The salts are a magnesium sulfate compound that has an acrid, bitter smell that repels many animals, including rodents like rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits,
Ammonia. Ammonia emits a sharp, pungent smell that possums find particularly offensive. This substance mimics the scent markers left by predators.
Epsom salt is a great choice for controlling rodent populations as it is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly approach. Deterring rodents with this method is a simple task. All it takes is positioning the salt strategically and creating a protective boundary around the area.
Epsom Salt and Garden Pests
of water may act as a deterrent to beetles and other garden pests. Mix the solution in a large bucket or other container and then apply the well-dissolved mixture to foliage with a pump sprayer. Many gardeners believe that the solution not only deters pests, but may kill many on contact.
I found that a combination of cayenne pepper, Irish Spring bar soap, and predator urine seems to have done the trick. They each have their own pros and cons.
Continuing in the vein of undesirable scents, Epsom salt is another ingredient that keeps raccoons away. For the most effective protection, sprinkle Epsom salt both inside and surrounding your vegetable garden. Racoons will generally keep a safe distance from that smell, avoiding your garden and coops.
The salts are a magnesium sulfate compound that has an acrid, bitter smell that repels many animals, including rodents like rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits, moles, and voles, as well as mammals like skunks, raccoons, possums, and groundhogs.
People may not experience any side effects after taking an Epsom salt bath. However, people with sensitive skin could develop a skin rash or contact dermatitis. The following people should avoid consuming Epsom salt orally as they may experience unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects: people who are pregnant.
Epsom salt
Sprinkle Epsom salts onto your trash can lid or around the areas that pests like to burrow into or dig around. Epsom salts will deter most any pests, including raccoons, mice, and squirrels among others.”
Groundhogs hate the taste of Epsom salts. Sprinkle them around the perimeter of your garden and near burrow entrances and exits. You may also try placing a tin pie plate filled with the salts near the plants. (Replace after a rain.)
Salt toxicity in a excessive amount can be a serious toxicity resulting in gastrointestinal and neurologic signs.
Keep Pests Away
The pine smell is repulsive to most animals. There's a bonus, too. You get clean cans, and no flies. Insects aren't fans of pine, either!
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.
As our question: “Do coffee grounds attract pests?” — no!
Possums don't like bright lights since they're nocturnal creatures. Setting light fixtures to shine on the trees you see them hanging about in will deter them from coming back. You could also try keeping garden, garage or basement lights on around dusk or nighttime when they are likely to be emerging from their nests.
Verdict: Unless you have a magnesium deficiency in your garden, there is no need to add Epsom salts. Doing so could even be harmful to soil, plants and water. Find out more about healthy soil and getting a soil test.
Don't Mix Epsom Salts with Pure-Castile Soap. Don't mix Epsom salts with any true soap, including Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile.
Do not soak in Epsom salt if you've experienced allergic reactions or infections from it, or if you currently have open wounds or severe burns. Use Epsom salt only as directed. Otherwise, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping as a result of having too much magnesium.
There are no effective repellants for opossums. Removing the food source that's attracting them and excluding them from an area are the most effective means of keeping them away from your home.
Applying Epsom Salt As A Solution
The solution will burn the slugs and ward them off your garden, along with beetles.
Does Vicks Vaporub deter possums? Anecdotal evidence suggests this is effective in the short term, and it won't wash off if you mix it with Vaseline. Possums are known to get used to smells, though, so it might not be a long-term solution.
In addition to ammonia and mothballs, possums will also steer clear of odors of vinegar, garlic, onion, peppermint, and camphor. These strong scents are often used as natural repellents to keep opossums away from gardens, trash cans, and other areas where they may be unwanted.
Carbon dioxide gas is the most appropriate technique to euthanize opossums. Opossums also can be humanely killed with a gunshot to the head, if legal and safe in your area.