A possum in the house usually wandered in through a pet door or open door, and the fix is guiding it out and closing the opening. Opossums rarely nest indoors, so the job is removal plus a quick check. Here is what to do.
- A possum indoors usually wandered in.
- Guide it out or use a live trap.
- Close the pet door or gap it used.
- Opossums rarely carry rabies.
Confirm It Is an Opossum
Opossums are gray with a white face and hairless tail, and they are nocturnal. A possum indoors usually hisses and may play dead when startled, which is a defense, not aggression.
Guide It Out
Open a door to the outside and block other routes, then let it leave on its own. If it will not leave, use a live trap baited with cat food or fruit.
Find the Entry Point
Opossums usually enter through an open door, pet door, or garage. Close the pet door at night and check for gaps, since the fix is closing the opening it used.
Why It Rarely Nests Indoors
Opossums are nomadic and rarely nest inside a house. A possum indoors is usually lost, so removal and closing the opening is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open a door and let it leave, or use a live trap baited with cat food. Then close the pet door or gap it used.
Opossums are usually harmless and rarely carry rabies. They may hiss or play dead, but they are not aggressive.
Rarely. Opossums are nomadic and prefer outdoor dens, so a possum indoors usually wandered in.
Usually through an open door, pet door, or garage. Closing those at night keeps them out.
