How Much Does it Cost to Remove an Opossum?
Typical Range:
$150 - $500
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated December 15, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.On average, it costs $250 to remove an opossum. Typically, homeowners pay between $150 and $500. The project’s total cost depends on the opossum locations, the number of opossums present, the complexity of the removal project, and necessary clean-up labor.
Average Opossum Removal Costs
| Average Cost | $250 |
| High Cost | $500 |
| Low Cost | $150 |
Labor Costs to Remove an Opossum
Labor costs for removing an opossum depend on the extent of the infestation, the specific damage, and the amount of resealing necessary. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere from $250 to $500 for removing opossums and resealing entry points.
Cost to Remove an Opossum by Method
| Removal Method | Average Price to Remove One Opossum |
|---|---|
| By Hand | $150 |
| Snare Pole | $150 |
| Live or Lethal Trap | $250 |
The three common methods for removing opossums are by hand, using a snare pole, or with a live or lethal opossum trap. The removal method contributes to the project’s total cost. Typically, removing an opossum by hand or snare pole costs roughly $150, not including additional repairs and clean-up fees. These methods are used when the opossums can be located. If they can’t be located, you will need to use a live or lethal trap. The cost to set an outdoor trap is on average $150, and roughly $250 for indoor traps.
The increase in price for the indoor traps is because when the opossums are outside, there are typically fewer repairs and less complex cleanups.
Cost to Remove a Possum by Location
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 longer and more traps it takes to wrangle a possum increases costs.
Indoors
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 about $250 for indoor possum removal. However, if you or the animal control specialist can’t immediately locate the possum, you’ll need to have traps set. This case increases costs up to $500.
Outdoors
Plan to pay $150 to $250 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 pro and expect to pay within that $150 to $250 range.
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Opossum Control vs. Extermination
Animal control methods serve to humanely reduce and control future infestations, while extermination removes pests or animals quickly but for the short term.
While animal extermination usually consists of discarding the pests, the main type of animal control method is live removal, which often means setting the animals free in a safer location.
Animal removal is generally considered safer because it usually doesn’t use the harsh chemicals which are often used in extermination. Essentially, exterminators will often deal with infestation by using killing methods, while wildlife control removal services try to remove animals and reduce them from coming onto the property without hurting them.
| Live Removal | Extermination |
|---|---|
| Humane | Kills animals/pets |
| 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 |
| Safe for humans | Can be unsafe for humans |
Signs of a Possum Infestation
Possums love warm, dry areas, inspiring them to try and find shelter in or under your home. They generally try to avoid contact with humans, so keep an eye out for:
Missing pet food
Scattered or tampered-with garbage
Scratches or damages to your roof, gutters, siding, or porch screens
Droppings that your pet(s) didn’t leave behind
Cost to Repair Damage Caused by Possums
Unfortunately, removing or exterminating the animals is often not the only necessary action when managing damage control–pests can cause damage to your home and remediating the damage will contribute to the total project cost.
Below are some average costs to repair typical damage caused by wildlife and/or pests:
Drywall repair costs: $275–$750
Insulation replacement costs: $875–$1,900
Wiring repair costs: $6–$8 per square foot
Duct repair costs: $35–$55 per linear foot
Siding repair costs: $300–$1,000
Crawl space cleaning and repair costs: $1,500–$15,000
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Sometimes homeowners can manage pests and wildlife infestation on their own by setting live traps or using homemade pest repellants. However, DIY wildlife control methods require taking safety precautions and understanding the risks you take when you approach wild animals.
To ensure you’re properly removing all animals or pests, contact a local possum removal service.
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FAQs
How can I keep possums away?
To prevent future possums from coming onto your property, be sure to keep your yard and outdoor area free of food and compost debris. The cleaner your yard, the less you have to worry about possums and other pests taking up rent in/around your home. Be careful if you choose to apply so-called possum repellents; some may harm the possum, other animals, or your family.
Are possums dangerous?
Opossums are generally not dangerous. Unless they feel threatened, they typically will not bite or come near you or your pets. Opossums also don’t often carry diseases, but they can carry a parasite called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. This infection is dangerous to horses and affects their central nervous systems.
What attracts possums?
Opossums are attracted to garbage, compost, and food. Generally, they are attracted to food left outdoors. In addition, they are attracted to gardens and fruits that fall from trees. While you can’t keep possums from wanting to eat from your garden or hang out in your trees, you can take preventative steps to keep them away, like keeping a clean and tidy yard and garbage can area.
What’s the difference between a possum and an opossum?
Most North Americans refer to both as possums. However, possums are native to Australia, China, and New Zealand—so far from your backyard in the States—yet North Americans refer to opossums as possums. Feature-wise, possums have more squirrel-like tails, whereas opossums have bare tails. Since there is only one kind of opossum in North America, you’ll encounter the Virginia opossum, which everyone simply calls a possum.
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