Opossums

Homeowner, renter or HOA

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Ensure pet food, bird food and food compost are not accessible to opossums.
• Check your home and other structures for holes that opossums may use for access. Seal any holes with durable materials, such as metal flashing or hardware cloth.

Around home

• Secure garbage in an animal-proof receptacle.
• Clean grills of food scraps and grease.
• Sturdy fencing with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens from opossums and other wildlife.
• To keep opossums from climbing onto your roof, cut any tree limbs overhanging the roof. Also be sure to cap your chimney to keep opossums from climbing in your fireplace.
• Seal pet doors at night to keep opossums from entering your house.
• Opossums will sometimes climb into window wells and find themselves unable to climb out. Place a rough board into the well and allow the opossums to climb out.

Pets and livestock

• Ensure poultry is in a secure location, especially at night. Spilled or accessible poultry food can also attract opossums.
• Opossums are relatively docile if cornered, but may bite if too agitated. Be mindful that some dogs may have an instinct to chase opossums. Keep dogs fenced or leashed, particularly at night, if this is a concern.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and shelter around your house are the best ways to reduce opossum conflicts.
• If an opossum gets into an attic or similar space, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or place ammonia-soaked rags in the space to deter the opossum. Seal the opening through which the opossum entered once the opossum leaves.
• Various opossum deterrents, such as lights and chemical repellants, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If you found an injured opossum or a young opossum that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of opossums other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• In areas where hunting or trapping is allowed, an opossum may be lethally removed by the property owner or their designee without a hunting or trapping license if the opossum is doing damage or is physically present to imminently cause damage.
• A hunting or trapping license is required if one of those methods is used to lethally remove an opossum not related to damage during the regulated season.
• In areas where hunting and trapping are not allowed, you can contact a nuisance animal control company.
• Consider contacting the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers to check if they have anyone interested in trapping the opossum.

Local government

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Educate residents about removing food sources like outdoor pet food and bird food that can attract opossums. Spring and fall are the best times for messaging.
• Check buildings for holes that opossums may use for access. Seal any holes with durable materials.

Your community

• To keep opossums from climbing onto a roof, cut any tree limbs overhanging the roof. Also be sure to cap chimneys to keep opossums from climbing into buildings.
• Sturdy fencing with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens from opossums and other wildlife. A single or double strand hot-wire/electric fence may help discourage opossums from gardens.
• Opossums will sometimes climb into window wells and find themselves unable to climb out. Place a rough board into the well and allow the opossums to climb out.
• Implement ordinances and enforcement that prohibit feeding opossums and other wildlife that may cause problems.

Public spaces

• Encourage residents and park staff to dispose of garbage properly. Consider talking to your waste disposal company about integrating animal-proof trash receptacles.
• Ensure parks have ordinances and signage requiring users to clean grills, not feed wildlife, etc. to reduce attracting opossums.
• Eliminate or board up abandoned structures that can provide shelter for opossums.

Pets and livestock

• Educate residents with poultry about housing them in a secure location, especially at night. Spilled or accessible poultry food can also attract opossums.
• Encourage residents to keep dogs fenced or leashed, particularly at night. Opossums are relatively docile if cornered, but may bite if too agitated. Some dogs may have an instinct to chase opossums.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing opossums from being attracted to food and shelter resources are the best ways to control opossum problems.
• If an opossum gets into an attic or similar space, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags to scare the opossum out. Seal the opening through which the opossum entered once the opossum leaves.
• Various opossum deterrents, such as lights and chemical repellants, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If someone finds an injured opossum or a young opossum and they believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of opossums other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• If your jurisdiction allows hunting, an opossum may be lethally removed by the property owner or their designee without a hunting license if the opossum is doing damage or is physically present to imminently cause damage.
• A hunting or trapping license is required if one of those methods is used to lethally remove an opossum not related to damage during the regulated season.
• If your jurisdiction does not allow hunting or trapping, contact a nuisance animal control company.
• Consider contacting the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers to check if they have anyone interested in trapping the opossum.
• If interested in implementing a hunting and/or trapping program in your jurisdiction contact the your local DNR Wildlife Division office for guidance.

Business or school

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Remove food sources like cafeteria waste and bird food that can attract opossums.
• Check your building and other structures for holes that opossums may use for access. Seal any holes with durable materials.

Grounds

• Ensure that garbage is disposed of properly, and ideally secured in animal-proof receptacles.
• Sturdy fencing with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens from opossums and other wildlife. A single or double strand hot-wire/electric fence may help discourage opossums from gardens.
• Eliminate or board up abandoned structures that can provide shelter for opossums.
• To keep opossums from climbing onto building roofs, cut any tree limbs overhanging roofs. Cap chimneys to keep opossums from climbing into buildings.
• Opossums will sometimes climb into window wells and find themselves unable to climb out. Place a rough board into the well and allow the opossums to climb out.

Pets and livestock

• If your business or school has poultry, house them in a secure location, especially at night. Spilled or accessible poultry food can also attract opossums.
• Encourage staff and visitors to keep dogs fenced or leashed, particularly at night. Opossums are relatively docile if cornered, but may bite if too agitated. Some dogs may have an instinct to chase opossums.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and shelter around your house are the best ways to control opossum conflicts.
• If an opossum gets into an attic or similar space, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags to deter the opossum. Seal the opening through which the opossum entered once the opossum leaves.
• Various opossum deterrents, such as lights and chemical repellants, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If someone finds an injured opossum or a young opossum and believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of opossums other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• In areas where hunting is allowed, an opossum may be lethally removed by the property owner or their designee without a hunting license if the opossum is doing damage or is physically present to imminently cause damage.
• A hunting or trapping license is required if one of those methods is used to lethally remove an opossum not related to damage during the regulated season.
• In areas where hunting and trapping are not allowed, you can contact a nuisance animal control company.
• Consider contacting the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers to check if they have anyone interested in trapping the opossum.

Agriculture

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Keep livestock feed and outdoor pet food stored secured to minimize opossum access.
• Check outbuildings and other structures for holes that opossums may use for access. Seal any holes with durable materials.

Your farm or orchard

• Remove ripe or rotten fruits and vegetables that may attract opossums.
• Metal shield or sturdy fencing with 3 inch or smaller holes can help discourage opossums from climbing fruit trees and other large plants. Fitting hot-wire/electric fencing around plants may especially discourage opossums.
• Keep grain bins, hay bales, and similar materials stored securely to reduce opossums using it for food or shelter.
• Secure doors for livestock and outdoor pets at night to keep opossums from entering outbuildings.
• To keep opossums from climbing onto roofs, cut any tree limbs overhanging the roofs.

Pets and livestock

• Ensure poultry is in a secure location, especially at night. Attempt to place all roosting areas away from fencing as opossums are often able to reach through most wire fencing. Spilled or accessible poultry food can also attract opossums.
• Opossums are relatively docile if cornered, but may bite if too agitated. Be mindful that some dogs may have an instinct to chase opossums. Keep dogs fenced or leashed, particularly at night, if this is a concern.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and shelter around your farm or orchard are the best ways to control opossum conflicts.
• If an opossum gets into an attic or similar space, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags to deter the opossum. Seal the opening through which the opossum entered once the opossum leaves.
• Various opossum deterrents, such as lights and chemical repellants, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If you found an injured opossum or a young opossum that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of opossums other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• In areas where hunting is allowed, an opossum may be lethally removed by the property owner or their designee without a hunting license if the opossum is doing damage or physically present to imminently cause damage.
• A hunting or trapping license is required if one of those methods is used to lethally remove an opossum not related to damage during the regulated season.
• In areas where hunting and trapping are not allowed, you can contact a nuisance animal control company.
• Consider contacting the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers to check if they have anyone interested in trapping the opossum.

Airport

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Ensure food sources like cafeteria waste and garbage are secured to avoid attracting opossums.
• Check buildings and other structures for holes that opossums may use for access. Seal any holes with durable materials.

Around buildings

• To keep opossums from climbing onto roofs of hangers and other buildings, cut any tree limbs overhanging the roofs.
• Use animal-proof garbage receptacles when possible.
• Opossums will sometimes climb into window wells and find themselves unable to climb out. Place a rough board into the well and allow the opossums to climb out.
• Opossums are relatively docile if cornered, but may bite if too agitated. Be mindful that some dogs may have an instinct to chase opossums. Keep dogs fenced or leashed, particularly at night, if this is a concern.

Airfields

• Minimize shelter for opossums by maintaining short vegetation and removing features like rock piles or trees with large cavities.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and shelter around the airfield are the best ways to control opossum conflicts.
• If an opossum gets into a hangar loft or similar space, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags to deter the opossum out. Seal the opening through which the opossum entered once the opossum leaves.
• Various opossum deterrents, such as lights and chemical repellants, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If someone finds an injured opossum or a young opossum and believes it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of opossums other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• If opossums are causing a public safety issue at an airport, a DNR Wildlife Division regional supervisor or district law enforcement supervisor or their designee can issue a removal permit without an investigation.
• If hunting or trapping is allowed on airport property, a hunting or trapping license is required if one of those methods is used to lethally remove an opossum not related to damage during the regulated season.
• For opossum issues other than public safety, consider contacting a nuisance animal control company.