the hole to ensure the opossum has left.

Is it bad to have possums in your attic?

Within your attic, opossums will tear away insulation to use in their nest and gnaw on wood, stored possessions, and electrical wires. Chewed wires can create a fire hazard. In addition, their musky odor and the odor of their urine and feces can be difficult to remove.

What will make possums leave?

In addition to ammonia and mothballs, possums will also steer clear of odors of vinegar, garlic, onion, peppermint, and camphor. These strong scents are often used as natural repellents to keep opossums away from gardens, trash cans, and other areas where they may be unwanted.

What noise do possums hate?

Possums dislike pungent smells, bright lights, and loud noises.

Will possums bite you?

When it comes to biting, opossums only bite if they are cornered or feel extremely threatened. They usually prefer to flee or play dead rather than engage.

What is possum scared of?

Possums are repelled by the stench of garlic, ammonia and mothballs. So go ahead and scatter those around where you think possums might hang out. Garlic works best when it's crushed. If you decide to use ammonia, be careful!

What kills possums the most?

Carbon dioxide gas is the most appropriate technique to euthanize opossums. Opossums also can be humanely killed with a gunshot to the head, if legal and safe in your area.

How far do you relocate a possum?

As with most wild animal releases, you don't want to relocate the opossum too far from your home. You should take them no more than five miles away.

What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?

Opossums are marsupials native to the Americas. They are characterized by white faces and sharp teeth. Possums are marsupials native to Australia and some neighboring countries. They are characterized by prehensile tails.

What is the best repellent for possums?

Garlicspray (S, T): place two tablespoons freshly crushed garlic (a variation is to add two tablespoons of freshly crushed hot chilli) in one litre of hot water. Allow to stand overnight. Spray on foliage.

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