Possums (squirrel-like animals) are usually not aggressive, but can create an unhealthy environment and can turn aggressive when exposed to disease. There are various ways to get rid of possums hanging around the yard. The best solution is actually to create an unattractive environment for the animal. However, you can also set traps to catch and release them if other solutions don't work.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Scare Possums
Step 1. Install lights or plant sprinklers that will be activated by motion
Place this device near the perimeter of the house, in front of the property, around fruit trees, or other places that possums frequent. After the device is activated several times because it is triggered by the animal, the possum will not dare to reappear.
- This device will activate if a possum passes through the sensor. However, this tool will also be triggered by anything that passes through its sensor.
- An active plant sprinkler due to movement is more effective than a lamp. Lights only frighten possums who are afraid of humans, but a plant sprinkler can also handle possums that are somewhat mature and don't startle easily.
Step 2. Spread cat or dog fur in areas frequented by possums
Collect pet hair when you brush your cat or dog. Put the feathers in a small gauze bag and hang or spread them around areas that possums frequent.
The scent of this natural predator can prevent many possums from coming into your home
Notes:
Don't let your cat or dog out in the yard just to scare possums. Your pet may fight with aggressive possums or other dangerous animals.
Step 3. Spread the strong smelling object
Ammonia and garlic have smells that can make possums run. If you prefer ammonia, pour a little ammonia into a can with a lid and punch a hole in the lid. Dip a washcloth into the ammonia and pull one end of the cloth through the hole in the can lid. The cloth will serve as a wick to spread the ammonia scent. Make several cans, and place each one in an area that possums frequent.
Place a clove of crushed garlic in an area where you want possums to stay away. Garlic that has been crushed will be better than whole garlic because the aroma can come out more strongly
Step 4. Use a possum repellent from chemicals
Chemical repellents can be used in gardens, flower beds, or the base of a building structure. Purchase chemical antidote products at a hardware store or hardware store. Follow the instructions provided by the product so that you can use it safely. Most chemical repellents contain a powder that you can sprinkle on the desired area.
Each possum repellent product contains different ingredients, but one element that is often present is predator urine
Method 2 of 4: Removing Access to Food
Step 1. Avoid intentional feeding of possums
Possums like yards and houses that provide plenty of food. So, if there are a lot of leftovers in the house, possums will continue to hang around there. If the food source is lost, your property becomes a less attractive place for the animal.
You may think that this is a noble deed, but a possum that is deliberately fed will gradually lose its fear of humans. These animals will become aggressive if not given food
Step 2. Prevent possums from getting into the trash
Keep trash cans tightly closed by tying them with rope, chains, raffia, or holding them down with weights. You can also buy a trash can with a lid that has a clamp so you can close it tightly.
Secure the trash can from toppling over by placing wooden stakes driven into the ground on each of the side bin handles
Step 3. Feed the pets in the house
Although pets can finish their food quickly, the smell of leftover food can attract possums to your yard. If it's not possible to feed your pet indoors, feed it late in the morning or mid-afternoon so it doesn't linger until midnight (when possums are active) and the next morning.
Remove all sources of food and water before dusk, cleaning up any pet food around the door of the pet's house or other openings leading into the house
This includes food given to animals that are outside the home, such as chickens. Possums also like chicken feed and can kill chickens if they enter the coop. So, feed the chickens during the day whenever possible.
Step 4. Eliminate or secure other food sources
Possums can get food from a variety of sources. So, don't leave the compost pile open and place the compost in a safe container. Keep the compost structure and wormbox closed at all times. Other sources to watch out for include:
- Barbecue grill: Clean the grill and grease trap after you use it.
- Fruit: Pick up fruit that has fallen from a tree or bush.
- Bird feed seeds: Do not place bird feed seeds outdoors. If you're providing bird feed from seed, try to give it late in the morning or mid-afternoon, and only spread it in sufficient quantity for one day. Alternatively, put the seeds in a bird feeder and bring them into the house every evening at dusk.
Method 3 of 4: Trapping and Releasing Possums
Step 1. Purchase a cage trap
If you have possums hanging around the roof or underside of your house, you may need to physically get rid of them. Purchase cage traps at a hardware store or online. The cage trap will trap the possum without killing or harming it. This is better than the trap type that kills quickly.
- Keep in mind, many areas and cities prohibit or restrict the use of fast-killing traps to control possums. Cage traps are usually not prohibited.
- Look for information whether there is a ban from the local government to use this trap. Some cities may require you to ask for a permit. Other areas may have specific regulations regarding where the animal may be released and who may do so.
Step 2. Set the trap in the possum path
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placing bait and setting traps. It's ideal to place traps near possum nests, but any area that possums frequent is also a good place to set traps.
- Place the trap on soft ground or on plywood if you want to set it on a hard surface. A captured possum will probably dig anything to find a way out. Placing the trap on a soft surface can prevent the claws from being damaged.
- Set traps at dusk to increase your chances of catching possums, which are nocturnal. Close empty traps at dawn to prevent other animals from being caught by accident.
- Each cage trap has slightly different settings, but most have a stick or trigger button that must be pulled or turned when you open the door. When the possum steps in, it will trigger the stick and make the door close. Follow the trap manufacturer's instructions for special instructions.
- Use the right bait. Fruit, vegetables, berries, peanut butter, raw eggs, and sardines are ideal bait for possums.
Step 3. Monitor the trap
Keep an eye on the traps constantly so you know right away if a possum is trapped inside. If a possum is caught, take the trap to a quiet place and cover it with a tarp until you are ready to release it.
Use thick gloves or a stick to avoid being clawed by the possum through the bars of the trap
Step 4. Release the possum from the trap
Be careful when releasing them or contact a wildlife specialist. When releasing a possum, face the trap exit in the direction you want the animal to run in that direction. Stand on the opposite side of the trap exit and tap the trap with a stick or foot until the possum runs out.
- You have to be careful when releasing trapped animals. Trapped animals often attack fearfully, and you could be bitten or scratched if you're not careful.
- Find out the laws in your area regarding how to release possums and other caught animals. Some areas have strict rules that you must carry possums several kilometers from home to be released in wooded areas. Other areas may require you to remove possums on your own property or hire a professional to release them.
If you're worried that the possum might bite, tie a string to the trap door before you install it so you can open it from afar.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing the Entry of Possums
Step 1. Close the foundation vents
One of the easiest ways for possums to get into the house is through dryer vents or other holes along the foundation. Prevent possums from entering the house through these holes by covering them with metal screens.
This cover screwed into the vent and provided just a hole just enough for smoke and steam to get in and out, but not big enough for a possum
Step 2. Prune the tree branches
Possums can enter the roof through branches or tall plants that are close to the roof. Tree branches must be cut at least 1.5 meters from the roof.
Do not place vines near or around the house, especially areas near roofs
Step 3. Protect the bottom of the deck
Possums often hide under low decks (the floors that are higher than the ground and usually outdoors) so you should cover this area with metal barriers. Use gauze with 6 mm lattice holes or solid sheet metal to form a barrier at the bottom:
- Make a trench around the deck about 30 centimeters deep. Place the wire mesh or sheet metal in the trench. This barrier should extend from the bottom of the trench to the bottom of the deck.
- Fill the trench with soil, and compact the soil so that the wire mesh doesn't wobble and wobble.
- Glue the top of the wire mesh to the deck. You can attach it using nails or fence staples.
Step 4. Create a one-way exit for trapped possums
If you suspect a possum is trapped under the deck, make a temporary escape so the possum can get out of it. Do not lock all parts of the screen, but provide a door or tunnel of wire mesh with a 6 mm lattice hole for possums to escape but not re-enter.
- If a one-way exit funnel is to be used, the wide end must be large enough for the possum to enter and must be attached to the barrier using nails or fence staples. The small end of the funnel should be placed away from the building with a diameter of about 10-15 cm. This allows the possum to flatten out and get out of there, but not get in.
- Leave the funnel open for a few days to a week before you close the hole.
Step 5. Close any other open spaces
There may be some open spaces in your home that might attract possums seeking warmth or food. You must cover the attic and chimney vents using wire mesh with 6 mm lattice holes. You can also use insect repellent on the vents, or install a cover on the chimney.
- Repair any holes in the deck bars, window screens, or door screens.
- Lock or close the pet house door at night.
If you live in a mobile home, cover any open spaces under the car with wire mesh. Make sure the barrier is installed from the ground to the bottom of the mobile housing. You can also use brick or wooden bars.
