Possum removal costs an average of $250
The average possum removal cost is $250, but can range from $100 to $600.
Possum removal costs vary based on location, infestation size, and removal method.
Professional removal ensures possum handling and effective elimination of your infestation.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Possum removal costs an average of $250, with most homeowners paying between $150 and $350. While these misunderstood marsupials are generally harmless, they can become a nuisance when they take up residence in your attic or crawl space. Understanding the factors that influence possum removal costs, such as location, infestation size, and removal method, can help you budget for professional removal to ensure a safe and effective solution.
Many factors impact how much you’ll pay to remove possums from your property. Here’s a breakdown of the key cost drivers that influence your possum removal total.
Labor costs for removing a possum depend on the extent of the infestation, the specific damage, and the amount of resealing necessary. Generally, you can expect to pay from $150 to $350 for removing a possum and resealing entry points, though in complex cases, costs can escalate up to $600.
The three common methods for removing possums are by hand, using a snare pole, or with a live or lethal possum trap. The removal method contributes to the project’s total cost. Typically, a possum is removed by hand or a snare pole is used when the possum can be located. If they can’t be located, you will need to use a live or lethal trap.
Removing a possum from the indoors, compared to removing one outdoors, doesn’t present much cost difference, if any. However, if you have a possum hiding in your attic or other enclosed space, expect to pay towards the higher end; the more time and traps it takes to wrangle a possum increases costs.
Prices vary quite a bit based on the possum’s indoor location. In most cases, you’ll remove a possum from your attic. In general, expect to pay $250 for indoor possum removal, ranging from $150 to $350. In complex situations (e.g., multiple possums or difficult-to-reach locations), costs may rise up to $600.
Plan to pay between $150 and $350 for outdoor possum removal, depending on its location. For example, a possum hanging out in your backyard may indicate a transient possum and doesn’t require an animal control specialist. If you see the same possum for several days, it’s time to call in a pro.
If you know a possum is squatting under your porch, call a wildlife control professional and expect to pay between $150 and $350.
Choosing between possum control and extermination depends on your preferences and local regulations. Wildlife control professionals focus on humane removal methods, such as live trapping and relocating possums to a safer environment. This approach avoids harsh chemicals and is safer for your family and pets.
Extermination involves killing the animals, often using poisons or lethal traps. While it may provide a quicker solution, it can pose risks to other wildlife and domestic animals. Opting for humane possum removal ensures effective results while aligning with environmental considerations.
Live Removal | Extermination |
---|---|
Humane | Kills possums |
Catches and relocates wildlife | Uses poison and/or traps |
Takes more time and costs more | Takes less time and costs less |
Carcass removal | No carcass removal |
Safe for humans and pets | Can be unsafe for humans and pets |
After removing possums, you might need to address any damage they caused, which can add to your overall costs. Common repairs include:
Drywall repair: $300–$900. Fixing holes or damage where possums entered or nested.
Insulation replacement: $980–$2,300. Replacing contaminated or torn insulation materials.
Wire repairs: $160–$530. Repairing chewed wires that pose a fire hazard.
Duct repair: $450–$2,200. Fixing damaged HVAC ducts affecting your home's heating and cooling.
Siding repair: $360–$1,500. Mending exterior damage from possums accessing your home.
Crawl space cleaning and repair: $1,500–$15,000. Addressing extensive damage under your home.
Attic cleaning: $150–$1,000. Removing waste and nesting materials from your attic.
Possums are nocturnal creatures that seek warm, dry shelter in or under houses. They usually avoid humans, but you might notice these signs of a possum infestation:
Your pet's food keeps disappearing
Trash cans are frequently tipped over or rummaged through
Scratches or damage on your roof, gutters, siding, or porch screens
Unfamiliar droppings around your home
While DIY possum removal might seem cost-effective, it comes with risks. Possums can carry diseases and may become aggressive if threatened. Additionally, regulations often prohibit unlicensed individuals from trapping and relocating wildlife.
Hiring a professional wildlife removal service ensures the job is done safely, humanely, and in compliance with local laws. Licensed experts have the knowledge and tools to handle possums effectively, minimizing risks to you and your family.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Keep your yard clean by securing trash bins, removing food scraps, and eliminating compost debris like piles of leaves or branches where animals can seek shelter. Work with an animal removal pro to seal entry points under your home, deck, or porch to deter possums from nesting. Regularly inspect these entry points to ensure your sealing methods remain intact.
In most states, relocating possums without a permit is illegal. It's important to hire a licensed professional who can handle possum removal according to local regulations, ensuring safety for both you and the animal. Professional wildlife removal technicians are trained in humanely capturing and relocating animals safely, and they have the qualifications to do the job while abiding by local regulations.
If possums are interfering with pets, damaging property, or nesting in your attic or chimney, it's time to contact a professional removal service to address the problem safely. A possum in your yard or under your deck may not seem harmful, but it can lead to major problems if it nests or causes costly damage to your home.