If you’ve ever met a possum under the porch, you know they can give you a start. But don’t grab the broom just yet—Louisiana’s possums aren’t the pests many think they are.
In fact, getting rid of them too quickly can cause more harm than good. Let’s peel back the myths and see what’s really going on behind those beady eyes.
1. Possums Are Protected Wildlife In Louisiana
Louisiana law treats possums as protected wildlife, which means you cannot just remove or harm them without following proper guidelines. Wildlife and Fisheries regulations require permits for trapping in many situations.
Violating these rules can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble. Most homeowners don’t realize they need to check state regulations before taking action.
Contact your local wildlife office to understand what’s allowed in your parish before making any moves.
2. They Eat Thousands Of Ticks Each Year
One possum can gobble up around 5,000 ticks in a single season, making them nature’s pest control experts. Ticks carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, so having possums around actually protects your family and pets.
Louisiana’s warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for tick populations to explode. Possums work overtime to keep these bloodsuckers in check.
Getting rid of possums might mean dealing with more tick problems later on.
3. Possums Are Naturally Immune To Rabies
Despite what many people believe, possums almost never carry rabies because their body temperature is too low for the virus to survive. Their immune system works differently than other mammals.
When a possum hisses and shows its teeth, it’s just putting on a defensive show, not threatening you with disease. Most wildlife experts consider them one of the safest wild animals to have nearby.
Fear of rabies shouldn’t be your reason for removal.
4. Relocation Often Leads To Their Death
Dropping a possum off in an unfamiliar area might seem kind, but it usually ends badly for the animal. Without knowing where to find food, water, or shelter, relocated possums struggle to survive.
They often face territorial fights with other possums already living in that area. Louisiana’s predators like coyotes and owls easily catch disoriented possums.
Many wildlife experts say humane exclusion from your property works better than relocation for everyone involved.
5. They Only Stay Temporarily In Most Cases
Possums are nomadic creatures that rarely settle down in one spot for long periods. Most will move on naturally within two or three days once they’ve exhausted local food sources.
Your attic or shed might just be a brief stopover on their nightly travels. Louisiana’s abundance of natural areas gives them plenty of options for shelter.
Patience often solves the problem without any intervention, saving you the hassle and expense of removal services.
6. Baby Possums Need Special Consideration
Female possums carry their babies in a pouch and later on their backs for several months. Removing a mother during breeding season, which runs from January through July in Louisiana, can orphan helpless babies.
Young possums cannot survive without their mother until they’re about four months old. Separating families creates unnecessary suffering.
Wait until late summer or fall for removal, or better yet, let them leave naturally when babies are independent.
7. Simple Exclusion Methods Work Best
Rather than trapping and removing possums, exclusion techniques encourage them to leave on their own and prevent return visits. Seal entry points with hardware cloth, install one-way doors, and remove food sources like pet food or fallen fruit.
Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can make your property less appealing without harming the animals. Louisiana homeowners find these methods cheaper and more effective than repeated removal.
Prevention beats constant battles with wildlife.
8. Professional Help Ensures Humane Treatment
Hiring a licensed wildlife control expert guarantees the job gets done legally and humanely while protecting both you and the possum. Professionals understand Louisiana regulations and know the most effective, ethical removal strategies.
They can identify why possums are attracted to your property and fix those issues permanently. DIY attempts often make situations worse or violate state laws.
Spending money on proper service prevents bigger headaches and ensures you’re doing right by wildlife.