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

West Virginia > Animal is inside my living space > 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.

Assistance in West Virginia

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for a list of licensed Animal Damage Control agents in your area who can assist with animal removal, damage, damage prevention, and clean up.  Be aware that they charge for their services.  Your local Division of Natural Resources office can provide guidance regarding nuisance wildlife.  They can also provide you with a permit to remove or destroy certain animals, and advice on how to do so, if it is necessary or desirable for you to trap or shoot animals yourself.  Federally protected species require additional permits as noted if necessary.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district offices:    

District 1       Farmington              304 825-6787

District 2       Romney                   304 822-3551                                                                                                                           

District 3       French Creek          304 924-6211

District 4       Beckely                   304 256-6947

District 5       Alum Creek             304 756-1023

District 6       Parkersburg            304 420-4550

Op Center    Elkins                      304 637-0245

Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched.  They may not be relocated without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

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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