Possum Control Near Me

Finding a possum in or around your home can be an unsettling experience. These nocturnal marsupials may look harmless, but they can cause significant problems for homeowners when they decide to take up residence on your property. At Manning's Pest Control, we offer humane, effective possum control services throughout Brunswick County and surrounding areas.

Professional Possum Removal & Exclusion Services

With over 47 years of experience in wildlife management, our team understands the unique challenges of possum infestations in coastal North Carolina. We provide complete solutions that not only remove possums but prevent their return.

Understanding Possums in North Carolina

Possums, scientifically known as Didelphimorphia, are fascinating creatures that have adapted uniquely to the Coastal North Carolina environment. With a prehensile tail and opposable thumbs on their hind feet, possums exhibit remarkable dexterity. Their pointy snouts and large, round eyes aid in nighttime visibility.

A standout feature is their rat-like tail which can grip branches, allowing them to traverse urban and suburban areas with ease. Despite their rat-like appearance, possums are marsupials, carrying their young in a pouch, and they're the only marsupial native to North America.

While possums play an important role in our ecosystem (they consume thousands of ticks and other pests annually), they can become problematic when they venture too close to human habitation.

Signs You May Have a Possum Problem

Possums are primarily nocturnal, so you may not see them directly. Look for these signs of possum activity:

Unexplained noises in your attic, crawl space, or under decks at night
Scattered garbage or disturbed pet food left outdoors
Damage to garden vegetables, fruits, or bird feeders
Foul odors from urine, feces, or a possum that has died in an enclosed space
Tracks with five toes (resembling tiny human handprints)
Damaged insulation or entry points around your home's exterior
Possums directly observed on your property, especially repeatedly

The Risks of Possum Infestations

While possums themselves are generally non-aggressive, their presence on your property can lead to various problems:

Property Damage

Possums seeking shelter may:

Tear up insulation in attics or crawl spaces for nesting material
Create entry holes or expand existing openings in your home
Damage ductwork and wiring
Destroy garden plants and vegetables

Health Concerns

Possums can present health risks including:

Accumulated droppings that may contain harmful bacteria
Parasites like fleas and ticks that can transfer to pets
Potential for disease transmission to humans and pets
Allergic reactions to possum dander in some individuals

Secondary Pest Problems

A possum infestation often leads to other pest issues:

Fleas and ticks brought in by possums
Insects attracted to possum nests and waste
Other wildlife following the same entry paths

Professional Possum Control Solutions

When possum problems are complex, turning to wildlife control professionals is prudent. At Manning's Pest Control, our experts typically begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your property to identify entry points and nesting areas. We then create a customized removal plan, utilizing humane traps.

Once captured, possums are safely transported to appropriate habitats. Our experts ensure that no harm comes to the animals during the process. With our experience, we mitigate risks associated with disease transmission, ensuring the safety of both humans and possums alike.

Our Comprehensive Possum Control Process

1. Thorough Inspection

We begin with a detailed property evaluation to:

Locate current and potential entry points
Identify nesting areas and damage
Determine the extent of the infestation
Create a customized removal and exclusion plan

2. Humane Trapping & Removal

Our wildlife technicians use humane methods to capture and remove possums:

Strategic placement of appropriate traps
Regular monitoring to minimize stress to trapped animals
Prompt removal of captured possums
Relocation according to state wildlife regulations

3. Entry Point Exclusion

Preventing re-entry is crucial for long-term possum control:

Sealing all identified entry points with durable materials
Reinforcing vulnerable areas around your home
Installing protective barriers where needed
Screening vents, chimneys, and other potential access points

4. Habitat Modification

We help you make your property less attractive to possums:

Recommendations for securing garbage containers
Advice on pet food storage and feeding practices
Suggestions for landscape modifications
Guidance on reducing shelter opportunities

5. Cleanup & Decontamination

If possums have nested in your home, we address the aftermath:

Removal of nesting materials
Decontamination of affected areas
Recommendations for insulation replacement if necessary
Application of deterrents to discourage future activity

DIY vs. Professional Possum Control

For persistent cases, rely on humane live traps baited with fruits like apples. Remember, it's advisable to consult professionals for safe possum removal, especially if you're uncomfortable handling the situation independently.

While some homeowners attempt to handle possum problems themselves, professional wildlife control offers significant advantages:

Challenges of DIY Possum Control

Improper handling of possums can lead to bites or scratches
Incorrect trap placement often results in failed capture attempts
Relocating wildlife requires knowledge of regulations and appropriate release locations
DIY exclusion methods may not be durable enough to prevent re-entry
Without addressing all entry points, new possums may replace those removed

Benefits of Professional Possum Management

Experienced wildlife technicians understand possum behavior and habits
Professional-grade traps and techniques increase success rates
Proper handling minimizes stress to the animals and risk to humans
Comprehensive exclusion prevents future problems
Knowledge of local regulations ensures legal compliance

Why Choose Manning's for Possum Control

When you select Manning's Pest Control for your possum problems, you benefit from:

Local Expertise: Our technicians understand the specific challenges of possum control in coastal North Carolina
Humane Practices: We prioritize the welfare of wildlife while protecting your property
Comprehensive Solutions: We don't just remove possums—we prevent their return
Experienced Technicians: Our wildlife specialists have extensive training in humane wildlife management
Guaranteed Results: We stand behind our work with industry-leading guarantees

Service Areas for Possum Control

Manning's Pest Control provides professional possum removal and exclusion services throughout:

Brunswick County
New Hanover County
Southport
Caswell Beach
Oak Island
Bald Head Island
Holden Beach
Supply
Ocean Isle
Sunset Beach
Sunset Harbor
Calabash
Shallotte
St James
Boiling Spring Lakes
Bolivia
Leland
Winnabow
Ash
Wilmington
Hampstead
Burgaw
Rocky Point

Frequently Asked Questions About Possum Control

Are possums dangerous to humans or pets?

Possums are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. When threatened, they're more likely to play dead than attack. However, like any wild animal, they may bite or scratch if cornered or handled. The primary risks are related to parasites they may carry and damage they can cause to property. They rarely, however, carry rabies due to their lower body temperature.

Is it legal to trap and relocate possums in North Carolina?

Yes, property owners may trap and remove nuisance wildlife, including possums, from their property. However, specific regulations may apply regarding relocation distances and methods. Our wildlife technicians are fully versed in these regulations and ensure all removals comply with state laws.

How quickly can you respond to a possum problem?

We typically schedule initial inspections within 24-48 hours of your call. For urgent situations, we offer expedited service options. Complete resolution of possum problems usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the situation.

Do you guarantee your possum control services?

Yes. If possums return to areas we've treated and sealed, we'll return to address the problem at no additional cost within our guarantee period. Ask your technician for specific details about our wildlife control guarantees.

What should I do if I find a possum in my house?

If you discover a possum inside your home, remain calm and:

Contain the animal to one room if possible by closing doors
Remove pets from the area
Open exterior doors or windows in the room to provide an exit
Call professional wildlife removal experts immediately
Do not attempt to handle or corner the possum

Effective, Humane Possum Control

Don't let possum problems persist on your property. Manning's Pest Control offers professional, humane possum removal and exclusion services that protect your home while respecting wildlife.

With our comprehensive approach, experienced technicians, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we're the trusted choice for possum control throughout Brunswick County and surrounding areas.