Imagine walking out into your yard in the evening to enjoy a cup of coffee, and you notice a foul odour. Upon looking further, you find a dead possum lying in the corner. Encountering a deceased possum can be an unsettling experience. Whether it’s in your backyard or on a sidewalk, it is an unpleasant sight and knowing how to handle this situation is crucial for your safety and the respect of wildlife. Whether you’re a homeowner, a concerned neighbour, or just an animal lover, it becomes necessary to know how to deal with this situation effectively.
At Instant Possum Removal, we understand the severity of this situation. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of efficiently dealing with a dead possum on your property, ensuring you’re prepared to act responsibly and effectively. We’ll not only let you know the steps to take when you stumble upon a dead possum, our possum removal guidelines will also help you handle the situation safely and responsibly in the future.
Assessing the Situation
First things first, take a moment to assess the scene. It is important to first examine the situation properly in order to ensure proper disposal of dead possums. Is the possum in your backyard, or inside your home? Understanding the context will help you decide the best course of action, and will help you gather the required supplies for the elimination of the deceased critter.
- In Your Yard: If you find a dead possum in your yard, make sure to keep children and pets away from the area to avoid any potential health risks. Do not allow any family members near the carcass, and be patient until the situation is dealt with.
- Inside Your Home: Finding a dead possum indoors is uncommon but can happen. This situation can be very displeasing and requires the utmost attention and caution to ensure proper dead possum removal. In this case, stay calm and follow the next steps mentioned below.
Safety First
Before you get too close to the dead possum, prioritise safety. A deceased animal can be a carrier of various disease carrying pathogens and germs which is a significant risk to your health. Before you approach the scene, it’s important to stay safe and follow a few precautionary measures.
- Wear Protective Gear: Put on disposable gloves and a mask to minimise contact with the possum and any potential pathogens it may carry. It is important to purchase proper protective gear before you step in to dive into the removal process. This will ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure that children and pets are safely away from the area to avoid any accidental exposure. Keeping children and pets away from the carcass is very important to ensure their health and safety, and also to make sure they don’t disrupt the area near the dead animal or spread dirt in the house.
Contact the Professionals
In most cases, it’s best to leave the removal of a dead possum to the experts. Contact a possum removal company in your area to handle the situation safely and efficiently. They have the knowledge and equipment to deal with deceased wildlife properly. Professional possum removal is a great option as it is not messy and ensures complete and proper removal of the carcass, as well as effective cleaning of the entire area.
While waiting for the professionals to arrive, you can document the scene. This can be helpful for insurance claims or if you need to report the incident.
- Take Photos: Use your smartphone to capture images of the dead possum and its surroundings. Be sure to maintain a safe distance. This will also help you if you want to document the results after the process is over.
- Note the Location: Record the exact location, date, and time of discovery. This information may be useful in the removal process and also in the future is you encounter a situation like this again.
Keep Your Distance
While you wait for the possum removal team to arrive, avoid unnecessary contact with the deceased possum. Do not attempt to move it yourself, as there could be potential health hazards. However, if you’ve come into contact with the deceased possum or its surroundings, it’s essential to dispose of any contaminated materials properly.
- Dispose of Gloves: Carefully remove and dispose of your gloves in a sealed plastic bag. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Maintaining proper cleanliness and following all possum removal guidelines is extremely important if you want to deal with the situation effectively.
- Disinfect: Use a disinfectant to clean any surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the possum or its bodily fluids. Disinfecting is a must, and you must not be lenient with this step. You can use a store bought disinfectant or use DIY remedies such as vinegar.
Prevent Future Incidents
Once the possum removal team has taken care of the deceased possum, it’s time to think about prevention. Here are some steps to follow if you want to prevent such an instance in the future:
- Seal Entry Points: If you suspect possums are getting into your home or property, identify and seal potential entry points to prevent future intrusions.
- Secure Trash: Possums are attracted to food sources, so make sure your trash cans are secure and not easily accessible.
- Remove Attractants: Avoid leaving pet food or water outside overnight, as this can attract possums and other wildlife.
Finding a dead possum can be a bit unsettling, but following these steps will help you handle the situation safely and responsibly. Remember, it’s best to leave the removal of deceased wildlife to the professionals. By taking these precautions, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of these unique creatures in your community. However, if you find yourself seeking help in dealing with these creatures, Instant Possum Removal is always at your service. Contact us for a quick and easy possum removal procedure.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog post has been diligently fact-checked and written by Nicholas Willmore, an esteemed Australian expert in the pest control industry
