How to Get Rid of Opossums In Your Yard & Home: Expert Tips

When it comes to dealing with possums invading your garden, there are several practical methods to contemplate. From creating a stinky barrier to utilizing motion-activated sprinklers, there are ways to deter these critters effectively. But, what if you could address the root cause of their attraction to your garden? Stay tuned to discover a holistic approach that not only gets rid of opossums and keeps them from coming back for good.

Key Takeaways

• Secure all potential entry points to prevent garden access.
• Use stinky spot with blood and bone fertilizer or an homemade tea deterrent.
• Add bright lights to your garden during nights.
• Utilize natural repellents like garlic, ammonia, and vinegar.
• Use a large opossum trap with correct bait.
• Trim overhanging branches to deter opossums from your roof.
• Consider installing a opossum box as an alternative shelter.

Are Opossums Dangerous?

Opossums are generally not dangerous to humans; they’re more likely to play dead or hiss when threatened. The hissing is more of a bluff, and they rarely attack unless they feel cornered. While they might scuffle with pets like cats or dogs, opossums aren’t typically aggressive towards other animals either.

Will an opossum attack a human?

When encountering an opossum, one might wonder, “Will it attack me?” Opossums, like any wild animal, have the potential to bite if they feel threatened or cornered. If an opossum perceives you as a threat, it may resort to defensive behaviors such as hissing, playing dead, or, in rare cases, biting. However, it’s important to note that opossums typically prefer to flee rather than confront humans.

To minimize the risk of a potential encounter, it’s crucial to avoid approaching or attempting to handle opossums. Treat them with caution and respect their space to prevent any defensive reactions.

Do opossums attack animals?

Encountering an opossum in your garden may raise concerns about their interactions with other animals. Opossums aren’t typically aggressive towards cats or larger mammals. However, they may resort to attacking if they feel threatened or are competing for food sources.

Opossums are known to cause damage to home gardens by consuming nuts, berries, fruits, grapes, and even pet food left outside. To deter opossums from attacking animals or causing harm in your garden, you can take practical steps. Utilize repellents with scents that opossums find unpleasant, such as ammonia or garlic.

Secure your garden with a fence that’s difficult for opossums to climb or dig under. They are skilled climbers. Avoid leaving pet food outside, as this can attract opossums. Additionally, eliminate food sources like fallen fruits or nuts that may entice them to linger in your garden.

Do Opossums Kill Chickens?

Opossums, while not typically known as the primary predator of chickens, can indeed pose a threat to your flock. These sneaky creatures are skilled climbers and can easily slip into your chicken coop through small openings in search of food. While they may not actively hunt chickens like other predators, opossums are opportunistic feeders and could target vulnerable birds, especially chicks or eggs.

It’s important to secure your coop to prevent opossums from gaining access. Make sure that there are no openings or gaps that they can exploit. Regularly check for any signs of their presence, such as tracks or droppings, and take necessary precautions to protect your flock.

Are opossums good or bad to have around?

Opossums, also known as opossums, play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance and controlling pest populations in urban and suburban areas. These creatures are beneficial to have around as they help keep pests like rodents and insects away from your yard.

Opossums act as natural pest controllers, preying on rats and other rodents that can cause damage to your garden or home. They also help in controlling tick populations, which can carry diseases like Lyme disease. In fact, a single opossum can consume an impressive 4,000 ticks in just one week, reducing the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Therefore, while you may want to keep opossums out of your yard to prevent any nuisance they may cause, it’s important to recognize the positive impact they’ve on the ecosystem. Finding ways to coexist peacefully with opossums while taking measures to deter them from specific areas can help maintain a healthy balance in your garden.

What Do Opossums Eat?

Using their keen sense of smell, opossums are skilled scavengers and omnivores that primarily forage during the night. Here is what opossums eat:

1. Insects, Worms, and Crustaceans: Opossums feed on a variety of small creatures like insects, worms, and crustaceans, which form a significant part of their diet.
2. Birds, Eggs, and Small Mammals: They’re opportunistic feeders and won’t hesitate to consume birds, their eggs, and small mammals if the opportunity arises.
3. Fruits and Berries: Opossums have a taste for fruits and berries, making them a potential threat to your garden’s produce.
4. Carrion and Vegetation: They scavenge for carrion, including dead animals, and are known to munch on vegetation, grains, and the occasional cat or dog food if available.

It’s important to note that captive opossums have similar dietary needs, requiring a mix of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources.

Whether in the wild or as pets, opossums maintain a diverse diet to sustain their omnivorous nature.

Where Do Opossums Live?

Opossums are highly adaptable creatures that can be found in various habitats where they can find food, water, and shelter. These creatures inhabit woodland areas along streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They tend to prefer farmland and woodlots over extensively forested areas. Opossums are also commonly found in residential areas, making their homes in backyards and under sheds and other outbuildings.

Their ability to thrive in diverse environments allows opossums to adapt to different surroundings easily. This adaptability is one reason why they can be seen in such a wide range of habitats. From rural to urban areas, opossums are resourceful in finding suitable locations for food and shelter.

Understanding where opossums live can help in effectively managing encounters with these creatures. Whether in a natural setting or close to human habitation, opossums are known to make themselves at home in various environments, ensuring their survival and proliferation.

Is There A Difference Between Opossums and Possums?

Let’s clear up the confusion between opossums and possums. Opossums are found in the United States, while true possums reside in Australia and New Guinea. Here are some key differences to help you distinguish between the two:

1. Habitat: Opossums are native to the Americas, whereas possums are found in Australia and New Guinea.
2. Diet: Opossums are scavengers and omnivores, while possums are primarily herbivores.
3. Physical Characteristics:
   Opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia. They typically weigh between two and fourteen pounds, depending on the species. They have distinctive bare tails, pointed features, and coarse fur, which sets them apart visually from their Australian counterparts.
   Possums, on the other hand, belong to the order Diprotodontia and come in a range of sizes, from half an ounce to twenty pounds depending on the species. They often have bushy tails (though this varies) and tend to have rounded features, which give them a softer appearance.
4. Geographical Distribution: The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial in the United States, while possums are unique to Australia and New Guinea.

Using these terms interchangeably can therefore lead to confusion between these two unique marsupials.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Possums?

When dealing with opossums in your garden, you’ll want to act fast. Setting up a stinky spot can quickly act as a pest control hack as they dislike strong scents. Tea-based deterrents are also effective in repelling opossums with their unpleasant taste. Additionally, using bird netting or a wired fence can physically block them from accessing your garden, providing a swift solution to keep them at bay.

Remove accessible food sources

When it comes to keeping opossums away from your yard, the key is to make it less appealing to these nocturnal critters. Possums are attracted to accessible food sources, so it’s crucial to store trash securely, feed pets indoors. It’s also important to remove any leftover food from your garden after outdoor gatherings

To prevent possums from feasting on fruit trees, promptly pick ripe fruit and cover compost bins with chicken wire or heavy objects. Check for any entry points into your home, like attic vents, dog/cat flaps, gaps in roof tiles or open chimneys, and seal them off. Look for signs of possum activity, such as droppings or footprints, to identify their entry points.

Trim tree branches near your home that could provide access to your roof. These steps help keep possums from making themselves at home in your garden and around your property.

Make a stinky spot

To quickly deter opossums from invading your garden, one effective method is to create a stinky spot that repels these critters. Here’s how you can make a stink bomb to keep opossums away:

1. Prepare the stink bomb: Grab an old sock and fill it with a handful of blood and bone fertilizer. This mixture emits a strong odor that opossums find unpleasant.
2. Identify entry points: Locate the main entry points where opossums are accessing your garden. This could be gaps in fences, under sheds, or other areas where they can sneak in.
3. Secure the stink bomb: Once you’ve identified the entry points, secure the sock filled with the blood and bone fertilizer in these areas. This will create a barrier that dissuades opossums from entering your garden.
4. Regular maintenance: Check the stink bomb regularly to confirm it remains potent. You may need to refill the sock with fresh fertilizer to sustain the odor that keeps opossums at bay.

Tea-based deterrent

Opossums can be a nuisance in your garden, but there are effective ways to deter them quickly. One method you can try is using a tea-based deterrent.

Lapsang Souchong tea has a strong, smoky scent that opossums dislike. To create this deterrent, add four heaped tablespoons of Lapsang Souchong to two litres of boiled water. Let it steep and cool, then transfer it to a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the affected areas in your garden.

It’s recommended to reapply every two weeks and after rainfall to guarantee its effectiveness. By consistently using this tea-based solution, you can encourage the opossums to stay away from your yard or garden.

This method isn’t only practical but also environmentally friendly, making it a great option for those looking to deter opossums without causing harm to them. Give this tea-based deterrent a try and reclaim your garden from these pesky visitors.

Bird netting or a wired fence

Bird netting or a wired fence can be the fastest and most effective way to keep opossums out of your garden. When considering using bird netting or a wired fence to deter opossums, keep in mind the following key points:

1. Netting as a Barrier: Bird netting can act as a physical barrier that opossums are unable to climb, making it a great option for protecting your plants.
2. Potential Weakness: While effective, opossums have been known to break through netting. In such cases, using wire may be necessary for added protection.
3. Preventing Digging: To stop opossums from burrowing underneath a wired fence, make sure it’s buried about 30 centimetres into the ground to deter their digging efforts.
4. Maintenance: Regularly inspect the netting or fence for any damage and make repairs promptly to uphold its effectiveness in keeping opossums at bay.

Add some light source

One effective method for quickly deterring opossums from your garden is to introduce a light source. Opossums are nocturnal creatures, so bright lights can make them feel exposed and vulnerable, prompting them to seek shelter elsewhere. Solar-powered LED lights are a great option as they’re energy-efficient and easy to install.

Place the lights strategically around your yard, focusing on areas where opossum activity is prominent. The goal is to create a well-lit environment that opossums find uncomfortable and uninviting. Not only will this help deter opossums, but it can also add a charming ambiance to your outdoor space.

In my experience, since I installed solar LED lights in my garden, I haven’t seen a opossum around at all. Remember, the key is to make sure the lights are bright enough to disrupt their comfort but not so bright that they disturb your neighbors or wildlife unnecessarily.

Repellents & Pest Control

Deterrents and sprays

Introducing deterrents and sprays can be a swift solution when dealing with opossums in your garden. Store-bought powders and sprays specifically designed to repel opossums can be effective in keeping these critters at bay. Here are some on how to get the best ones:

1. Choose a reputable product: Look for options like predator urines, ammonia, moth balls or even dog or cat hair.
2. Spray strategically: Apply the opossum repellent around areas where their activity has been noticed or potential entry points to your garden. Trash bins are a great spot because those are a likely target.
3. Follow instructions: Read the labels carefully to make certain you’re using the product correctly. Be cautious of any ingredients you might be allergic to.
4. Be consistent: Opossums may become accustomed to certain scents over time, so it’s essential to reapply the deterrent regularly to maintain its effectiveness.

Predator Urine

Seriously. You can buy predator urine and spill it in few plases in your garden or yard to effectively prevent opossums from entering. Coyote or fox urine works best against opossums.

Garlic, Ammonia, Vinegar and Mothballs

To effectively address the issue of opossums in your garden, utilizing natural repellents like garlic, ammonia, vinegar, and mothballs can be a swift and practical approach. Opossums are repelled by the strong odors emitted by these substances.

Crushed garlic can be spread around the areas where opossums frequent, creating a scent barrier that they find unpleasant. Ammonia, while effective, should be handled with caution due to its potential danger. If choosing to use ammonia, consider placing it in a container with a lid and a rag for controlled dispersal.

Additionally, mothballs can be strategically placed to deter opossums from entering your garden. Remember to follow safety guidelines when using these repellents and to reapply them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.

Motion-activated sprinklers

When looking for a swift and effective method to deter opossums from invading your garden, investing in motion-activated sprinklers can be a highly efficient solution. These devices work by detecting the movement of opossums and then triggering a burst of water to scare them away.

Unlike lights that mightn’t faze persistent opossums, the surprise of being sprinkled tends to startle them, making water a more potent deterrent. This method isn’t only effective but also natural, as it doesn’t harm the animals.

Predator hair

Scattering predator hair around areas where opossums are frequently spotted on your property can be a fast and effective way to deter these unwanted visitors. Here’s how to make the most of this natural method:

1. Identify Hotspots: Take note of where opossums tend to hang out. This will help you target the areas where you should spread the predator hair.
2. Collecting Hair: Gather hair from your pets or ask neighbors who’ve dogs or cats if you can have some of their fur. Alternatively, some pet grooming salons may also provide you with pet hair for this purpose.
3. Spread Strategically: Once you have the predator hair, distribute it liberally around the identified opossum-prone areas in your garden. The scent of potential predators can make the opossums think twice about sticking around.
4. Monitor and Reapply: Check the effectiveness regularly and replenish the hair as needed to maintain the deterrent effect.

How To Trap An Opossum?

When dealing with opossums invading your space, trapping them can be an effective solution. Using a large opossum trap is key to capturing these critters safely. Opossums can be as big as a grown up cat. Please do it humanely.

Opossum-proofing your house and considering deterrents like camphor and mothballs can also aid in keeping them away.

Use a Large Opossum Trap

When setting up a large opossum trap, choosing the right location is important for success. Make sure to place the trap in areas where you have noticed opossum activity, like near burrows. Using the correct bait, such as bread or marshmallows, can help attract the opossum while minimizing the risk of catching other animals.

Next, we’ll discuss some helpful tips for effectively trapping opossums and what steps to take after catching one.

Pick the correct location

To successfully trap an opossum using a Large Opossum Trap, it’s essential to select the right location for setting up the trap. Choose a flat, stable ground in a shady spot where the opossum frequents. This guarantees the trap remains secure and the captured opossum is shielded from the heat.

Placing the trap in a familiar location increases the chances of trapping the pesky opossum efficiently.

Use the right bait

Now that you’ve selected the ideal location for your opossum trap, the next step is to confirm you’re using the right bait to attract the opossum effectively. 

• Smelly meat-based bait like fish or canned pet food works best.
• Be cautious with stray animals; consider using bread or marshmallows.
• Confirm the bait is evenly spread on the trap.
• Strong-smelling foods are generally successful baits.

Keep Opossums Away From Your House!

To effectively opossum-proof your house and prevent these nocturnal pests from entering your living space, it’s essential to secure all potential entry points. Opossums can sneak in through loose roof tiles or holes as small as a tennis ball in timber or bricks.

After dark, observe opossum movement using a camera and block off all entry points once they’ve left to forage for food. Trim overhanging branches to prevent opossum access. Place sheet metal collars around tree trunks to block opossum entry and protect fruit trees.

Consider installing a opossum box at least 4 meters above the ground to provide an alternative home for the opossum. To repel opossums humanely, spread quassia chips in the roof space. These can be purchased at hardware stores.

Opossum-proofing your house is vital to keep these creatures at bay and protect your property from damage.

Camphor and mothballs

When dealing with trapping opossums, using camphor and mothballs can be an effective method to deter these nocturnal pests from your property. However, it’s essential to note that these two substances shouldn’t be used simultaneously due to their chemical reaction. Simply place them in few potential spots in your attic and that should be enough.

Wildlife Control & Pest Removal Services

If you find youself in a situation that seems totally out of your control – consider hiring a wildlife control professional or look for some local pest control services. Obviously, it might come with a cost but this should ‘opossum-proof your yard’ in no time. A professional should be able to handle these animals quickly and efficiently, ensuring humane treatment throughout the process.

This not only respects the well-being of the opossums but also prevents the stress and potential hazards of trying to remove them on your own. A reliable wildlife control service will manage the situation promptly, allowing you to focus on enjoying a pest-free property without the worries and risks involved in handling it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Opossums Carry Diseases Harmful to Humans or Pets?

Yes, opossums can carry diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis that are harmful to humans and pets. It’s important to take precautions when dealing with them, such as wearing gloves and avoiding direct contact.

Do Opossums Attract Other Pests to My Garden?

Opossums can attract other pests to your garden by leaving behind food scraps that lure insects and rodents. To prevent this, make sure all food sources are securely stored and regularly clean up any fallen fruits or seeds.

Are There Any Natural Predators of Opossums?

Yes, several natural predators of opossums include dogs, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, large hawks, and great horned owls. These predators help keep opossum populations in check by preying on them, contributing to the ecosystem’s balance.

Can Opossums Cause Damage to My Property?

Oh, absolutely! Opossums can wreak havoc on your property. From raiding trash cans to damaging gardens, they are quite the nuisance. Their foraging habits can lead to a messy and destructive situation.

How Can I Prevent Opossums From Returning to My Garden?

To prevent opossums from returning to your garden, eliminate food sources like fallen fruits and pet food, secure trash can lids, install motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and seal off entry points under decks or sheds. Regularly inspect and maintain these measures.

Can Opossums Climb Trees?

Opossums? Absolutely! Opossums possess incredible climbing abilities. Their nimble paws and sharp claws enable them to ascend trees effortlessly. Opossums are adept climbers, making it challenging to keep them out of your garden.

Do Opossums Carry Diseases?

Yes, opossums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and spotted fever. It’s essential to handle them with care and avoid direct contact. Stay informed about potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your surroundings.

How High Can Opossums Jump?

Opossums can jump up to 6 feet high! Securing your garden with barriers or nets is crucial to keep them out. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in protecting your space.

Do Opossums Eat Garden Plants?

Yes, opossums do eat garden plants. It’s important to protect your plants by using barriers or natural repellents. Consider fencing, mesh, or planting strong-smelling herbs. Regularly inspect your garden for any signs of opossum activity to prevent damage.

Are Opossums Nocturnal Animals?

Yes, opossums are nocturnal animals. They are most active during the night, foraging for food and exploring their surroundings. This behavior makes them more challenging to spot during the day when they tend to rest.