The opossum’s appearance is mildly frightening, but unfortunately, that’s not the only negative when it comes to opossums. These spooky pests are known to tear apart gardens, steal food, and terrorize our beloved pets. Luckily for us, there are a few ways to keep opossums out of our yards and gardens. We put together a list of the most effective methods.
Identification and Damage
Before we get to prevention methods, let’s take a look at what, exactly, opossums are. Believe it or not, opossums are the only marsupials found in the United States! That may be the only cool thing about them, though, because they tend to be quite troublesome pests. There are many species of opossums, but they all look pretty similar. They range from 1 to 4 feet in length, and can weigh up to 15 pounds! Their fur is silver or gray in color, and they have long, hairless tails. Some of the opossum’s habits that cause it to be considered a pest include destroying gardens and yards, rifling through trash cans, and stealing food that was left out. Although they do not spray like skunks do, opossums emit a foul smell when they play dead, which is never a pleasant occurrence. They can also carry fleas, ticks, and diseases like leptospirosis. In some cases, they may even become aggressive and cause injury to you or your pets.
6 Ways To Keep Opossums Away
According to EPA guidance, the best way to keep opossums away is to make your property less appealing through habitat modification, exclusion, and approved deterrents rather than pesticides or poisons. They're opportunistic scavengers looking for an easy meal and a safe place to shelter, so removing food sources and blocking access to hiding spots are usually the most effective long-term solutions.
1. Remove Food Sources
Food is the main reason opossums visit residential properties. Avoid intentionally feeding wildlife - it encourages repeat visits and causes animals to lose their natural fear of people. It's equally important to eliminate accidental food sources:
- Store household rubbish in heavy-duty bins with secure, tight-fitting lids. If wildlife regularly tips your bins over, use bungee cords or locking lids to keep them closed.
- Feed pets indoors whenever possible. If they eat outside, remove food and water bowls before dusk when opossums become active.
- Collect fallen fruit regularly and harvest ripe fruit and vegetables before they begin to rot.
- Keep compost in an enclosed bin rather than an open pile.
- Clean barbecue grills after every use so food residue and grease don't attract scavengers.
- Avoid leaving large amounts of birdseed on the ground. Seed catchers beneath feeders can help reduce waste.
2. Remove Shelter And Hiding Places
Opossums prefer quiet, protected places where they can rest during the day. Common hiding spots include beneath decks and porches, inside sheds, under wood piles, in dense vegetation, and inside damaged crawl spaces. Reduce these opportunities by:
- Keeping lawns mowed and shrubs trimmed.
- Removing brush piles, fallen branches, and unnecessary yard debris.
- Repairing holes in sheds and other outdoor structures.
- Storing firewood neatly off the ground.
- Keeping gardens tidy and free of clutter.
The fewer sheltered spaces available, the less attractive your property becomes.
3. Block Access To Your Home
Exclusion is one of the most reliable ways to prevent recurring opossum problems. Inspect your property for potential entry points, paying particular attention to:
- Foundation and crawl-space vents.
- Areas beneath decks and raised porches.
- Damaged lattice panels.
- Chimneys and attic vents.
- Pet doors left open overnight.
Install heavy-duty screening or hardware cloth over vents and openings, and seal any gaps once you're certain no animals are inside. If you suspect an opossum is already sheltering beneath a deck or porch, use a temporary one-way exclusion device or contact a wildlife professional before permanently closing the entrance.
4. Use Wildlife Repellents
Repellents can discourage occasional visitors, but they work best when combined with habitat modification.
DIY opossum repellents often contain household ingredients like oil, black pepper or piperine, creating an unpleasant scent or taste without harming the animal. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and reapply as required.
Strong household odours such as garlic or diluted ammonia may temporarily discourage opossums in small areas, but they generally lose effectiveness over time as animals become accustomed to the smell. Avoid using mothballs outdoors, as this is not an approved use and may be harmful to people, pets, and the environment.
5. Scare Them Away
Motion-activated deterrents can make your yard less inviting, especially when an opossum has only recently started visiting. Helpful options include:
- Motion-activated sprinklers, which are generally more effective than lights.
- Motion-activated floodlights around gardens, fruit trees, or rubbish storage areas.
- Mesh bags filled with dog or cat fur placed near common travel routes, which may create the impression that predators are nearby.
Remember that these methods are usually temporary. Opossums may eventually become accustomed to repeated disturbances, so deterrents should be combined with other prevention measures.
6. Live Trapping
Where legal, live trapping is often the most practical way to deal with a recurring opossum problem in urban areas. A cage trap measuring approximately 10 × 12 × 32 inches is generally suitable for adult opossums. Place the trap along known travel routes or close to den entrances, and bait it with foods such as:
- Fresh fruit
- Raw eggs
- Peanut butter
These baits reduce the chance of accidentally trapping neighbourhood cats compared with using meat. Check traps at least twice daily to minimise stress on the animal. Before trapping or relocating wildlife, check your local regulations, as permits or professional relocation may be required in some areas.
When To Call A Professional
If opossums continue returning despite your prevention efforts, or one has taken shelter beneath your home, deck, or shed, professional assistance is often the safest solution.
At Excel Pest Services, we can inspect your property, identify how opossums are accessing your yard, and recommend the most effective exclusion and wildlife management program. By addressing both the animal and the conditions attracting it, we help reduce the likelihood of future visits.
Contact us to provide effective solutions for your wildlife and pest control needs.
