Opossums, also known as possums, are notorious for their scavenging behavior and can cause a lot of damage to gardens and landscapes. But while these animals may be a nuisance, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping keep populations of other pests in check. That said, if you find yourself with an opossum problem on your hands, there are several natural solutions you can use for controlling their population.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most effective methods for safely removing opossums from your property without resorting to lethal means.
How to Deter Opossums Safely and Humanely
Opossums are interesting creatures with many unique traits, but when they start making a home in your yard or garden, they can quickly become a nuisance. Luckily, there are safe and humane ways to deter them from your property. One effective option is to secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, as opossums are often drawn to easy food sources.
Additionally, you can install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle and discourage them. If you have fruit trees, pick fallen fruit regularly to avoid attracting opossums. And finally, be sure to seal off any potential entry points, such as gaps in fences or under your deck. By implementing these opossum control methods, you can protect your property while respecting these fascinating creatures.
Safe and Natural Strategies to Get Rid of Opossums
► Environmental Modification
The first step in opossum control is to make sure that your garden or landscape is not providing an attractive habitat for them. Opossums are scavengers and will take advantage of any available food sources, so it’s important to keep garbage cans tightly closed and pick ripe fruits and vegetables from the ground before they become a meal for the animals. Additionally, removing potential nesting areas such as woodpiles and old furniture can help discourage them from taking up residence on your property.
► Automated Scare Tactics
Another natural approach for controlling opossums is to install motion-activated sprinklers or lights around your yard; these devices will startle the animals when they come close, causing them to flee quickly.
► Opossum Repellent
One natural way to keep nuisance possums from munching on your plants and making a mess of your yard is to make homemade opossum repellent. There are several opossum control recipes available online, including ones that feature garlic and chili powder. These ingredients are known to have strong odors that opossums find offensive, so placing them around your property can help deter these pesky critters. Plus, making your own opossum repellent is an Eco-friendly solution that won’t harm any animals or plants in the process.
► Opossum Traps (state dependent)
If your state permits, you can also set out traps baited with food to catch and remove them from your property. If you choose to use this method, be sure to check the traps frequently and release the possums in a safe location away from any human habitation.
► Legal Knowledge
Finally, if you’re dealing with an opossum population, it’s important to remember that they are protected animals under most state laws. For this reason, lethal means of control should always be avoided; instead contact a licensed Indiana wildlife removal expert who can help you humanely trap and relocate nuisance possums safely.
Protect Your Property Against Nuisance Opossums
With these natural solutions for controlling opossum populations, you can keep your garden or landscaping free of these nuisance animals without resorting to harmful practices. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep these animals away from your property without causing any harm.
If you’re looking for more information on how to control opossums and effectively remove them from your property, contact an Indianapolis wildlife removal company. A professional will be able to help you safely and humanely rid your garden or landscape of these nuisance animals.
Are you concerned about the nuisance possums on or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured opossum removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.
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