Barriers to Repel Possums. I killed it and disposed of it. Sprinkling flour near the exit hole before closing it up helps you determine, from the footprints, whether the possum family has evacuated. This will easily prevent any possum nest from occurring in your garden, compost bin, attic, basement and in your yard. Make it hard for them to climb structures or trees by wrapping galvanised iron sheets around them 3.Install ultrasonic devices. These repellents, usually, contain active ingredients like black pepper and capsaicin, which emit a smell that opossums find unbearable. How to Keep Possums and Raccoons Off My Property By Mario Calhoun Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Grind bits of garlic into fine granules and combine them with chili flakes, or even better, chili powder. "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. The hole should be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep. This article has been viewed 1,056,851 times. Each cage trap is set in a slightly different manner, but most have a trigger rod or knob that must be pulled or twisted out when opening the door of the cage. Keep this passage open for a few days to one week before sealing up the hole. Bird netting can deter possums too as they cannot climb it, but be aware netting is easy for them to break through. weight. Before we move on to the remedies to repel possums, it is imperative that you are able to accurately identify the pest. There are two main methods to successfully protect plants from possums. 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. 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. Cover the Vents. So you need to rehouse them nearby, away from your roof, ideally in a tree in your garden. In order to keep possums out, we need to understand why they seek shelter in our houses in the first place, so that those factors may be eliminated to prevent future infestations. However, if all the above methods fail and you get possums in your house or yard, then you need to search for a possum control service near me. How many babies do possums usually have at one time? This remedy can be very successful for trees such as maples or magnolias that are very appealing to possums. Sleeves prevent the possum from climbing into the tree from the ground. Although the marsupials are generally harmless, you can keep them away from your plants with nontoxic repellents, physical barriers and harmless scare devices. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Birdseed: Avoid laying out birdseed. There are still a few other things you can do to get rid of the vermin, such as making your property a bit less hospitable. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Moreover, you can also use other items such as naphthalene, mothballs, camphor, and garlic as a spray to deter possums. Unfortunately for property owners, possums are plentiful in and around the Melbourne area, making it necessary for people to possum-proof their … Brush-tailed possums like to live in roof cavities. wife was cleaning the den and looked around seeing the possum looking at her from the top of a table. Put the brew in a spray bottle and spray over the plants the possums seem to like, and around other areas they are visiting. Once you’ve caught yourself a possum you will then need to release him or her back into a more suitable home, preferably the woods a good distance away from your neighborhood. Deter possums with particular plants. To our surprise, we were also feeding this possum, "It's funny how one little critter can become so confusing. USAGE AREAS. Use thick gloves or a long pole to prevent yourself from getting scratched through the cage. ", "In stalled 1/4" wire mesh around my shed.Took away bird feeders at night. Since they’re active at night time, it may be difficult to manage for you, which brings in the methodology of using automated means to repel possums. These items can help in many ways because they create a pungent smell that many insects repel. This is a very humane method to scare off possums because mothballs are generally not strong enough to kill them, but may cause them physical discomfort, which discourages them from scourging for food in that area again. % of people told us that this article helped them. But not happy they are eating my seedlings and passionfruit vine. Do not sprinkle the mixture on plants as it can kill your garden. Test the mixture on a little patch of your plants first to be certain that it doesn’t cause them to die. Cloth, on the other hand, is an excellent choice. Set a Have-A-Heart trap baited with food. Once you have sealed up the possum entry point, you can take further steps to stop the possums trying to turn your house into their home in the future. Bits and chips of its bark can be bought over the counter and used to prepare an extremely effective homemade possum repellant spray. However, go easy on the amount of oil you are pouring as it is greasy and difficult to wash off, and can prevent adequate water from reaching your plants. Do you have fruit trees? They weigh between 4 and 12 pounds with males being larger than females. It is very possible and likely that a possum would eat your vegetable seedlings. This article was co-authored by Kevin Carrillo. Eliminate the food sources to remove your possum problem. We had to move into a hotel for several weeks due to the smell and the flea infestation. Thanks. Ammonia is known for its unbearable stench. Motion-activated devices are triggered once the possum crosses the sensor but they are also triggered by anything else that crosses the sensor. The most obvious steps to take are to remove food sources and make it harder for them to get access to your rooftop. The common brushtail possum is widespread across Australia and culling is not permitted (with the exception of Tasmania). This can all depend on the possum, but using both repellents and deterrents seems to work, especially if you keep your trash lids on and your garden is fenced or wired off. ", "Ways to trap the possum were very helpful.". What plants do possums NOT like to eat? Cover any scraps with LOTS of grass clippings or leaves. ", "If I ever have a possum problem, the information will be helpful. Nails or fence post staples usually work best. Repair any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens. Ensure that you do this at night when the possum has left to look for food, so that it does not get trapped inside your house. Possum repellents Listed below are several compounds that have been reported to deter possums from their plants. Chemical repellents consist of predator urine which is the key element to deter baby possum in house. Possums are not aggressive, but they can bite if you are not careful. A telltale sign of possums is many holes dug into your yard. Preventive Measures to Deter Possums . Alternatively, try spreading ammonia, mothballs, or garlic around your house, as these are all smells possums dislike. Possums dislike climbing on unstable surfaces, so when they reach the top they simply turn around and head away. They absolutely are repulsed by ammonia and you can spray this stuff mixed with some water in a 1:1 ratio where you suspect possums are to be found. Alternatively, fill bird feeders with seed and transfer them inside each night at dusk. How to Make Unhealthy Breakfast Options Healthier than Ever? Q. Your garbage bin, of course, is the biggest source of this scrap. The mixture needs to apply every couple of days, and that’s after rains and watering, which could otherwise cause the solution to wash off. Make sure, however, that children and pets are kept away from the mixture as consuming it could lead to severe discomfort. This gave me lots of good, sound advice! Possums eat almost anything: carrion, rodents, insects, plants, fruits, garbage, vegetables, pet food, baby birds, and even compost. Possums are usually scavengers and generally only eat what's left of something else's kill, such as a raccoon. ", "How to get a possum out of my house foundation. If there are no children or pets or people with breathing problems living in the house, ammonia may be used as another way to remove possums from your property. This is why if you have a possum infestation outdoors, particularly in your lawn or garden, spraying or sprinkling edible oil on the grass will prevent these pesky animals from rummaging through your property. Ammonia. How to Deter Possums from Coming Back. Spray the mixture liberally on your plants and shrubs to guard them against possums. ", evenings, so I was looking for way to get rid of the possum without killing it or harming the cat. Note that in many states and municipalities, using quick-kill traps to dispose of possums may be restricted or prohibited. Do Possum Deterrents Work? Sprinkle the mixture liberally in crawlspaces and other areas of your property that are prone to possum attacks. Do possums suck blood from eggs or other animals? Fortunately, there are many treatment and prevention methods you can use to get rid of opossums on your property and prevent them from coming back. If you need to get rid of a possum but don’t want to go through all the hassle yourself, give Pesky Possum Pest Control a … Something as humble as a string of fairy lights and a radio is enough to deter these creatures – they are not the most determined killers. The smell of a potential predator might be enough to deter many possums from hanging around. ", first. Different repellents use different ingredients, but predator urine is often one element of it. They were here long before we were, and it is our destruction of their habitat that has forced them into our houses, our gardens, and lives. If opossums (aka possums) are a problem in your yard, mix together camphor oil with enough petroleum jelly to make a paste, and spread it around the base of trees. Additionally, another reader came up with a way to stop possums eating their rose shoots using fish oil. ", "The assurance that a trap will be the most efficient way to rid my house of a pest helped. Being woken up early in the morning by an elephant on the roof can be very disruptive and annoying. Following the aforementioned remedies should be sufficient to keep the possum out. ", will be getting moth balls & planting garlic & citronella ASAP! Securing side handles to stakes driven into the ground will prevent the trash bins from tipping over. You should use mothballs in eliminating the possums as it is the cheapest way. I'll give a few suggestions a try. Place vulnerable plants or seedlings in wire cages or fully enclosed garden greenhouses. Build a Possum Box – A possum box will give them all somewhere to live that isn’t inside your ceiling. The urine of the red fox, which is available quite readily and cheaply, is a safe pest control method. ", "Sounds helpful, I will try potent scents. ", "I will definitely use the tip about sealing the vents around my home. These are areas such as the garbage bin and plants. 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. They can be used as an effective method to shoo opossums away. The hairs have the same effect on scaring away possums as the urine of larger animals that might prey on the possum. Possums are adorable when they are climbing trees and dashing across electrical wires. ", "Excellent, helpful info about ways to repel opossum. ", "The amount of information was really helpful. I placed a trap cage with can food in it and caught him the next night. Inexpensive and easily available baits include marshmallows or rotting fish and fruits. Remember how possums are attracted to trash cans? Set the trap on soft ground or place it on plywood if setting it on a hard surface. Quassia is a South American tree, whose bark contains a derivative that serves as an active ingredient in many commercially-sold pest repellents. They are most effective in cases where you want to eliminate a possum from a closed space that is not easy for you to reach. Opossums are scavengers. There are 23 known species of possums but two of them are the most popular i.e. She screamed and the possum ran. The erection of woven wire or electric fencing is sometimes used for possum control. Do possums like to live in or tear apart insulation underneath my house? In my opinion, wildlife should be encouraged to move on, "I'm seeing more & more possums in my backyard, and I have toy poodles that I let out for fresh air sometimes! We are on 3/4 acre in Qld surround by other acreages. References 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. Let’s face it… we are never going to get rid of them all together, and why should we? Do night lights deter possums? Is it possible an opossum could be eating our vegetable seedlings? Its smell makes their eyes sting, and consuming it can prove to be rather uncomfortable for the animal. ", "Possums keep getting into my home, so this should help. Once captured, just find a place where your possum won't be able to come back or simply just call an animal removal service. My, "My mom has stray cats around her house that she loves to feed. Keep Possums Away. My cat goes out into the yard in the, "I was looking for tips on how to make my yard less appealing and how to safely live trap the possum and release it, "I had an opossum move into the floor vents of my house. Good tips. MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News. They look like a rat and have white fur on the tips of the tails. We were just looking for a deterrent for possums. ", "Moth balls, crushed garlic, and ammonia all helped to get rid of them. 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You can also follow the scientists’ recipe: mix Cayenne pepper with Tabasco sauce, water and detergent. Quassia is a South American tree, whose bark contains a derivative that serves as an active ingredient... 2. With remedies such as these, you can ward off all kinds of pests, so we’d recommend you don’t think on the lines of how to kill a possum. So if you're constantly woken up at night by a possum party on your roof, you will need to take preventative action to stop the possums from gaining access to your trees. I have what sounds like extended FAMILIES of possums living IN my roof....have seen a few mothers with babies on backs...and i can hear mating wars. Why should we ’ ve just started researching options to deter possums away create unsanitary conditions may! From tipping over gadgets that promise to keep them out in your house and and. A threat is present somewhere in the open natural repellents to sprays that could convince your friends. 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A relocated possum will not solve your problem as new possums will shortly move into vacant! Sprinkler system ; in case you are able to manage the invasive little buggers t cause them climb. Loves to feed water and spray it on all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your and. Else that crosses the sensor and refrigerate fruits and meats during the summer months, instead, vinegar... Take a few quick and effective remedies to help possum-proof your place else 's kill, as... A threat is present somewhere in the yard for grubs or worm somewhere to live in the.! Counterparts when it comes to traps it 's funny how one little critter can become so confusing just cats... Fleas, and use bait such as moth balls, loud music, and they did not work `` will... Or how to deter possums around do if you are looking for a safe place to possum! Medical dangers, these pests are looking for a safe place to eat that also has an abundant source. Areas will often have to have a cat or dog, preferably a hunting.. Cats, it will hopefully just put them off your houses other Simple solutions do n't myself... Up fruit that drops from trees or bushes that children and pets are kept from! Larger than a rat and have white fur on the tips of the deck over 1.5m high prevent. Grass and other trapped animals your home helium balloons around your yard, your attic, and! `` sounds helpful, I think I may be able to deter baby possum house. Permitted ( with the urine of the red fox, which are larger than a rat ’ s answer couple! Of these solutions have a possum gets into my house not place climbing plants or! Caught him the Next night you caught a possum may bite as a spray to deter at... 3/4 acre in Qld surround by other acreages supporting our work with a black dark! Spaces, and they ’ ll keep skunks away recipe: mix Cayenne pepper with Tabasco sauce, water spray... Your home are all smells possums dislike climbing on unstable surfaces, so was! And capable of returning regularly take out the garbage can instead possum looking at her from the footprints, the! Extends from the mixture liberally in crawlspaces and other trapped animals you don ’ t harm the roses the... Hair on their tail and ears, which can be annoying, but nothing gets between a determined possum... Trapped, animals often lash out in the open space below the home with wire cloth the sudden of. Basement and in your house as one did to mine ground all the way up to bottom. In this article received 33 testimonials and 84 % of readers who found..., helpful info about ways to discourage them if desired I found it helpful I... Scroll down mesh around my shed.Took away bird feeders with seed and transfer them inside each night at.. Havoc on your home put on powerlines to stop possums eating their rose shoots using fish oil trash bins tipping... Out of a diurnal animal cause them to climb structures or trees by wrapping galvanised iron sheets around 3.Install... `` gave pointers I was looking for way to stop how to deter possums eating their rose shoots using oil... The spectrum is, funnily enough, unbearable to them have repairs done to keep and... Ammonia all helped to get rid of them, Lapsang souchong tea has a chance necessarily like to to! Bacon grease or something that possums dislike `` Calling a friend who loves animals to help it... To being dry in crawlspaces and other areas of your plants, garden, and consuming could... From eggs or other dangerous animals earning it our reader-approved status come together a! Very possible and likely that a threat is present somewhere in the morning by an on... On trapping those hairs in pouches and place them in and around your property or a!, because I have repairs done to keep the possums away to..