How To Get Rid of Possums In Yard

1. Use Crushed Garlic

Wondering how to get rid of a possum with a garlic?  Crushed garlic is a natural deterrent for possums due to its pungent smell, which they find offensive. To use garlic effectively, crush several cloves and scatter them around areas where possums are active or where you want to prevent their entry.

You can also create a garlic spray by blending crushed garlic with water and then straining the mixture. Spray this solution around your garden, especially on plants and entry points. The strong aroma of garlic masks other food sources and makes the environment less inviting for possums, encouraging them to seek out more pleasant surroundings.

2. Hot Peppers

Hot peppers can be an effective deterrent because of their active compound, capsaicin, which causes a burning sensation that is unpleasant to possums. The irritation from capsaicin discourages possums from coming close, as they avoid areas where they experience discomfort.

To use hot peppers, you can either sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot pepper flakes directly around your garden beds and plants, or prepare a hot pepper spray by mixing hot pepper sauce with water. Apply this spray to the areas where possums are causing trouble. 

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella are known for their strong scents, which can effectively repel possums. To use essential oils, apply a few drops to cotton balls and place them around your garden or create a diluted spray solution by mixing essential oils with water.

Spray this mixture on plants, garden beds, and entry points. The potent aromas of these oils create an environment that possums find uncomfortable and unwelcoming, encouraging them to leave the area in search of a more pleasant habitat.

4. Use Ammonia

Ammonia is another strong-smelling substance that can be used to repel possums. To utilize ammonia, soak cotton balls or rags in ammonia and place them in strategic locations around your garden, such as near entry points or in areas where possums have been seen.

You can also use ammonia as a spray by diluting it with water. The harsh odor of ammonia simulates the presence of predators, making the area less attractive and causing possums to avoid it. Regularly refresh the ammonia-soaked materials to maintain their effectiveness.

5. Motion-Activated Devices

Motion-activated devices, such as lights and sprinklers, are useful for startling and deterring possums. Motion-activated lights will turn on when they detect movement, creating sudden illumination that can scare possums away. Similarly, motion-activated sprinklers release a burst of water when triggered, surprising and driving off the animals.

These devices exploit possums' natural aversion to bright lights and sudden disturbances, making your garden a less appealing place for them to visit.

6. Install Physical Barriers

Installing physical barriers such as fences can be an effective way to keep possums out of your garden. Ensure that fences are at least 4-6 feet high and are buried a few inches underground to prevent possums from digging underneath. Fences should be made of sturdy materials like metal mesh or chicken wire.

By creating a physical obstacle, you can block possums from entering your garden and protect your plants from being disturbed. Regularly inspect and maintain the barriers to ensure they remain effective.

7. Look for Chemical Repellents

Chemical repellents designed to deter possums such as Yates Possum Repellent Spray is designed to deter possums from your garden by using active ingredients that produce strong odors or tastes unpleasant to them. Typically, it contains compounds like capsaicin, derived from hot peppers, or other noxious substances that irritate possums' senses.

To use it, spray the repellent around the perimeter of your garden or directly onto plants and fruits you want to protect, creating a barrier that discourages possums from approaching or consuming the treated areas. For optimal effectiveness, reapply the spray regularly, especially after rain or heavy dew, following the instructions on the product label to ensure safety and best results.

8. Pesticides

Pesticides specifically designed to deter possums are less common than repellents, as possums are generally managed through deterrents rather than poisons. However, some products can be used to discourage possums indirectly by addressing the pests they attract or by making the environment less hospitable. 

For example, if possums are drawn to your garden due to insect infestations, treating the area with insecticides can help reduce the attraction. Or, use rodenticides which can sometimes deter them indirectly if they are eating bait intended for rodents.

9. Wildlife Control Services

Wildlife control services can offer professional assistance in managing possum issues, especially if you’re dealing with a persistent or large-scale problem. These services are staffed by experts trained in the humane capture and relocation of wildlife. A wildlife control professional will assess your property, set up live traps to capture possums, and relocate them according to local regulations.

They can also provide advice on preventing future invasions, such as identifying potential attractants and entry points. Engaging a wildlife control service ensures that possums are handled in a manner that complies with legal requirements and minimizes harm to the animals.

10. Exclusion and Repair

Exclusion and repair involve taking proactive steps to prevent possums from entering your home or garden. This method includes sealing off potential entry points such as gaps, cracks, and holes in structures where possums might seek shelter. For example, close off openings in attics, under decks, or around foundations.

Additionally, repairing any damage caused by possums, such as chewed wires or damaged insulation, is crucial. Installing physical barriers, such as metal mesh or heavy-duty screens, can also be part of this approach. 

11. Seal Entry Points

Sealing entry points is a key strategy in preventing possums from accessing your home or garden. Start by inspecting your property thoroughly to identify any gaps, cracks, or holes that possums could use to gain entry. Common areas include vents, gaps around pipes, holes in roofs, and spaces beneath decks or porches.

Use durable materials such as metal mesh, hardware cloth, or caulking to seal these openings. For larger gaps, consider using plywood or metal plates. Ensuring that all potential entry points are properly sealed will help keep possums out and reduce the risk of them taking shelter or nesting in your home.

12. Use Traps

Using traps can be an effective method for capturing and relocating possums, especially if you need to manage an existing infestation. Live traps are the most humane option, allowing you to capture possums without causing harm. Place traps in areas where you’ve observed possum activity, such as near food sources or along their trails.

Bait the traps with appealing food like fruit, meat, or pet food to attract the possums. Once captured, follow local regulations for relocating the animals to a suitable habitat away from residential areas. Regularly check traps to ensure prompt and humane handling of any captured animals.

13. Apply Natural Repellents

Applying repellents can help deter possums from entering or remaining in your garden. Repellents come in various forms, including natural, chemical, or commercial products specifically designed to repel possums. Natural options like garlic, hot peppers, or essential oils can be applied around the garden or directly on plants to create an unappealing environment.

Effective use of repellents can discourage possums from frequenting your garden and help maintain a possum-free environment.

14. Clean the Yard

Maintaining a clean and tidy yard is essential for deterring possums, as it eliminates potential food sources and shelters that might attract them. Regularly remove fallen fruit, leaves, and other organic debris from your garden, as these can provide food and hiding spots for possums.

Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food or other attractants outside. Additionally, clear away any piles of wood, compost, or other materials that could serve as potential nesting sites.

15. Motion-Activated Devices

Motion-activated devices can effectively deter possums by using sudden movements or lights to startle them. Motion-activated lights are triggered when movement is detected, providing a burst of illumination that can scare possums away, especially since they are nocturnal and prefer dark environments.

Motion-activated sprinklers work similarly by releasing a burst of water when movement is detected, surprising possums and encouraging them to leave. Both types of devices create an environment that is unpredictable and uncomfortable for possums, making your garden less inviting. Position these devices strategically around your garden to cover high-traffic areas where possums are likely to enter.

16. Pick up Fallen Fruits

To effectively answer how to get rid of a possum, regularly gather any fallen fruit from trees and remove other food sources such as birdseed or compost that might attract them. Keeping your garden clean and free of these food sources helps minimize their appeal and reduces the likelihood of possums becoming a recurring issue.

17. Repellent Plants

Planting repellent plants in your garden can be an effective natural method for deterring possums. Certain plants, such as marigolds and rue, have properties that make them unappealing to these creatures. Marigolds emit a strong odor that many pests, including possums, find offensive.

Rue, a herb with a pungent aroma, also acts as a deterrent due to its bitter smell. By strategically planting these around your garden, particularly near entry points or areas where possums are frequently seen, you can create a less inviting environment. These plants not only add to your garden’s aesthetics but also contribute to a natural barrier that helps keep possums away

18. Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents are devices designed to emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but highly irritating to possums and other wildlife. These sound waves disrupt the normal behavior of the animals, making your garden an uncomfortable place for them to linger.

When installing ultrasonic repellents, place them in areas where possums are known to frequent, such as near entry points or along their pathways. These devices are effective because they create a persistent, invisible deterrent without causing harm. Additionally, they do not disturb humans or pets, making them a convenient option for keeping your garden possum-free while maintaining a peaceful environment.

Detecting possums in your garden can be important for managing any potential issues they might cause. Here are some common signs that possums are visiting your garden:

• Tracks: Look for tracks with five toes on both the front and hind feet. Possum tracks are often about 2-3 inches long and can be found in soft soil or mud.

• Excrement: Possum droppings are typically dark brown or black and can be about 1-2 inches long. They may appear in a single pile or scattered.

• Damaged Plants: Possums may chew on fruits, vegetables, or flowers, leaving visible damage or bite marks on plants.

• Scattered Food: Look for remnants of fruit, pet food, or other food sources that have been nibbled on or scattered around.

• Hiding Places: Possums may make nests in hidden or sheltered areas such as under decks, porches, or in piles of leaves or debris.

• Nest Construction: You might find signs of nesting materials like leaves, twigs, or grass accumulated in these areas.

• Sounds: If you hear rustling or scurrying noises, especially at night, it could indicate possums moving through your garden.

• Climbing Marks: Possums are good climbers and might leave claw marks on fences, sheds, or tree trunks.

• Burrows: While possums don’t dig extensively, they might create small holes or disturbances in the ground as they search for food.

• Shedding: Occasionally, you might find small clumps of possum fur or hair stuck to fences, walls, or other surfaces where they’ve brushed against.

To effectively get rid of possum and prevent them from returning to your property, combine practical measures with preventative strategies:

Secure Food Sources and Trash

To prevent possums from scavenging, ensure that all potential food sources are securely stored. Keep pet food indoors, use animal-proof containers for birdseed and compost, and invest in trash bins with locking mechanisms to keep possums out.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Cut back tree branches and shrubs that overhang or are close to your roof, as possums can use these as pathways to access your home.

Install Physical Barriers and Covers

Seal all potential entry points around your home, including gaps and holes in the roof and foundation. Install secure covers on chimneys and roof vents. Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs that could provide access to your roof.

Remove Nesting Materials

Regularly check your yard for potential nesting materials, such as piles of leaves or debris, and remove them to prevent possums from settling in.

Use Landscaping Techniques

Implement landscaping techniques that make your garden less appealing to possums. For example, using thorny or spiky plants along fences or borders can deter them from crossing into your garden.

Keep Outdoor Lighting On

The bright illumination can deter these nocturnal animals, making your property less inviting and reducing their chances of entering or lingering around. Therrefore, keep outdoor lighting on, especially in areas where possums are likely to enter.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Conduct regular property inspections to identify and address any new potential entry points or signs of wear and tear. Maintain physical barriers and devices to ensure they remain effective.

Educate and Coordinate with Neighbors

Share prevention tips with neighbors to promote a coordinated approach to reducing possum attraction in the neighborhood. This collective effort can help diminish the overall presence of possums in the area.

Possums are adaptable and will modify their diet based on availability and seasonal changes. In gardens, they might be attracted to a mix of fruits, vegetables, and even pet food, making it important to manage food sources and secure trash to minimize their impact.

Here’s a breakdown of what possums typically consume:

• Fruits: Possums enjoy a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, bananas, and berries. They may also eat fallen fruit from trees in gardens.

• Vegetables: They may nibble on vegetables, particularly those that are soft or easily accessible, such as tomatoes and squash.

• Insects: Possums consume a wide range of insects, including beetles, ants, and cockroaches.

• Other Invertebrates: They also eat worms, slugs, and spiders.

• Rodents: Possums may prey on small rodents like mice and rats.

• Birds and Eggs: They occasionally raid nests for bird eggs or even small birds.

• Dead Animals: Possums are scavengers and will eat carrion, or the remains of dead animals, which helps in the decomposition process.

• Leaves and Flowers: In addition to fruits and vegetables, possums may munch on leaves, flowers, and other plant material, though they are less likely to be a major threat to well-established plants.

• Pet Food: If left outside, pet food can attract possums, as they are drawn to the easy food source.

There are several types of possums, and they can be quite diverse depending on the region. Here are some common ones:

• Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): Found in Australia, this possum is characterized by its bushy tail and relatively large size. It’s a nocturnal animal and often seen in urban areas.

• Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps): This small, gliding possum is native to Australia and New Guinea. It has a membrane between its limbs that allows it to glide from tree to tree.

• Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus): Also found in Australia, it has a prehensile tail and a distinctive ring-like pattern on its tail. It’s more arboreal compared to other species.

• Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri): This critically endangered species is found only in a small area of Victoria, Australia. It’s a small, nocturnal possum with distinctive fur and tail.

• Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Native to North America, this is the only marsupial found in the U.S. and Canada. It’s known for its adaptability and ability to "play dead" when threatened.

• North American Opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Similar to the Virginia Opossum, this species is found throughout the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Possum and opossum refer to different groups of marsupials, though the terms are often used interchangeably. The term "possum" is typically associated with marsupials found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. This group includes various species such as the Brushtail Possum, the Ringtail Possum, and the Sugar Glider.

Australian possums tend to have larger bodies and prehensile tails, adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, which means they are well-suited to living in trees and dense foliage. They are primarily nocturnal and have a diverse diet depending on their species.

On the other hand, opossum refers to marsupials native to the Americas, including North and South America. The most well-known species is the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), though there are other species within the family Didelphidae. American opossums are generally smaller than their Australian counterparts and have less prehensile tails.

They are often more ground-dwelling compared to the tree-dwelling possums of Australia. Opossums are also nocturnal and are known for their distinctive behavior of "playing dead" when threatened.