Opossums might be vital to the ecosystem, but they can be less-than-welcome guests in your garden, trash bins, or crawl spaces. While they play an important role in controlling pests like ticks and insects, their presence on your property can lead to unwanted messes, property damage, and conflicts with pets.
This blog will guide you on how to balance humane opossum control with effective property protection. You’ll learn about their behaviors and habitats, how to deter them using natural methods, and when to seek professional wildlife control services.

Understanding Opossums
Before addressing how to keep opossums away, it’s helpful to understand their behaviors, diet, and habitats throughout the mid-west. Opossums are a unique critter, so knowing this information can give you a strategic upper hand.
Behavior
Opossums are nocturnal animals, meaning they’re most active at night. During the night, they forage for food and shelter, often seeking out soft ground, easy food sources, or covered hiding spots. While they are solitary creatures, any invasion of your yard might suggest their preferred conditions exist on your property.
One thing to remember is that opossums are not aggressive. If threatened, they use defense tactics like displaying their sharp teeth, hissing, and sometimes “playing dead” as a last resort. These behaviors are harmless to humans but indicative of their fearfulness.
Diet
Opossums have highly varied diets and are attracted to anything from fallen fruit and compost to pet food and garbage. They are “opportunistic omnivores,” meaning they eat what they can find, which can include insects, rodents, small animals, and vegetation.
Habitats
Opossums favor areas with ample water, food, and shelter. They’re commonly found hiding under decks, inside sheds, or even within attic spaces. These safe, secluded areas make ideal spots for nesting.
By knowing what attracts opossums, you can make your property less appealing.
Prevention Strategies to Get Rid of Opossums
The first step in opossum control is prevention. By managing attractants and access to your property, you can deter opossums before they become a problem.
1. Secure Trash Bins
Opossums are notorious dumpster divers. Secure your trash bins with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords, and store them in closed areas like garages if possible. Rinse out smelly food containers before throwing them away to reduce odors that might draw opossums in.
2. Remove Pet Food
Leaving pet food outside is an open invitation to opossums and other wildlife. Feed your pets indoors or pick up any remaining food as soon as they’ve finished eating. Be sure to store pet food in airtight containers to prevent curious scavengers.
3. Protect Your Garden
Opossums may raid gardens for fruits, vegetables, and plants. Protect your garden by:
- Installing fencing at least 3-4 feet tall with the top angled outward to make climbing difficult.
- Using protective covers like mesh or netting over your crops.
- Removing fallen fruits or overripe vegetables promptly.
4. Seal Off Entry Points
Inspect your property for potential shelter spots. Secure spaces under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces with durable materials like welded wire mesh. Repair any holes or gaps in your home’s foundation, roofing, or exterior walls. These small efforts can prevent opossums from nesting on your property.
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Natural Opossum Deterrents
If you’re looking for safe and humane ways to deter opossums, natural repellents are a great option.
Plants That Deter Possums
Certain plants are known to repel opossums due to their strong scents:
- Garlic: Plant garlic bulbs around your property as opossums dislike their pungent smell.
- Onions: Similarly, onions can act as a natural opossum repellent.
- Spicy Plants: Peppers or pepper-based sprays placed near garden boundaries can help discourage opossums.
Scent-Based Deterrents
Opossums have a keen sense of smell, making certain scents effective at keeping them away. Some common options include:
- Ammonia or vinegar: Small, open containers placed around problem areas can create an unappealing environment for opossums. Ensure these are out of reach of children and pets.
- Citrus peels: Spread orange or lemon peels in areas frequented by opossums. The smell can act as a natural deterrent.
- Commercial repellents: Non-toxic opossum repellents available online or at hardware stores can discourage opossums without harming them.
Note: Always avoid using any potentially harmful or toxic methods to deter wildlife. It’s important to prioritize the safety of animals, humans, and the environment.
When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Service
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, opossums continue to frequent your property. This is when a professional wildlife control service becomes essential.
When Should You Call for Help?
- Persistent Opossum Sightings: If opossums repeatedly return despite deterrents, professional assistance can address the root of the problem.
- Nesting Indoors: If an opossum has made its way into your attic or under your home, humane removal by experts is the safest option.
- Damage to Property: If nesting or foraging has caused structural damage, professional intervention can help prevent further issues.
Choosing a Humane Wildlife Control Service
When selecting a wildlife removal and control company, ensure they adhere to these humane practices:
- Avoid Harmful Trapping: Relocating opossums can be counterproductive as they may not survive in unfamiliar environments.
- Focus on Exclusion Methods: Professionals should prioritize sealing entry points to prevent future issues without harming the animals.
- Compliance With Local Regulations: Ensure that the service complies with local wildlife laws and uses ethical methods.
In Summary
Opossums, while sometimes problematic, are often misunderstood creatures that play a critical role in the ecosystem. They help control pests such as ticks and insects, making them valuable contributors to the natural environment. By using the prevention strategies and deterrents outlined above, you can protect your property while respecting these animals’ role in nature.
If you’re dealing with persistent opossum problems or need professional advice, always consider a humane wildlife control service. Remember, opossums are simply trying to survive, and with a responsible approach, you can co-exist peacefully.
For more information on wildlife control or property protection, feel free to consult Smoky Wildlife Control. Discover prevention strategies, natural repellents, and tips for opossum control to protect your property!
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