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.
Did you know possums hate the smell of garlic? That's right! So, you could consider crushing garlic pods and spreading them around the area. They even hate mothballs and can't stand the smell or sight of them.
Many repellents allegedly deter opossums, but some of these substances work better than others, and spray repellents usually need to be reapplied regularly and after heavy rains. Cayenne powder, garlic oil, vinegar, and predator urine spray are all commonly used to deter opossums.
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. If you decide to use ammonia, be careful!
The nocturnal opossum is attracted to our neighborhoods by the availability of water, pet food left out at night and overripe, rotting fruit that has fallen from trees. The opossum in turn helps keep our neighborhoods clean and free of unwanted, harmful garden pests and rodents, which may carry diseases.
What doesn't work to deter possums: Fake owls. Physical boundaries such as spikes. Sprays.
For example, mothballs do not work as wildlife deterrents. They aren't labeled for that purpose, and using them that way is illegal in many areas. You may also have heard urban legends about spreading coffee grounds and cinnamon through your yard. There's no scientific evidence that this does anything but make a mess.
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.
Possums dislike pungent smells, bright lights, and loud noises.
Opossums are awake and grooming between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM, with most types of other activities occurring between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The opossums spend the rest of the day, 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM, resting or sleeping. Psychon. Sei., 1969, Vol.
Do not feed possums almonds, cheese, onions, dairy products, green potatoes or junk food.
When it comes to biting, opossums only bite if they are cornered or feel extremely threatened. They usually prefer to flee or play dead rather than engage.
They'll even clean up spilled garbage and fruit that has fallen off trees. If there is an opossum in your backyard, don't worry. They aren't a threat and more than likely will be moving on in a short while.
Garlic – The scent and taste of garlic is sometimes successful in repelling opossums. You can either place crushed garlic cloves around your yard or mix minced garlic and water, add it to a spray bottle, and spray it on surfaces where opossums are active.
Mothballs: Possums dislike the smell of mothballs. Place them strategically around areas where possums are frequenting, but be cautious as mothballs can be toxic to pets and children, so keep them out of reach. Pepper and Chili Sprays: Possums are sensitive to strong smells, including pepper and chili.
Opossum droppings are small, shaped like cylinders, and split into sections. They are about 1 to 2 inches long. Their size is like a rat's, and they are 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The color ranges from dark brown to black, and they look shiny because they're moist.
Peppermint Oil
This oil has strong, minty aroma, which is highly effective in repelling various pests, including possums. The intense scent of peppermint is overwhelming to the sensitive noses of possums, making it an excellent deterrent.
Several proprietary possum deterrents are commercially available. Other products – such as fish sauce, animal-based fertilisers or garlic – are also used. However, a study of 14 products commonly used to deter possum browsing found that none were completely effective.
Best Opossum Baits
Because there is likely a plethora of food options in your yard, Havahart® recommends using a bait that will stand out - opossums tend to be attracted to fruit and strong-smelling foods like meats and oils.
Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable. Wildlife experts agree that if opossums were eliminated from an area, the population of roof rats and other pests would proliferate.
In popular culture, seeing an opossum meaning often symbolizes resourcefulness, adaptability, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with cunning and resilience.