How to get rid of an opossum den in Delaware | Opossum

Delaware > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Opossum

How to get rid of an opossum den

Wait until the opossum leaves its den in the evening. If you don’t see the opossum leave, you can use a soft plug (e.g., loose pile of dirt, leaves, wadded up newspaper, etc.) in the opening to be sure the opossum has left for the evening.

If the opossum won’t leave on its own, you can attempt eviction by frightening (loud music under the shed, bright lights, etc.) or with commercial odor repellents (check use labels).

Check the den for young that may have fallen off their mother or been left behind.

Once you are sure the den is empty, cover openings with sturdy galvanized wire or hardware cloth attached to the lower edge and then buried underground, slanting outward one to two feet.

Nuisance Opossum

Within the limits of residential or commercial areas of incorporated cities or towns, or within residential or commercial structures, opossums may be controlled (killed) without a permit when they are causing damage. Methods used to control opossums must be consistent with the laws of this State and the regulations of the Department and only live traps may be used (without a depredation permit) outside of established trapping seasons.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Delaware

Nuisance Wildlife

Incorporated Cities or Towns. Within the limits of residential or commercial areas of incorporated cities or towns, or within residential or commercial structures, the following game animals may be controlled (killed) without a permit when they are causing damage: gray squirrel, raccoon, and opossum. Methods used to control said animals must be consistent with the laws of this State and the regulations of the Department and only live traps may be used (without a depredation permit) outside of established trapping seasons.
While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

Was this solution helpful?

Yes No

More solutions for opossum problems

How to feed my pets when wild animals are attractedExplore this solution

How to keep opossums out of my gardenExplore this solution

Should I trap and relocate opossums?Explore this solution

Trapping and shooting opossums causing damageExplore this solution

How to keep animals from eating my bird seedExplore this solution

How to handle garbage to avoid animal problemsExplore this solution

How to remove an opossum from my house and prevent them from enteringExplore this solution

How to prevent horses from getting Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) from opossumsExplore this solution

Should I be concerned about opossums on my property?Explore this solution

What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?Explore this solution

What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressively in DelawareExplore this solution