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Safe ways to shoo, relocate, and deter possums from your property
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Have you noticed possums rummaging through your yard or around your home at night? Even though possums aren’t really aggressive, they can still carry germs or insects that you don’t want in your yard. Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of them safely and humanely. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to make your yard less appealing to possums and how to catch any that are still causing issues. In no time, you’ll have your possum problem under control.
Things You Should Know
- Scare possums away by putting motion-activated lights or sprinklers in your yard. Alternatively, spread repellents, like ammonia, garlic cloves, or chemical sprays .
- Get rid of food sources by securing the lids on your trash cans, feeding pets indoors, and picking up fruit that falls onto the ground from trees or bushes.
- Catch possums with a live-holding cage trap . Release the possum after fixing the damage they caused, or relocate them to a new area if your city allows it.
Steps
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Set up motion-activated lights or sprinklers . Place a motion-activated device near the perimeter of your house, at the front of your property, around fruit trees, or in any other spots where you’ve seen possums. When a possum walks past one of the devices, the lights or sprinklers will turn on and frighten the animal so it won't want to come around again. [1] X Research source
- Motion-activated sprinklers tend to be slightly more effective than motion-activated lights. Lights are enough to frighten away skittish possums that try to stay hidden in the dark, but water sprinklers work better with possums that are more mature and harder to startle.
- Lights and sprinklers are usually temporary solutions since possums will eventually get used to them.
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Scatter tufts of dog or cat fur in areas that possums frequent. After you brush a pet dog or cat, collect all of the pet hair rather than throwing it away. Secure the hair in small mesh bags , and hang or scatter them around your property where you’ve seen possums feeding or hiding. [2] X Research source
- Opossums will smell the fur and think there’s a potential predator in the area, so they may find a new place to call home instead of your yard.
Note: Avoid letting your dog or cat roam free through the yard to try scaring possums away. While possums usually aren’t aggressive, they could still carry ticks, fleas, or bacterial infections.
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Play a radio continuously where possums take shelter. If you suspect there’s an opossum living under a porch or in a shed, set a radio to a low volume and place it nearby. The constant noise from the radio will make the possum think there are people nearby and will encourage them to find a quieter place to build their dens. [3] X Research source
- Make sure the radio isn’t so loud that it disrupts you or your neighbors. A low or moderate volume will be enough to scare the possums away.
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Keep strong-smelling repellents near problem areas. Possums have a strong sense of smell, and products like ammonia, garlic cloves, and bleach are all really unpleasant to them. If you’re using ammonia or bleach, mix 1 part of the repellent with 10 parts water into a coffee can with a lid. Place a rag in the mixture and create a "wick" by bringing one end of the rag through a hole cut into the lid. If you’re using garlic, crush the cloves to make them more pungent. [4] X Research source
- Set the repellents in areas where you’ve seen possums, and replace them every few days.
- Scent repellents are typically temporary solutions because possums will eventually get used to the odors.
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Apply a chemical repellent . Chemical repellents usually have ingredients like naphthalene crystals or predator urine that are unpleasant for possums. Follow the instructions on the specific repellent you’re using. Typically, you’ll apply the repellent spray or powder to gardens, flowerbeds, or around the perimeter of your home. You may need to reapply the repellents every few weeks as the odors become less potent to keep possums away. [5] X Research source
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Avoid intentionally feeding possums in your yard. Possums are attracted to yards and homes where food is plentiful, so leaving out scraps or pet food will make them keep coming back. If you’ve already been feeding possums, stop putting out food for them so they stop visiting your property. [6] X Research source
- While possums are usually non-confrontational, feeding them may make them gradually lose their fear of humans and make them more aggressive when food is not given to them.
- Possums don’t carry the rabies virus, but they may spread bacterial infections like tuberculosis, relapsing fever, or Chagas disease. They may also carry fleas, ticks, or lice onto your property.
EXPERT TIPPest Control Specialist, MMPCKevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.Our Expert Agrees: Most pests are looking for a safe place to eat that also has an abundant food source. If you're leaving food out for other animals like stray cats, it's more likely that possums are eating the food. Eliminate the food sources to remove your possum problem.
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Keep lids securely on your trash can. To prevent possums from finding food scraps in your garbage, secure the can’s lid with bungee cords, chains, ropes, or weights. Alternatively, use a garbage can that has clips on the lid so it doesn’t easily come undone. [7] X Research source
- Some opossums may try knocking over a trash can to access the food inside. Drive stakes through the handles of the garbage can and into the ground to secure them in place.
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Feed your pets indoors. Even if your pets eat their food rapidly, the smell of the food residue left in the bowl may lure possums to your yard. Bring your pet and their food inside during mealtimes so they can finish their meal. If you’re not able to feed your pets inside, feed your pets outdoors in the late morning or middle of the afternoon. That way, the food is not around when dusk settles in and the possums are most active. [8] X Research source
- Avoid keeping food near a pet door that leads outside since possums may be able to smell it and try to get inside your home.
This includes feeding animals you keep outside, such as chickens. Possums are often attracted to chicken feed and could potentially kill your chickens if they get into the coop. If possible, feed your chickens midday when possums are the least active.
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Remove or secure any other sources of food. Possums will scavenge for food wherever they can find it on your property, so check your yard for other potential sources. Some common areas where possums may search for food include: [9] X Research source
- Barbecue grills: Clean grills and grease traps after each time you use them.
- Fruiting plants: Pick up fruit that’s fallen off of trees or bushes.
- Compost piles: Use covered compost bins rather than open containers or loose piles.
- Birdseed: Only spread as much feed as birds will eat for a single day while the sun is out. Alternatively, fill bird feeders with seeds and hang them high in the air where possums can’t reach them.
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Get a live-holding cage trap . Live-holding traps capture possums without hurting or killing them, and they’re preferable to quick-kill traps. Choose a cage trap that’s at least 10 by 12 by 32 inches (25 × 30 × 81 cm) to ensure the largest possums will fit inside. [10] X Research source
- Using quick-kill traps to get rid of possums is restricted or prohibited in many cities. Contact your city’s department of natural resources or local pest control to see if there are any restrictions on trapping possums. Some cities may require you to obtain a permit as well.
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Set and bait the trap in the possum's path. Place the trap near suspected possum dens or entry points you found near your home. Otherwise, place the trap flush with a wall near a fence or your home. Each cage trap is set in a slightly different manner, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions to rig it properly. Set bait inside—fruit, berries, vegetables, raw eggs, peanut butter, and sardines are attractive options for possums. [11] X Research source
- Most traps have a trigger rod or knob that must be pulled or twisted out when you open the door of the cage.
- Set the trap on soft ground or place it on plywood if setting it on a hard surface. The trapped possum may attempt to dig its way out, and placing the trap on a protective surface will prevent it from damaging its paws.
- Set the trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching possums, which are nocturnal animals.
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Check the trap every morning and evening. Because opossums are nocturnal, they’ll usually go into the trap when they’re active at dusk or throughout the night. Be sure to check your trap twice a day so you can take care of a possum as soon as you capture it. Once you find a possum in the trap, cover it with a tarp so the animal isn’t as frightened. [12] X Research source
- Possums may hiss or growl at you as you get closer, or they may play dead so you leave them alone.
- While possums aren’t typically aggressive, put on thick gloves before handling the trap to prevent yourself from getting scratched through the cage.
- Avoid checking the trap more frequently because your presence around the trap may deter possums from approaching.
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Relocate and release the animal from the trap. Check with your city’s pest control services or department of natural resources to find out what restrictions there are about releasing or relocating the possum. You may be able to move the possum to a new location, or you may have to release it in the same area after fixing any damage they caused. When you’re releasing the possum, point the trap’s opening in the direction you want the animal to run off. Stand at the opposite end of the door after you open it, and tap the trap with your foot or a long pole until the animal runs out. [13] X Research source
- Trapped animals often lash out in fear, and you may be scratched or bitten if you are not careful. Stand back from the cage so the possum has some space and doesn’t feel as threatened.
- Some cities may require that you hire a professional to relocate or release the possum. [14] X Research source
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Cover your foundation vents . Possums can easily access your home through the dryer vent or other air vents along your home’s foundation. Install a slotted metal cover over the vents along the perimeter of your home to block possums from sneaking in. These covers are screwed onto the vent and have just enough room for steam and smoke to escape but not enough for possums to sneak through. [15] X Research source
- Make sure there aren’t any possums already inside your home before installing a vent cover. Sprinkle flour outside of the vent and check in the evening for tracks leading away from the vent.
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Trim tree branches 5 ft (1.5 m) from your roof. Possums can sneak onto your roof if tree branches or other tall plants are positioned nearby. Cut away branches and shrubbery that overhang your roof so possums don’t have an access point through your attic or chimney. [16] X Research source
- Avoid growing climbing plants near or on your home, especially near the eaves or downspouts.
- You may also try installing bird control spikes along rain gutters to prevent possums from climbing on them.
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Install hardware cloth below decks or raised porches. Use hardware cloth that has a 1 ⁄ 4 in (6.4 mm) grid screening, or install solid metal flashing around the base of your deck. First, dig a trench that’s 12 in (30 cm) deep around the perimeter of the deck. Place the screening or flashing in the trench so it extends from the bottom of the trench to the underside of the deck. Then, fill the trench with dirt and secure the top of the screening to the deck with nails or staples. [17] X Research source
- Possums often hide out during the day underneath decks, so a barrier will make them find another place to go during the day.
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Create a temporary one-way exit for any trapped possums. If you suspect possums are inside or stuck underneath a deck, avoid sealing the area completely. Form 1 ⁄ 4 in (6.4 mm) grid screening into a cone or funnel. Set the large end of the cone against the entry hole so the possum can get out. Shape the hole at the small end of the screen so it’s 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, which prevents the possum from getting back inside. Secure the screen to the entryway with nails or staples. [18] X Research source
- Keep the passage open for a few days or up to one week before sealing up the hole to ensure any possums inside have left.
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Seal any other open spaces on your home’s exterior. Your home may have other open spaces that are inviting to a possum, such as attic vents or chimneys. Cover the openings with 1 ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) grid screening and secure them in place with nails or staples. Install a chimney cap to cover the large opening on the top of your chimney while still letting smoke and fumes escape. [19] X Research source
- Check for any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens, and be sure to repair them as well.
- If you have a pet door leading outside, lock or cover it at night so possums can’t find their way inside.
- Possums may also make their homes under loose wood piles, so ensure firewood is stacked and organized.
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Search for large entry holes around your property. Possums will look for a dark, quiet place to hide or build their den during the day, so they may get underneath a deck, inside of a shed, or into a vent or hole in the side of your home. They may make large holes, tear through insulation, or chew through wires and water lines. [20] X Research source
- Entry points for possums are usually larger than 6 inches (15 cm), but they may enlarge smaller holes to get inside.
- If you’re unsure of a possum living on your property, sprinkle a layer of flour around the entryway. In the evening, check the flour for any tracks. If you don’t see any tracks within 3 days, then there are no possums.
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Check for food remnants from foraging possums. Possums are messy eaters, so they usually leave scraps of food behind. Check near your garden, trash cans, or any pet food bowls that you left outside to see if they’ve been rummaged through. [21] X Research source
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Identify smelly areas around nesting sites. When possums build their nests, they secret a smelly discharge that may be slightly similar to a skunk’s scent. If you suddenly notice an offensive odor near an outdoor deck or in a shed, then it may be a sign that opossums are living in the area. [22] X Research source
- If you smell a rotting odor, it could be a sign that a possum has died and is stuck in a hard-to-reach area.
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Look for possum tracks or droppings. Keep your eye out for prints that have 5 fingers and are about 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. The hind tracks are slightly larger and have one toe sticking out in a different direction than the others. You may also notice a line where the possum drags its tail. Keep your eyes out for droppings that are 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) long and have pointed ends. [23] X Research source
- Droppings alone may be hard to distinguish since possums are omnivores and the dropping appearance varies depending on what the animal ate.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you keep possums away?Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.Use heavy metal trash cans with metal lids that can fully close. Remove areas of standing water on your property. Cut back shrubbery and overgrowth around your yard. Fully block off your crawl space and make it impenetrable from the outside.
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Tips
- While many Americans call opossums “possums,” they’re actually 2 different animals. Opossums are native to North America while possums are native to Australia or New Zealand. To tell the difference between possums and opossums , check the tail. Opossums have a bare tail like a rat while Australian possums have a furry prehensile tail. [24] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You'll Need
Scaring Possums Away
- Motion-activated lights or sprinklers
- Dog or cat fur
- Radio
- Ammonia or garlic
- Chemical repellents
Trapping and Removing Possums
- Live-holding cage trap
- Food bait, such as fruit, berries, vegetables, raw egg, peanut butter, or sardines
Keeping Possums Out of Your Home
- Metal vent covers
- Chimney cap
- Hardware cloth or grid screening
- Nails or fencing staples
- Tree-trimming tools
References
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/opossum/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0
- ↑ https://pestpointers.com/scents-that-opossums-hate-and-how-to-use-them/
- ↑ https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/damage
- ↑ http://wildlifemanagementpro.org/animal-control/possums/getting-rid-of-possums/
- ↑ https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/common_components/images/awm/Docs/PN_Opossum.pdf
- ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/didelphis-virginianus#conflict
- ↑ https://p.widencdn.net/kax0ta/WM0588
- ↑ https://p.widencdn.net/kax0ta/WM0588
- ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/00625/wdfw00625.pdf
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/opossum/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/pdf/pestnotes/pnopossum.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/6Gvj2Ysm3ZI?t=184
- ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/didelphis-virginianus#living
- ↑ https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/common_components/images/awm/Docs/PN_Opossum.pdf
- ↑ https://www.edcgov.us/Government/ag/pages/opossum.aspx
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/opossum/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0
- ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Opossum
- ↑ https://www.edcgov.us/Government/ag/pages/opossum.aspx
- ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/didelphis-virginianus#living
- ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/virginia-opossum-our-only-native-marsupial/
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/pdf/pestnotes/pnopossum.pdf
- ↑ https://www.edcgov.us/Government/ag/pages/opossum.aspx
- ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/00625/wdfw00625.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/possum-vs-opossum/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To get rid of possums, eliminate food sources by keeping your garbage contained, feeding your pets inside, and picking up any fruit that drops from trees or bushes. Additionally, keep your grass mowed and the area around your house free of piles of wood, grass clippings, or other debris, which can provide cover for possums. You can scatter dog or cat fur around your property, since the smell of a potential predator can deter possums. Alternatively, try spreading ammonia, mothballs, or garlic around your house, as these are all smells possums dislike. To learn how to set a live-holding cage trap to get rid of possums, scroll down!
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- "We had a possum get in the house through the doggy door, it was in the den for about 4 days before I spotted it. My wife was cleaning the den and looked around seeing the possum looking at her from the top of a table. She screamed and the possum ran. I found it in a corner behind a large floor lamp. I killed it and disposed of it." ..." more
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"We had a possum get in the house through the doggy door, it was in the den for about 4 days before I spotted it. My wife was cleaning the den and looked around seeing the possum looking at her from the top of a table. She screamed and the possum ran. I found it in a corner behind a large floor lamp. I killed it and disposed of it."
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"My mom has stray cats around her house that she loves to feed. To our surprise, we were also feeding this possum and didn't realize. After reading your article, I was able to learn and educate my mom on the correct way to avoid and try to get rid of this possum. Thanks."
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"It's funny how one little critter can become so confusing. Thank you for clarification on the topic. I live in Ontario, and the critters tend to enjoy producing great numbers of babies. With your information, I think I may be able to manage the invasive little buggers."
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"The article was extremely helpful. We were just looking for a deterrent for possums. A few years ago, a family of them got under the house and died and left babies. We had to move into a hotel for several weeks due to the smell and the flea infestation."
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"I have a pesky possum that comes up to the patio door looking for food. My cat goes out into the yard in the evenings, so I was looking for way to get rid of the possum without killing it or harming the cat. This gave me lots of good, sound advice!"
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