You are likely fed up with possum activities in your home, especially at 2 a.m. when it is time for peaceful sleep. You are struggling and sleepless due to these marsupial sounds and disturbances. You might be looking for an immediate solution and techniques for how to trap possum and have decided to purchase a possum trap.
Before you proceed, here is an important legal consideration to trap this annoying marsupial in a possum catcher.
Are You Allowed to Catch Possums in Traps?
In Australia, it is illegal to kill, harm, or trap wildlife animals without proper licenses and permission from local wildlife authorities.
If you are found to have treated a possum unlawfully, you could face 250 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months. The penalty will further depend on the cruelty and situation.
Key Takeaways
- In Australia, harming or trapping possums or wildlife without permission and proper licensing results in heavy penalties.
- Possum active areas are the best place for setting a possum catcher.
- Fruit jams, almond butter, chopped fruits, and canned pet food are the best possum trap bait for attracting possums.
- Releasing the possum with proper care from the trap and relocating to a suitable place is necessary for their survival.
- Consult a professional pest control for successful possum removal.
Professional Possum Trap Hire
Before setting up a trap and looking for ways to how to trap possum, you need to act responsibly and legally. Consult or hire licensed professionals at Zap It Pest Control to set a possum trap and safely relocate these protected wildlife species from your space.
How to Trap Possum in Catcher?
To trap a possum successfully, you need to understand its behavior, know the best bait, and be able to handle the trap and possum carefully to avoid bites and scratches. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you trap possums effectively.
So, the first step is choosing the right place for setting a trap.
Where is The Best Place to Put a Possum Trap?
Setting possum traps in a suitable place where possums are most active or on their travel route increases the chance of fast results. To find that area look for clear signs such as possum poo, scratch marks on trees, chewed leaves, or damaged plants. The most common areas you consider for placing a trap are:
- Near possum entry points, such as the roof or attic
- In the garden
- Near fruit trees
- Vegetable gardens
- Food sources
- Dustbins
- Bird feeders
Select a relatively quiet location with flat ground that encourages possums without any fear.
What Do You Put On a Possum Trap?
Possums are attracted to your home for many reasons, one of which is food. Try to put their favorite Sweet Fruits, Vegetables, Sweet and Sticky Treats, and Protein Based Foods such as boiled eggs or canned cat or dog food to trap possums.
What is The Best Thing to Put in a Trap to Catch a Possum?
Among all these above food items, for the most effective results, which possum can’t ignore, is to use cheeses, almond butter or cashew butter, and fruit jams. These are sweet baits that lure possums into traps.
Alright, now that you have selected the perfect place for setting the possum trap and selecting attractive bait, let’s find:
The best time to prepare the trap
Nocturnal possums come outside around dusk and are most active between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Setting traps before dusk and avoiding environmental disturbances increases the chance of a successful catch overnight.
- Be consistent with the procedure.
- Possums take 2-3 nights to attract new objects in their environment.
- Place fresh bait on the next day.
Implementing these tips can help you improve your chances of catching possums quickly.
Note: Check the possum catcher regularly to confirm that the possum has not been trapped for a long time for its safety.
What do you do once you catch a possum?
When the possum is successfully trapped in the possum catcher, cover the trap with a cloth or blanket and avoid loud noises. It will calm down the possum and remove the possum at safe place.
Relocation laws are different depending on particular areas local wildlife rules and regulations. Release possums in the natural environment, near trees and away from roads. The recommended distance from your home to the release point is 100 meters away. If relocation is not allowed by authorities in your region, contact local wildlife services in Melbourne, such as Zap It Pest Control professionals, to handle the relocation properly and safely.
How long can a possum stay in a trap?
Approximately possums live in traps for hardly 12 hours. They feel uncomfortable, and long-term stress can weaken their immune system, which is unsuitable for their well-being and survival. They may try to escape from the trap and injure themselves.
They become quickly dehydrated when left without access to water for more than a day. Even if left unchecked, this can lead to organ failure and death.
What to do if you can’t relocate the possum immediately
In most cases, when possums are caught in a trap at night, you can not relocate them immediately, especially in urban areas. So, until you find proper relocation, keep the trap in a cool place and cover it. Avoid interacting with them as this increases their stress and harms their health.
FAQs
Why won’t my possum leave the trap?
When possums do not agree to leave or come outside the trap, it is because of fear or stress they feel inside the trap. Possums may also be confused and not sure how to leave due to their cautious nature.
Why is the possum not running away?
There are many reasons why possums don’t run away. If they feel safe or familiar with their environment, they don’t want to leave your space. Another reason is that they might be injured, sick, or scared.
Will a possum bite you if you pick it up?
A possum is not aggressive by nature. If you pick one up, if it feels scared or confused, it may attack you and bite you to protect itself. So make sure to follow instructions before dealing with a possum.
Do possums come back to the same place?
Possums are highly territorial. If they find suitable space for their territory or for nesting, it is a bit hard to remove them from your place. However, with the help of professional pest control services, you will permanently remove possums.
Where can I buy a possum trap?
Bunnings is the most famous and trusted warehouse in Melbourne, Australia, for buying possum traps. You can also order online from Amazon Australia.
Conclusion
Finally, we hope this guide has answered all your questions about how to trap possums. By understanding possums behavior and choosing flat ground and attractive bait with actionable steps and care, you will efficiently handle the possum removal problem. If you need experienced professionals doing everything correctly, the best pest control services of Zap It are just one call away. Take action now call Zap It at 043 2040 404.
