How to remove an opossum from my house and prevent them from entering in Delaware | Opossum

How to remove an opossum from my house and prevent them from entering

Opossums occasionally enter homes through open doors and pet doors. If this occurs, close off access to all other rooms in the house and open doors to the outside. You might assist the opossum in finding the open door by setting up barriers or “guiding” it using a broom. Close and lock the pet door to prevent further intrusion.

To trap an opossum, use box or cage traps (7-inch x 7-inch x 24-inch) and bait them with cat food, fish, fruit, or marshmallows.

Alternatively, an opossum is relatively easy to corner in an enclosed area. While wearing thick gloves, capture it with a hand net or catch pole.

Opossums will usually relax (play dead) when restrained. Wearing thick gloves, grasp the opossum by the back of the neck or along the back. Place it in a cage or pet carrier or walk it outside for release.

Call a local Wildlife Damage Control operator if you need assistance.

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.

State specific solution - Delaware - How to trap and relocate animals

Wildlife that are relocated must be released in suitable habitat, preferably within 10 miles of the capture location. Wildlife are not to be released in an area close to human dwellings or businesses, which would result in a transfer of, rather than a solution to, the nuisance problem. Wildlife shall NOT be released within the city limits of any city, State Wildlife Area, State Park property, or National Wildlife Refuge. Landowner permission is required before any wildlife are released onto a new location.

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.

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