You hear scratching under your porch or in your attic at night, your garbage cans are systematically overturned, you find unusual droppings in your shed. If you live on the South Shore of Montreal, the Virginia opossum is one of the likely suspects. This discreet but opportunistic mammal is protected by Quebec’s Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, which prohibits any capture or movement without a permit from the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.
Nova Extermination captures the Virginia opossum in a humane manner, releases it in accordance with MFFP guidelines, and seals your entry points to prevent further occupation. License RBQ 5734 75930 01.
How to recognize the presence of a Virginia possum
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is distinguished by its size: comparable to a large cat, 4 to 6 kg, almost bare prehensile tail, pointed muzzle, grey-white fur. To differentiate it from other wildlife on the South Shore:
- Vs raccoon : the opossum has a white pointed snout and an almost naked prehensile tail. The raccoon has a black mask and a bushy ringed tail.
- Vs skunk: no longitudinal white stripes. Skunk smells strong (musk), not possum.
- Vs groundhog : the groundhog is diurnal and stocky, the opossum is nocturnal and thinner.
Signs that confirm the presence of
- Poop 5 to 8 cm long, resembling that of a small dog, often grouped together
- Overturned garbage cans with scattered food packaging
- Long, thin 5-finger prints (very distinctive, miniature human gloves)
- Animal observed motionless in broad daylight: defensive behaviour (plays dead)
Health and material risks
A potential vector of leptospirosis and external parasites (fleas, ticks), can knock over garbage cans and damage soffits, its droppings contaminate basements and attics.
If you have small children, pets, or if you are preparing food in an area contaminated by droppings, a decontamination step after raccoons is recommended after capture. Our technicians assess the level of contamination during the initial inspection.
Materially, the Virginia opossum can tear off shingles, break through loose soffits, or contaminate attic insulation. The restoration of a contaminated attic often far exceeds the cost of a well-done preventive intervention at the right time.
Why you can’t capture the animal yourself in Quebec
The Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife (LCMVF) prohibits the capture, possession and movement of wild animals without a valid permit. Fines can be heavy. In addition, capturing an animal without knowing the authorized release areas can be fatal for the animal (territory occupied by other conspecifics, winter, predators) and exposes the owner to a health risk.
Nova Extermination holds the required authorizations and works in accordance with the MFFP protocol: release more than a kilometer from the capture site, in an appropriate natural environment, without destabilizing the local ecosystem.
Our Humanitarian Capture Protocol
Our approach fully complies with the directives of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP), guarantees animal welfare and is in line with Quebec legal framework. humanitarian capture in approved cages with bait (fruit, egg, sardines), release in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) more than 1 km from the site Once the capture has been made, we systematically coordinate the closure of the animal entry points of access and, if the area is contaminated by excrement, decontamination after raccoons before rehabilitation.
Typical timetable for our intervention
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | On-site inspection, identification of entry points, placement of cage with suitable bait | 1 to 2 hours |
| Days 1 to 5 | Daily check visits, bait adjustment if necessary | 15 minutes per visit |
| Transport | and release in an authorized area more than 1 km from the site, according to the MFFP protocol | 2 to 4 hours |
| Closure | of entry points, decontamination if applicable, written report | Half day to day |
After capture, close entry points
Capturing the animal only solves half of the problem. Without closure, another individual will take its place within a few days to a few weeks, attracted by the same sources of food and shelter.
closing of entry points (dampers, soffits, crawl space), locked lid garbage cans, removal of food sources (outdoor pet bowls)
We systematically include a numerical recommendation for the closure of animal entry points in the capture report, and we offer a combined capture and closure package for typical cases (savings of 15 to 20 percent vs. separate services).
Underwriting and Inspection
The quote depends on the number of follow-up visits needed and the accessibility of the area. Inspection before intervention.
Here are the service variants we offer for this need:
- Capture only (cage, daily monitoring, release)
- Capture + closure of entry points (package)
- Decontamination of contaminated attics or sheds
- Preventive inspection (before confirmed signs)
What influences the quote
- Surface or volume to be treated
- Extent of the infestation or situation
- Accessibility of the areas concerned
- Response time requested (planned or emergency)
- Scope of the desired warranty
- Documentation required for insurer, notary or audit
The inspection is non-binding. We evaluate on site (or by phone as the case may be) and give you a written estimate adapted to your building before any work begins. No unpleasant surprises at the end.
What to do while waiting for our arrival
- Do not feed the animal, even out of compassion. This complicates capture and encourages return
- Secure your trash cans with a locked lid or store them in the garage until we come
- Tuck in pet bowls in the evening
- Do not block the exit until the animal is captured: risk of death in the building, persistent odours and additional decontamination costs
- Keep your children away from the area, even if the animal seems harmless
- Document with a video if possible: useful to confirm the species
Questions
How can I be sure that it is a possum and not a raccoon?
The opossum has a white pointed snout and an almost naked tail, vaguely resembles a large rat. The raccoon has a characteristic black mask and a bushy ringed tail. If you are unsure, send us a photo or video by text to 514 666 6682 and we will identify remotely.
Is possum dangerous for my family or dog?
Very rarely. It is a fearful animal that prefers to feign death or flee rather than attack. The main risk is health (parasites, leptospirosis in the faeces) and material (damage to buildings). Never handle it yourself.
Does possum carry rabies like raccoon?
The rabies level in the opossum is extremely low, much lower than in the raccoon or skunk, due to its lower body temperature which does not favor the virus. This does not make it harmless: other possible parasites.
How long can a possum stay under my porch without me seeing it?
Several weeks, even months. The animal is nocturnal, discreet, and goes out mainly to look for food. You often spot it by droppings or noises, rarely by sight.
What should I do if I find a dead possum?
Do not handle it with bare hands. Use gloves and a double-layered bag, or call the municipality for a pickup. If the animal is dead in your attic or a wall, call us: we manage the removal and decontamination.
Is the intervention covered by my home insurance?
Often yes, especially if the animal has caused damage (contaminated insulation, torn shingles, gnawed electrical wires). We provide report, photos and detailed invoice to facilitate your claim.
Contact Nova Extermination
Inspection within 24 hours, quick intervention. Intervention the next day. Coverage assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of the building. Call 514 666 6682 or fill out the contact form for humanitarian possum capture.
Nova Extermination, RBQ license 5734 75930 01. Service 7 days a week, including public holidays. Health Canada Licensed Products.
.nova-faqmax-width:900px;margin:44px auto;padding:0 16px;font-family:’Inter’,sans-serif.nova-faq__titlefont-family:’Montserrat’,sans-serif;font-size:28px;font-weight:700;color:#BF1E2E;text-align:center;margin:0 0 26px.nova-faq__itemborder:1px solid #ececec;border-radius:10px;margin-bottom:12px;background:#fff;box-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.04);overflow:hidden.nova-faq__item[open]box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.09).nova-faq__qfont-family:’Montserrat’,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:17px;color:#1a1a1a;padding:18px 52px 18px 20px;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;position:relative.nova-faq__q::-webkit-details-markerdisplay:none.nova-faq__q::aftercontent:’+’;position:absolute;right:20px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);font-size:26px;line-height:1;color:#BF1E2E;font-weight:400;transition:transform .2s.nova-faq__item[open] .nova-faq__q::aftercontent:’\2212′.nova-faq__apadding:2px 20px 20px;color:#444;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65.nova-faq__a pmargin:0/* remplace la FAQ generique du gabarit sur les pages de service */.elementor-element-a5f60a6display:none!importantFrequently Asked Questions: Capturing Opossum
How do I recognize the presence of a possum on my property?
The American opossum is a marsupial the size of a large cat, with a grayish coat, a pointed muzzle, and a long, bare tail, active mostly at night. It shelters under galleries, sheds or piles of wood and rummages through garbage cans and compost in search of food. You can find your droppings near these shelters or see it moving slowly on the ground in the evening.
Is a possum dangerous to my family or pets?
The opossum is generally not very aggressive and often plays death rather than attack, but it can bite or scratch if cornered, and you should never try to handle it yourself. It can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, and its droppings pose a health risk. Its presence also attracts attention near areas where it finds food and shelter.
How does the capture of a possum with Nova work?
We inspect potential shelters under structures and food sources, and then deploy a capture/exclusion method adapted to the animal’s nocturnal habits. Once the opossum is removed, we recommend sealing the accesses under the porches and sheds and removing attractions such as open garbage cans. The objective is as much to remove the animal as to prevent another from taking over.
Why hire a professional rather than capture the possum myself?
The capture of a wild animal such as the opossum is governed by rules, and improvised handling risks bites, unnecessary stress for the animal and costly mistakes. A professional has the equipment and experience to intervene safely and resolve the cause of his presence. On the South Shore, our technician ensures a compliant and safe intervention.
How much does it cost to catch a possum in Montérégie?
The price is based on an evaluation, based on the location of the shelter, the difficulty of access, the need to seal structures and the removal of attractions from the site. A simple case under a gallery differs from a situation with several shelters to be secured. We give you an estimate after inspecting your property.
Can you guarantee that a possum won’t come back?
We aim for a sustainable result on a case-by-case basis: by removing the animal, sealing shelters under structures and eliminating food sources, we greatly reduce the risk of return. Because the opossum moves around a lot, another individual could pass by if the terrain offers shelter and food. We advise you on fixes to make your property less attractive.