Possums—specifically the Virginia opossum—are common in Maryland and surrounding regions, especially in wooded neighborhoods, rural properties, and near food sources like trash bins or pet food. While these nocturnal marsupials play a role in local ecosystems by eating ticks and carrion, they become a nuisance when they invade attics, crawlspaces, garages, or under decks. Homeowners often ask: how do you exterminate possums? The answer isn’t as simple as trapping or poisoning. In fact, in many cases, “extermination” is not only the wrong approach—it may be illegal.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the safe, legal, and effective methods for removing possums from your property, how to prevent them from returning, and why Pest Shield’s wildlife exclusion services are the best long-term solution for nuisance animals in Maryland.
Are Possums Dangerous?
Possums are generally non-aggressive and unlikely to attack unless cornered. However, they can become a nuisance and health concern under certain conditions:
- They may carry fleas, ticks, and parasites
- Their droppings can contaminate attic insulation or stored items
- They can damage ductwork, chew wires, or disrupt stored materials
- They are known to create foul-smelling nests in crawlspaces or wall voids
Possums are also known for their strong survival instincts—they can climb, dig, and squeeze into small openings. If you’ve seen a possum during the day or heard rustling at night in your attic or under your porch, it’s time to take action.
What Does It Mean to “Exterminate” Possums?
The word exterminate typically refers to killing pests like insects or rodents. When it comes to possums, however, the more appropriate term is humane wildlife removal. In Maryland, possums are classified as wildlife and are protected under state regulations. It is illegal to poison, shoot, or relocate possums without proper authorization or licensing.
Instead of extermination, licensed pest control and wildlife professionals use live trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification to remove and deter possums safely and legally. These methods ensure the animal is handled humanely and prevent future intrusions.
Step-by-Step: How Professionals Remove Possums
Pest Shield follows an integrated wildlife control process when dealing with possums. Here’s how the removal typically works:
1. Property Inspection
A trained technician performs a thorough inspection of your attic, crawlspace, foundation, roofline, and exterior to identify signs of possum activity. This may include droppings, nesting material, claw marks, fur rubs, or damaged insulation.
2. Identification of Entry Points
Possums commonly enter through broken soffits, gable vents, loose crawlspace doors, or gaps under porches. Locating these access points is critical to ensuring the animal can’t return after removal.
3. Humane Live Trapping
Live traps are placed near active areas using bait such as fruit, peanut butter, or cat food. These traps are checked regularly and comply with state wildlife laws. Once caught, the animal is handled according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines.
4. Exclusion and Sealing
After the possum is removed, technicians seal all known entry points using durable materials like galvanized steel mesh, hardware cloth, or custom-fitted vent covers. This prevents other wildlife from entering the same space in the future.
5. Sanitation and Odor Control
If the possum nested in an attic or crawlspace, Pest Shield provides deodorization and waste removal to eliminate lingering smells and biohazards. This step helps prevent secondary pest problems from flies or scavengers.
What Not to Do
Many homeowners make the mistake of attempting DIY possum removal using traps purchased online or improvised baits. While these may occasionally work, they often result in:
- Trapped animals suffering or dying in cages without legal means to release them
- Possums returning after being released too close to home
- Sealing the animal inside the home by mistake
- Legal violations related to wildlife handling or transport
Poisoning possums is not only inhumane—it’s also illegal in most jurisdictions and dangerous for pets, children, and non-target wildlife. Always consult a licensed professional before attempting any form of wildlife removal.
Possum Exclusion: The Long-Term Solution
Exclusion is the most effective way to stop possums from entering your property again. Pest Shield’s wildlife exclusion services involve:
- Installing vent screens, chimney caps, and crawlspace doors
- Sealing roof gaps and soffit voids
- Closing off access beneath decks and sheds
- Reinforcing foundation openings or pipe chases
Exclusion protects against not only possums but also raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and rodents. We tailor our exclusion work to your home’s design, pest history, and surrounding environment.
When Do Possums Become a Problem?
Possums are most active at night and tend to seek shelter during cold weather or when nesting. Peak intrusions happen in:
- Late fall and early winter as temperatures drop
- Early spring, when mothers search for nesting sites
- After storms, when shelters are flooded or damaged
If you notice increased noise in your attic, foul smells, or visible droppings near your foundation or deck, a possum—or other wildlife—may already be inside.
Can Possums Be Relocated?
In Maryland, possums can only be relocated by licensed wildlife professionals, and even then, strict rules apply. Many wildlife agencies discourage relocation because the animal often struggles to survive in unfamiliar territory, especially if relocated too far from water or shelter. In many cases, exclusion is preferred over relocation, as it prevents the root problem: access to the structure.
Call Pest Shield for Humane Possum Removal
If you suspect a possum is living in your attic, garage, or crawlspace, Pest Shield can help. Our certified professionals are trained in humane wildlife trapping, exclusion, and sanitation. We serve Mt. Airy and surrounding Maryland communities with fast, reliable service—always in compliance with state laws and with your home’s long-term safety in mind.
Call (301) 829-0060 or email info@pestshieldinc.com to schedule an inspection today.
We’re open seven days a week and provide wildlife removal for homes and businesses across Maryland and Northern Virginia.
