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How to Get Rid of Opossum in Your Home: The Definitive Guide - 2022

how to get rid of opossum

You may have seen them darting across the road at night or rummaging through your trashcan.

Opossums are a common sight in many neighborhoods, and while they may seem harmless, it's best to keep them out of your home.

In this guide, we'll teach you how to get rid of opossums in your home for good. Stay tuned!

What Are Opossums?

opossums

The opossum is the only marsupial found in America. Marsupials are animals that carry their young in a pouch, and opossums are no exception.

Opossums are about the size of a house cat and have gray fur and a long, pointy nose. They also have sharp teeth and a long, prehensile tail.

Opossums are opportunistic eaters and will scavenge for food wherever they can find it. This means that they're often rummaging through trashcans or raiding gardens in search of a meal.

While opossums may seem harmless, they can actually be quite destructive. They have been known to tear up insulation in attics and chew on electrical wires.

Signs and causes of an opossum infestation

opossum infestation

Opossums eat everything, and pets, poultry seeds, and food tend to attract the biggest opossum population to the backyard.

Vegetable gardens and open trash bins provide another preferred place of rest. Opossums can swarm wherever there is abundant water.

Since they don't generally like human contact, they could try and enter your pet's doors and see what's on offer.

It can be easily identified if a pest exists on the nests by examining its nest site.

These are some common locations where opossums can use a den. they sometimes combine what materials they have to make haphazard housing arrangements.

See Also: How To Get Rid of Rats

4 Ways Get Rid of Possums?

Prevention is the best method of how to get rid of opossums. The following tips will help you keep opossums away from your home:

Trapping opossums

trapping opossums

Unlike skunks and raccoons, opossums can quickly catch themselves. However, it is advisable that you contact the State Wildlife Department before starting.

When choosing a dead trap, be certain that its width is at least 12 cm deep.

The animals are allowed enough space to accommodate their needs. You can bait with virtually everything!

Chemical Repellents

chemical repellents

Fortunately, the repelling agent for the opossums can be found in many different chemical formulations, such as sprays and granules.

Although these medicines are widespread, they may fade with time. Therefore the application process is very frequent.

It's worth staying away from certain things. Moth balls don't serve wildlife protection purposes.

Aside from this, there's no label for them so their use could be illegal.

It's also impossible for people to spread coffee grounds in their lawns and cinnamon on the ground without making a mess.

So it is better to stick to the things that work.

Scare devices

Ultrasound repeller technology helps deter birds and other animals. They are more effective in the form of blinking lights and audio alarms.

Ideally several are scattered around the house to give maximum cover. An often forgotten wildlife preventing tool are motion activated sprinklers.

The nuisance critters enter the house and get contaminated by water and then eject from the premises.

Electronic Repellents for opossums

electronic repellents

The best way to get rid of opossums is by using electronic repellents. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unbearable for opossums.

As a result, they will stay away from your property. Electronic repellents are available in different types, such as:

  1. Ultrasonic Repellents
  2. Solar Repellents
  3. Battery Powered Repellents

Read Also: How to Get Rid of Rats in Sewer Pipes

How to Prevent Opossums Infestation

Possums are vehemently pests, and preventing them from taking over your home is much simpler than getting rid of them once they've nested.

Not only should you clear away any potential food sources, but also ensure there's no space for a possum to burrow on your property.

Here are some tips on how to prevent an opossum infestation:

Reduce food availability

Opossums can be eaten in any form. It's a good idea for everyone to keep their food out of their reach.

  • First, secure the trashcans. Check the lid tightly for tightness. They can even be tied to firmly vertical objects like tree trunks or poles for protection against wind.
  • Remove dog food containers and put them inside the house.
  • Should this not prove feasible, take this one into account all night until dawn.
  • Finally, make sure to clean up any fallen fruit or vegetable that might have drawn animals.

Moreover, check regularly for dead birds or animals to avoid opossums eating them.

Make Use of Mechanical Exclusions

Possums have a range of hiding spots within homes. You can also inspect openings through the metal cloth.

Be careful to keep the edges at least 6 feet to ensure no animal will dig underneath. In addition, opossums should never come into a backyard without a cage.

The ideal solution is to create four-foot tall fences bent upwards of 18 inches in height.

These flexible buildings are easy climbers and are intended mainly to deter unattractive animals.

Make your yard unattractive to animals

Keep the lawn clean by trimming the grass. Remove twigs as well. This measure helps to reduce the protection from opossums and other wildlife.

Keep firewood tight to prevent nesting and keep lumber at minimum a distance from the ground.

Lastly, reduce shrubs and bushes within a five-foot radius of your property. These steps restrict the opossum access to your attics.

Repel Opossums Naturally

Wildlife repellent comes either granularly or in spray forms. Their ingredients are usually mixtures containing essential oils.

Spread some grains in the vicinity of an established nest spot. You can use repellent liquid to keep animals off your walls.

Get Rid of Possums Permanently with Professional Wildlife Control

The easiest and most effective way to get rid of possums is by calling a professional wildlife control company.

They will remove the animals from your property and prevent them from returning in the future.

If you have a possum problem, call us today, and we'll be happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

What will keep possums away?

Exterior house lights, floodlights pointing to the darkness of the garden, and light fixtures attached to the shed are designed to keep opossums from entering the garden.

What Smell Deters Possums?

Lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are essential oils that act as possum repellent.

How do I get rid of possums in my yard?

You can use a live trap to catch possums and then release them into the wild away from your home.

You can also try using chemical repellents, motion-activated sprinklers, or electronic repellents.

Conclusion

Opossums may look harmless, but they can carry diseases and cause damage to your property if they take up residence in your home.

If you think you have an opossum infestation, call a professional pest control company immediately.

They will be able to identify the animal and remove it quickly and safely.

You can also try removing the animal yourself by setting up a live trap or sealing off all points of entry into your home.

By taking these steps, you can get rid of an opossum infestation for good.

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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