How To Scare Possums Away From Your House

Opossums have a strong sense of smell that they use to locate food. You can use this to your advantage by deterring them with scents they dislike around areas they frequent, such as camphor, garlic, onion, hot peppers, molasses, wolf's urine, ammonia, and pet fur.

What attracts possums around your house?

They are attracted to overflowing or odorous trash cans, uncovered compost heaps or other containers that you may have outside. They like to set up their habitat near water or moist areas. If you live near a pond, drainage ditch or sewer, you're more likely to see opossums on your property.

How do you get rid of possums around your house?

1. STEP 1: Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes.
2. STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. ...
3. STEP 3: Apply a chemical repellent to your garden. ...
4. STEP 3: Use electronic repellents to scare possums away.

Can you scare a possum away?

Possums are repelled by the stench of garlic, ammonia and mothballs. So go ahead and scatter those around where you think possums might hang out. Garlic works best when it's crushed.

Do possums hate light?

As mentioned, the possum has terrible eyesight, and so it will avoid light as much as possible because of the fact that it is at its most vulnerable during the daylight. Shining a bright light on it will cause it to move away from that light and away from your home.

Do moth balls keep possums away?

If you are trying to figure out how to get rid of possums, know that they are attracted to many smells you find distasteful, there are some nasty smells that even they hate. These include ammonia and mothballs.

What is the best possum repellent?

Top 5 Best Opossum Repellents

• All Natural Rodent Defense Spray (our top pick)
• Shake Away Fox Urine Granules (#2 pick)
• Trap Shack Coyote Urine.
• Natural Armor Animal Repellent Spray.
• Amerfist Solar Animal Repeller.

Can possums climb walls?

Opossums are incredibly agile, they can easily climb a tall vertical wall. They are known to jump from a tree to a roof at a distance of up to 13 feet. This wildlife can use its thumbs, feet, claws, and tails to climb many different surfaces.

Do possums bite?

Do Opossums Bite? Just like any scared animal, it's possible for opossums to bite in defense. If they feel cornered or threatened, opossums will use several escape strategies ranging from playing dead to hissing. Biting is rare, but people should avoid contact with all wild animals to eliminate the risk.

Where would a possum hide in a house?

Attics are warm and dry places of refuge for opossums. Many homeowners who live in or near wooded areas come across opossums in the attic, and it can be a scary surprise. It is important to check for possible entry points all through your home to ensure that once the opossum is removed, none will return in its place.

Where do possums live during the day?

They are generally nocturnal and they spend the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, or in burrows. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers. Opossums also spend a lot of time slowly ambling about on the ground, and as a result they are frequently struck by cars.

How do I keep possums and raccoons away from my house?

There are several options for how to keep raccoons away from your home. Removing food and water sources and bright lights are easy ways to begin. There are also natural deterrents – like spicy peppers and vinegar sprays – and devices like motion-activated sprayers and ultrasonic raccoon repellent.

What do possums do when scared?

When frightened, opossums bare their 50 sharp teeth and hiss or growl. However, they would rather avoid confrontation and be left alone.

How can I get rid of possums?

5 Ways to Get Rid of Possums

1. Secure Trash and Compost Bins. Because opossums are nothing if not opportunistic eaters, they're more than happy to dumpster dive for a meal.
2. Put Away Pet Food Nightly. ...
3. Remove Brush and Trim Bushes. ...
4. Cover Openings Around Your Home. ...
5. Build a Garden Fence.

Will Irish Spring soap keep possums away?

The Stricklands used Irish Spring soap as a deterrent to keep critters away but apparently possums like the flavored soap.

Will bleach keep possums away?

Will bleach keep possums away. If the possums in your yard are eating your garbage or making a mess, there is a simple solution you can try to keep them away. Simply combine 1 part bleach with 10 parts water in a spray bottle, and spritz their favorite hangout spots. They will smell the bleach and stay away.

Do LED lights deter possums?

Not only do LED lights make your garden look attractive at night, but they're also used by some homeowners to deter possums from entering their yard. Switch on a few fixtures in strategic places in your garden and you won't be seeing possums anywhere near them.

Will a possum hurt a dog?

Yes, possums are dangerous to dogs. If your dog gets into close contact with a possum, he'll risk getting scratched or bitten. In rare cases, dogs can even get sick from eating a possum. The good news is that possums are smaller than most dogs and they would rather avoid contact or confrontation at all costs.

What can I spray to keep possums away?

Garlic – The scent and taste of garlic is sometimes successful in repelling opossums. You can either place crushed garlic cloves around your yard or mix minced garlic and water, add it to a spray bottle, and spray it on surfaces where opossums are active.

What time of night do possums come out?

Opossums are awake and grooming between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM, with most types of other activities occurring between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The opossums spend the rest of the day, 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM, resting or sleeping.