By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. Get Rid of Skunks in Your Yard. She is an avid DIYer that is equally at home repurposing random objects into new, useful creations as she is at supporting community gardening efforts and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals. 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. It's fairly easy to get rid of a possum that isn't living in or under one of the structures on the property; just remove any potential food sources. Use bungee cords spanning from handle to handle to help keep the lid on each can if it doesn't lock in place, or put a brick atop the lid to prevent animals from getting inside. Just like other marsupials such as wombats, kangaroos and koalas, the female possums have pouches in which their young species scramble into right from the day they are born. Possums respond to a number of stimulus negatively, most being sight and smell, but also touch. Your main reason for questioning how to get rid of possums may stem from a concern about disease. Another thing you can do to get rid of possums is to put out cat food in a small bowl in your yard. An animal, caught in the rays of light, will be disoriented and will freeze for a moment. Mothballs aren’t just for moths! Having possums lurk around your home in the middle of the night is not the most pleasant thought. They clear out garbage, feed on harmful insects and have charming, rat-like tails. You can place these devices around the perimeter of your house, around trees, at the front of your property, and any other spots where possums frequent. She's written numerous DIY articles for paint and decor companies, as well as for Black + Decker, Hunker, Kroger and Landlordology, among others. Other baits can include overripe fruit such as grapes, bananas, or melon. After that, take an old cloth and dip into this solution and then tightly seal the cap with rag laid on the bottle. Their snouts are long and pointed and tipped with a distinctive, pink nose.”. whatsapp. There are a variety of traps that come in different sizes, but most traps … First steps to get rid of Possums from your house is to get rid of all food, waste, trash cans leading to your house. Getting rid of possums is not the only task; you need to take action to ensure that they stay away. We're available 24/7. Possums may also munch on anything tasty they find in your garden. Make a possum repellent Possums have very specific preferences for taste and smell. Use motion activated sprinklers Using motion activated products is a great way to scare possums as well. Use ammonia and mothballs around areas where you have found possums. pinterest. These are generally affordable and only take a few minutes to … They weigh between 4 and 12 pounds with males being larger than females. If you are a good hunter, you will quickly shoot the animal. According to the Wildlife Rescue League, “Opossums are excellent at rodent and insect control, and being carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean.”, It also states that, “Opossums are more beneficial as scavengers, than harmful for any damage they may cause. The most radical way to get rid of possums is shooting them, but it is banned in many states. Opossums are nocturnal creatures, so they prefer the dark. According to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): “The Virginia opossum (Dedeliphis virginiana) is North America’s only marsupial (“pouched”) mammal. Fencing is another option. This is my brother dealing with his possum infestation problem. twitter. © 2019 The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership. Repair or cover holes in decks, window screens and or door screens. You’re not alone. Trim tree branches that touch or hang over your home. A few possums or opossums can be dealt with using some of these home remedies, the cost is low, and the results are conclusive. Opossum removal can be a challenging task. Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside either, especially at night – possums are nocturnal. While many people have an appreciation for wildlife, it’s best for wildlife to stay in the wild. A mother possum may take up residence underneath your porch or shed, in the garage or even in the attic. You can also remove them manually using a snare pole, but take cautions. Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. Possums can cause serious problems to the people who use to remain peaceful and quite environment. Step 3 Set a loudly playing radio in the crawlspace area. Leave it overnight and after that spray it on plants in the garden to deter the possums from munching on them. One of the best ways to prevent possum infestations is to eliminate the source altogether, which also drives the problem away. Possums love cat food. A trap is the most effective way to remove opossums from your property. There are plenty of products that are sold for repelling or deterring possums without hurting them like chemical-free sprays and light/noisemakers which is how you can get rid of possums naturally. When possum removal becomes essential, there are a few methods to consider. Cover Openings Cover all vents or open accesses to your home. This overall length includes a 10 to 12 inch long tail. The unit plugs into a power point, and is … They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Step 2 Set up a motion-sensitive light or alarm in the crawlspace area that will turn on if a possum enters or moves around in the crawlspace area. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department: “Opossum carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. All necessary for Pest Control https://amzn.to/2rLU5CG ----- How to Get Rid of a Possum. It is found often very abundantly throughout the eastern and midwestern United States westward into Colorado and Texas. Possums are protected creatures, and it is not legal to poison them, no matter how much of a nuisance they create. According to the Wildlife Rescue League, “Opossums are excellent at rodent and insect control, and being carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean.” It also states that, “Opossums are more beneficial as scavengers, than harmful for any damage they may cause. Block all but one hole by installing chicken wire or hardware cloth at least 8 inches beyond the hole, burying at least several inches of the wire beneath the dirt where applicable. If you feed the birds, stop leaving seed or other food for them for a while until the possum problem is resolved. It is not typically found in mountainous regions, in extreme deserts, or in the high northern sections of the United States.”. Possums are excellent to have around the house. Live trapping presents the problem of dealing with the animal once captured. You can scare possums away by using motion activated sprinklers or lights. Before deciding how to get rid of a possum, verify the animal you are dealing with. Fish-flavored canned cat food works well as trap bait but often attracts cats as well. While possums are agile creatures and great climbers, they can only jump up to 1m high. Scientists believe that a body temperature too low to support the rabies virus is the reason.”. 6. Using traps are the easiest way to get rid of them and you can use the traps. The Wildlife Rescue League recommends the following: Do not leave pet food or trash outdoors at night. Occasionally a mother with babies might stay longer, but will leave after a brief period as well. The motion activated sprinklers are going to be a little bit better for you because possums will be very scared once they get sprayed with water. Discourage possums from paying another visit to your yard by ensuring trashcan lids are securely fastened in place. To get rid of possums in the attic, you should start with traps, either by DIY possum traps or commercial traps. According to Penn State: “Adult Virginia opossums are between 24 and 40 inches long. This is always an invitation to dinner. They, like many woodland creatures, strongly dislike the strong odors given off by these two items. You need to be careful though. Possums are irritated by it and will keep their distance. 10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Them. This should be sprayed around areas where possums frequent, including your garbage area. While possums are unique marsupials that can only be found in North America, many people are still find ways on how to get rid of possums and you might be wondering why this is. Sprinkle the bottom of the entry hole with flour to be able to track footprints to ensure the possums have left before closing the hole. The Wildlife Rescue League states: “Opossums do not harbor diseases normally found in dogs and cats, such as distemper, parvovirus, or feline hepatitis. Each foot has five toes. Motion Activated Ultrasonic Devices Place the motion activated device near the problem area where possums most frequ… It is important to get rid of possums that are causing havoc in your home, but not all possums are bad. Possums at first glance, might be confused with large house cats. The first step to getting rid of possums from inside your ceiling is find out how they are getting into your home. If you get rid of all sorts of vegetables, fruit and pet food lying around, then the possibility of the possum taking up residency in your property will … It is recommended that you should call a professional possum catcher for the service as these possums become aggressive sometimes. Even though they're viewed as nuisances, possums can be beneficial to your yard, eating grubs, beetles, mice, other dead animals and even rats. Opossum are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.”, It is important to get rid of possums that are causing havoc in your home, but not all possums are bad. According to DELWP, you can make a DIY repellent by mixing 2 tablespoons of freshly crushed garlic in 1 litre of hot water. Do not attach the top 18 inches of the chicken wire to stakes; instead, bend the wire slightly outward. You cannot see them, but they used to leave some signs of their presence through mucks, pathways, overturned pet … The Virginia opossum is the only species found in the United States, although despite its name, it can be found in many other regions. Crush garlic and spread generously where these possums are likely to enter. Mix the appropriate amount of ammonia in coffee and store it inside a bottle with a cap or lid. An additional way to get rid of possums is by using ammonia. Cat … But when they get some disease, they would get aggressive and it would then become dangerous. Call now. Bait the trap with ripe fruit. Portsmouth Police Animal Control: Opposums, How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House, How to Repel a Fox That Keeps Coming by Your House. Close entry points and even send out some food locations far from your property for them to procure their meals. Traps should be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches in size and set along trails or known routes of travel. Opossums seldom stay in one area for more than a few nights, so fear of them "taking over" an area should not be a concern. If your new neighbors happen to have rat-like tails and pig-like snouts, it’s time to call Terminix®. Opossum repellents. If you have a consistent problem with an opossum, such as one living under your shed or deck, or one frequently eating your garbage or pet food, then you ought to consider trapping and removal. They are very small in size and supple animals that are always in hunt of food. They are nocturnal and used to sleep during the day. How to Get Rid of Possums The internet is rich with many DIY options to get rid of possums around the home and yard area. This is a possum repellent and can also be considered as a poison. Install a chicken-wire fence approximately 4 feet high around the garden to discourage possums and other garden foragers such as rabbits. The many tried and tested methods I used to get rid of possums in my backyard . WATCH: Rid your garden of fungus. Pick fruit and garden crops when they are ripe to discourage opossums, and do not leave rotten fruit or crops on the ground. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Since it is illegal to relocate an opossum without a permit, those not wanting to deal with its disposal may prefer to hire a professional wildlife control operator.”. A possum that visits your yard at night foraging for food will probably come back if it finds something to eat. Keep grass cut short and trim bushes up away from the soil to get rid of possible harborages. After you’ve purchased a live trap, be sure to fully read the instructions so you understand how to use it. They have large, black, hairless ears, small black eyes, and white, fur covered faces. All warm-blooded mammals can contract rabies, but opossums are rarely found to be rabid. Removing one access point will only make them use a different one. The smell should keep them away. Possums are omnivores, eating everything from trash to garden produce, insects and even mice. Put the woodpiles in a shed and get rid of all brush piles in your yard. You could use anything from motion activated lights to motion activated sprinklers. Kathy Adams is an award-winning writer. These means keeping your house and its surrounding as spotless as possible. However, these generally offer little relief. She has also written many pieces on landlord and tenant concerns. So, you may want to consider moving the feeder farther away from your house or getting rid of it altogether. You need to use a powerful flashlight and walk around the site. If you've found one or more possums making a home in or around yours, look for all potential entry points. Closing the hole while the possum is away is the best way to get rid of it, as a possum usually only stays in one area for a maximum of three days. Ensure you cover or lock pet door at night. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, Learn more about the types of cookies we use. How to Get Rid of Possums. Secure pet doors at night, as opossums occasionally enter homes through pet doors. Removing Dead Possum. To use this, you need to make a mixture containing equal parts of ammonia and water. Closing the hole while the possum is away is the best way to get rid of it, as a possum usually only stays in one area for a maximum of three days. The first toe of each hind foot lacks a claw and is opposable ('thumb like'). This darker fur, then, predominates on the legs. Get rid of any unnecessary debris such as fallen trees, deep leaf litter, unused cars or lawn equipment. Control methods for backyard possum varies, with opossum repellents and trapping commonly used. They can squeeze through gaps as small as 9 centimetres wide to get into space. Many cases are lodged of their unfortunate death owing to the consumption of rabbit bait, any road-accident or dog or cat attack. Close off any areas they may use as dwellings, such as gaps beneath garden sheds and porches. How to Get Rid of an Opossum. You can follow these methods to get rid of possums but it is not guaranteed that they will complete work or not as it depends on the infestation. How to Get Rid of 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. You need to take the preventive steps to remove possums. However, while possums do carry certain diseases, they appear to have a certain resistance to rabies. There are numerous products on the market targets at repelling these wild animals. Remove Any Food Sources; Cut Back Trees Near Your Home; Use Possum Deterrents e.g. Possums may be "out of sight, out of mind" most of the time, but even one can make a mess of your garden, get into the trash and pose a threat to pets. If there is no ban on hunting, then hunting the possums will be pretty simple. To know more about how to get rid of possums watch the video below. Even if you’ve fixed the main hole, and think you’ve got rid of your possum, they can use almost any small gap to get back inside. A service technician will develop a customized plan for possum control to keep them away from your home. Ensure attic vents and chimneys are covered with a grid screen. The University of California provides the following advice: “Opossum are not wary of traps and can easily be caught with a box or cage-type, live-catch trap. Set up the motion activated water sprinklers or LED Lights in your gardens and yards as to scare possums in attic. Eliminate brush piles, dilapidated buildings, and holes under concrete slabs – you will eliminate opossum hotels. Many people fear that possums are rabid creatures. This way, any creature trying to climb the fence will fall outside of the garden, unable to get in. Possums have the … Use a trap least 12 inches high and wide and 32 inches long to catch the animal. A neighborhood with opossums tends to be considerably cleaner than a neighborhood without them.”. Trapping is usually the most effective method for how to get rid of possums, especially if you have a family of possums dwelling on your property. How To Use a Live Opossum Trap. Most people prefer to use catch and release traps as this is the easiest and most humane way to get rid of them. So how do you get rid of possums that have become all too eager to call you neighbor? Possums are mostly non-aggressive animals. It’s almost impossible to stop a determined possum. They do carry other diseases that may be of concern to homeowners and their pets. They have long, coarse dark gray to white-gray outer body fur with a black or dark brown underfur. To avoid this possibility, try using whole raw chicken eggs, or jam or peanut butter spread on a bit of bread. A pest management professional can also be of assistance. Move Or Get Rid Of The Bird Feeder. Here are 10 ways to get rid of possums from your home without harming them (or breaking the law). 1. Not impressed? Possums also love fruits, Apples and fish. This means a sturdy paling fence over 1.5m high can prevent possums getting into your garden. Fence them out. Sprays, Spikes and Spotlights; Build a Possum Box; Trap the Possums and Seal Up Entry Points; Where to Start. It’s inaudible to humans, but discomforting to possums, so they quickly move on from the area. This would keep both the male and female possums away.
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