How to Remove Opossums, Rats, Mice and Squirrels Humanely: Traps, Bait and a Complete DIY Video Guide

Quick answer: Use a night-vision camera to identify the animal, choose a correctly sized live-catch trap, match the bait to the species, monitor the trap frequently, follow local rules for release or removal, and seal the opening only after every animal is out. This five-step sequence helps prevent the same problem from returning.

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Watch the complete step-by-step video

Watch the whole video before setting a trap. It explains how to identify what is actually living in the attic, ceiling, walls, basement, garage or crawl space before selecting equipment.

▶ Watch the full video on YouTube

The five-step humane animal removal method

1. Identify the animal before choosing a trap

The most important step is learning what you are dealing with. A compact wireless night-vision camera can show when the animal appears, its approximate size and the path it uses. That evidence is far more useful than trying to identify a species from noise alone.

📷 Check the night-vision camera

Do not treat this table as proof. Camera footage, tracks and a professional inspection provide better identification. Avoid direct contact with droppings or nesting material.

2. Choose a correctly sized live-catch trap

The trap shown in the video is a versatile cage-style live trap. It can work for several small and medium animals when the trap is properly sized, placed on a stable surface and checked frequently. If the camera shows a larger animal, use a larger trap designed for that species.

Monitor a live trap often. Protect a captured animal from heat, cold, rain, pets and unnecessary stress. Never place a trap where a child or pet can reach it.

3. Match the bait to the animal

Bait should attract the species identified on camera without making a mess that interferes with the trap. The combinations below are practical starting points, not guarantees.

• Opossum/possum: apple, banana, peanut butter or a small amount of wet cat food.
• Squirrel or chipmunk: nuts, sunflower seeds or peanut butter.
• Rat or mouse: peanut butter or another small, aromatic food.
• Raccoon: species-appropriate food chosen with local wildlife guidance.
• Skunk: do not improvise in a confined structure; call a licensed wildlife professional.

🍽️ See simple bait options

4. Handle release or removal responsibly

Wildlife rules vary by state, county and municipality. Some species, trapping methods and relocation plans require permits or professional handling. In Illinois, nuisance-wildlife guidance can require a permit and permission from the owner or supervisor of a release site. Check the current rules where you live before setting a trap or moving an animal.

For Chicago-area readers, start with Illinois Department of Natural Resources guidance. Do not touch bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, aggressive animals, injured wildlife or animals with babies. If you are bitten, scratched or may have had contact with a bat, wash the affected area and contact a medical provider or public-health department promptly. See the CDC rabies prevention guidance.

5. Seal the entry point after every animal is out

A successful catch is only half the job. Inspect soffits, roof vents, fascia, foundation gaps, crawl-space openings, pipe penetrations and damaged screens. Seal the opening only after camera monitoring confirms that no animal or dependent young remain inside.

An outdoor ultrasonic repeller may be used as a supplementary deterrent after removal. Do not rely on it as the only fix, and do not activate it first if that could drive an animal deeper into a ceiling or wall.

🔊 Check the outdoor repeller

When DIY animal removal is the wrong choice

Call animal control or a licensed wildlife-removal professional when the animal may be a bat, raccoon, skunk or protected species; when rabies is possible; when babies or a nest may be present; when an animal is injured or aggressive; or when the entry point is on a steep roof, chimney or inaccessible structural area. Professional help is also appropriate when traps remain untouched or activity continues after sealing attempts.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first if I hear scratching in the attic or ceiling?

Document when and where the noise occurs, inspect safely from outside and use a night-vision camera near the suspected route. Identify the animal before choosing a trap, bait or exclusion method.

What is the best bait for squirrels?

Nuts, sunflower seeds and peanut butter are common starting points. Use a small amount, place it beyond the trigger plate and remove competing food sources nearby.

What is the best bait for rats and mice?

Peanut butter is commonly used because it has a strong scent and stays in place. A small amount is usually enough. Match the trap size and type to the animal seen on camera.

What is the best bait for an opossum or possum?

Fruit, peanut butter or a small amount of wet cat food can attract opossums. Confirm local trapping and relocation rules before setting the trap.

Can I use poison to remove an animal from a wall or ceiling?

Poison can leave an animal inaccessible inside the structure, create odor and expose children, pets or non-target wildlife. This guide focuses on identification, live capture where lawful, professional removal when needed and permanent exclusion.

Where should I place a live animal trap?

Place it on a stable surface along the travel path confirmed by camera footage, away from children and pets. Do not put a trap where sun, rain, heat or cold could endanger a captured animal.

How often should I check a live trap?

Check it frequently and follow the trap manufacturer's instructions and local law. A captured animal should not be left exposed to weather, thirst, pets or prolonged stress.

How do I stop animals from returning?

Remove attractants, repair damaged vents and screens, seal gaps around soffits and penetrations, cap appropriate openings and monitor the area again. Never seal an opening until you know all animals and young are out.

Update log

• September 19, 2026: Initial guide published with the complete Media Express video, six tracked tool links, current safety guidance and expanded FAQ answers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product availability can change. This article is educational and does not replace local wildlife, public-health or professional advice.