Category: Possums

  • Best Possum Repellents and Deterrents in [year]: Expert Reviews

    Best Possum Repellents and Deterrents in [year]: Expert Reviews

    Possums are a common problem for all Americans that live in the houses. They have features of rats, mice, and cats. Initially, they may seem completely harmless to you. However, this is a very misleading impression.

    Possums can cause a number of different problems; therefore, it is very important to buy the best possum repellent/deterrent as soon as you have noticed the signs of their presence. In fact, opossums are well-known disease spreaders. Moreover, they can damage your house. In this article, we will consider the best ways on how to scare possums away.

    Best Possum Repellent/Deterrent: TOP-5 Products

    1. The Pee Mart – Coyote Urine 16 Oz E-z Trigger Spray
    2. Peppermint Essential Oil 4 oz. with Detailed User’s Guide
    3. Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate
    4. Shake-Away All Natural Deer & Large Animal Repellent
    5. Clever Sprouts Dog Cat Repellent

    scared-possum-on-the-branch

    In the first section, I decided to put five top possum repellents. After that, we will discuss the general questions about these annoying animals. I have tried to gather only those repellents that are completely harmless for you, your pets, and children, and that you can buy at an affordable price. So, let’s start!

    1. The Pee Mart – Coyote Urine 16 Oz E-z Trigger Spray: The Best Possum Repellent Spray

    Specifications:

    • Consist: 100% Real Coyote Urine
    • Item Form: Spray
    • Item Volume: 16 fl. oz.
    • Package Weight: 1.5 Pounds
    • Package Dimensions LxWxH: 2 x 3 x 7 inches

    The Pee Mart - Coyote Urine

    Pee Mart, or shortly, PMart is one of the most popular companies that manufacture various products against the unwanted animals in your property. In PMart’s assortment, you can find the remedies against bats, wild pigs, moles, cats, armadillos, etc.

    The company’s extensive experience and its long-term presence on the market allowed us to test and improve all of their products as much as possible. Moreover, the company’s founders advocate only natural remedies that will not harm animals and nature.

    According to the Pee Mart’s studies, the most effective way to get rid of unwanted animals is just to use the urine of another animal. In fact, a lot of animals use urine to mark the territories. It is how this possum prevention spray was created.

    The repellent contains only 100% real coyote urine that allows you to prevent the appearance not only possums but also iguanas, rats, groundhogs, raccoons, gophers, and deers. It is also completely environmentally friendly as the coyote urine is the well-known natural and chemical-free repellent.

    Pros:Cons:
    • Chemical-free;
    • The best spray against possums;
    • It helps to prevent the appearance of several animal species.
    • The product is sold out very quickly.

    2. Peppermint Essential Oil by Essential KateS: The Best Natural Possum Repellent

    Specifications:

    • Each bottle comes with a long glass dropper
    • Liquid Volume: 4 Fluid Ounces
    • Item Form: Oil
    • Package Weight: 7 ounces
    • Package Dimensions LxWxH: 5 x 2 x 2 inches

    Peppermint Essential Oil

    As for the natural possum repellents, it is just impossible not to mention the Essential KateS company. For the first time, I heard about this company several years ago when my friends brought me natural oil, which, according to them, should have been an effective remedy against possums.

    I weakly believed it but decided to test the oil. The results exceeded all of my expectations. After that, I started looking for more information about the company. It turned out that Essential KateS produced exclusive oils for different purposes and tasks, and all the ingredients grow only in India.

    This natural possum deterrent comes with a long glass dropper for more convenient usage. As it contains only chemical-free ingredients, you can use the oil in your house, yard, car, etc. Moreover, the company sends a detailed e-book guide to all customers once you make a purchase.

    In this guide, you can find the information about how to use the remedy, when it starts to work, and when to expect the results. And if you do not notice the result, Essential KateS provides the full money-back guarantee.

    Pros:Cons:
    • Natural product;
    • Money-back guarantee;
    • It can be used indoors.
    • No discounts.

    3. Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate: The Repellent with Long Effect

    Specifications:

    • Active Ingredients: Garlic, Dried Blood, Whole Egg Solids, Clove, Fish Oil, Onion, Wintergreen
    • Item Form: Liquid
    • Item Volume: 32 fl. oz.
    • Package Weight: 2.33 pounds
    • Package Dimensions LxWxH: 0.4 x 0.19 x 0.81 inches

    Animal Repellent Concentrate - 32 Ounces Repels-All

    Similar to the companies discussed above, Repels-All also realized the effectiveness of using only natural ingredients. Therefore, their remedies do not contain chemicals and other toxic ingredients. However, despite this fact, it is not recommended to use the deterrents by Repel-All indoors or apply them to the vegetables and fruits.

    This animal spray concentrate is available in one size only — 32 ounce. The principle of its action is straightforward: the ingredients that the product contains irritates the nasal passages of animals, so they try to avoid it. The most significant advantage of the remedy is the long-lasting effect.

    you only start to use this possum control remedy, it is sufficient to apply it once a week, and the effect can last up to 2 months. You should only reapply the deterrent after the rain. By the way, the repellent also protects your properties and plants a year around.

    Pros:Cons:
    • Long-lasting effect;
    • Natural ingredients;
    • Affordable price.
    • You can’t use it indoors.

    4. Shake-Away All Natural Deer & Large Animal Repellent: Safe for Cats Possum Repellent

    Shake-Away is one of the oldest and the most experienced companies that operate on the repellent market. The company only specializes in the manufacturing of outdoor remedies that were made from non-toxic and natural ingredients.

    Moreover, the brand also has its research center that does the surveys and develops the patents. Shake-Away is one of the few companies that test products responsibly, collect customer reviews, and work on the continuous repellents improvements.

    This animal repellent is one of the best deterrents against non-domesticated animals. Moreover, as it contains the natural ingredients, the repellent is completely safe for your home pets like cats. You can notice the result after the first application. One of the disadvantages is that the company does not produce a large number of this deterrent; therefore, it is hard to buy the item.

    Pros:Cons:
    • Natural ingredients;
    • Safe for home animals;
    • You can notice the result after the first use.
    • Not intended for indoor use;
    • Hard to buy.

    5. Clever Sprouts Dog Cat Repellent: The Best Ultrasonic Possum Deterrent

    No products found.

    Clever Sprouts s the innovation-based company that produces modern tools for the kitchen and garden. When the company was created, its founders decided that the main mission is to create products that will not harm the environment and will stimulate people’s interest in healthy food.

    That is why, in their assortment, in addition to ultrasonic repellers, you can also find bean sprouts machines or seed sprouts. Clever Sprouts company has its small innovation department that is always looking for new ideas and ways on how to improve the existing product line.

    This ultrasonic best possum repellent is completely harmless for all animals and people. It emits sound at a special frequency, which does not harm living organisms, but simply scares them away from your home. This dog cat repellent can be used all-year-around no matter whether it is raining or snowing outdoors. Moreover, the company’s employees have also taken care of the ease of use and installation. Therefore, in the package, you will find detailed instructions on how to use the repellent.

    Pros:Cons:
    • Eco-friendly;
    • Easy to install and use;
    • Weatherproof.
    • Quite expensive.

    A Buyer’s Guide and FAQ

    possum-on-hands

    Here, we will learn about opossums more. For this, I have gathered the most popular questions that people used to ask me. I hope you will find this information useful.

    How to choose the right possum repellent?

    As you could have noticed from the previous sections, there are several ways to get rid of possums. The first approach is to use the taste repellents; the second way is to apply smell deterrents; finally, you can also use the ultrasonic tools. No matter what you choose, I hope that the products will be eco-friendly and not harm animals. Besides this classification, you can also divide all repellents into three other groups:

    • Sprays;
    • Granules;
    • Ultrasonic.

    In truth, it’s not so important which product you buy from a particular group; its quality and effectiveness are much more important. The only thing that can affect your choice is the application method. For example, a spray must be applied to the surface.

    By the way, do not forget to purchase some special suit for working with such substances and try not to inhale the substance. You can sprinkle granules on the ground. It is very important to wear gloves. Finally, to use ultrasonic instruments, it is enough to install and configure everything only once. It is their main advantage since sprays and granules must be reapplied.

    Therefore, you can follow my checklist while purchasing the repellent:

    1. Firstly, check the company name, explore what it manufactures. My recommendation is to choose the brands that are specialized in deterrent producing;
    2. Secondly, check the ingredients: try to use only natural products;
    3. Thirdly, consider the price and the delivery option.

    Using these steps, you increase your chances to find the best possum deterrent!

    Related Post: How to Trap a Possum

    How to repel possums?

    playing-possum-at-night

    It is important to know a possum`s lifestyle and characteristics to repel it effectively. In fact, a lot of people do not even know how these pests look and can’t identify them. I had a situation when my friend complained to me that she had a possum in the house, which led to an active daily life. Immediately after this phrase, I realized that no matter who interfered with her life, but this was definitely not a possum. They are ardent adherents of a nocturnal lifestyle.

    External characteristics of possums are body length 7–50 cm, tail 4–55 cm. The muzzle is elongated and pointed. The tail, whole or only at the end, is bare. The body is covered with short, thick fur, which color varies from gray and yellowish-brown to black.

    Opossums are usually activated during twilight and are active all night. They are omnivores, love to eat fruits, vegetables, and even insects. Already only based on this paragraph, we can conclude that possums should be caught at night, and also try to remove garbage and food from the yard, so as not to attract them.

    As soon as you find the place where possums live, then follow the steps below:

    1. Do a spring cleaning;
    2. Get a remedy for possums;
    3. Apply it;
    4. Wait for the result. If there is no, then contact a special service.

    FAQ: Short answers on big questions about possums

    When I wrote this article, I got the impression that my readers can get a little confused with so much new information about possums and deterrents, so I added this section to structure your knowledge about the opossums’ lifestyle and effective ways to get rid of them.

    Can possums climb fences?

    chainsaw-saw-tool-power-cutting-tree-branch

    Yes, of course! They can climb fences and trees. By the way, I am often asked: “How do I get a possum out of my roof?”, and my first recommendation in such situations is to cut tree branches that can lead them to your roof. However, you should remember that possums are not cats or monkeys so you will not notice amazing tricks on the fences.

    What are possums scared of?

    So, what repels possums? Here are two main things that can scare opossums. The first one is water. Therefore, if you pour the water near your plants, most probably, you will never see opossums there. The nest thing that scares possums is light. Remember, I have mentioned that they like living in the dark?

    What do possum eat?

    possum-eat-cats-food

    Opossums are omnivores, so they eat many different plants and animals, including carcasses of animals that have been killed by a car or abandoned by other predators. Their diet often consists of herbs, nuts, fruits, seeds, and grains.

    They prey on snakes, rodents, snails, frogs, insects, birds, worms, and slugs. In addition, possums are scavengers because they like to rummage through garbage bins or containers in search of leftover food.

    What attracts possum to your property?

    Since possums are omnivores, they are primarily attracted to food and garbage. The next important factor is the various buildings and structures where they can build their “houses”. Especially, they like to live under the barns and home foundation.

    Possums: Is There a Solution to This Problem?

    The answer to this question will be clearly positive. Do not forget that they are known vectors of diseases and can also damage your buildings. That is why, as soon as you find them on the territory of your property, then immediately buy repellents and deterrents.

    As we discussed above, there are three main types: sprays, granules, and ultrasonic. Remember that the remedy type is not so important as the product’s quality. And do not be afraid to contact special services if you can’t get the possums out yourself. Have you had to fight these animals? Share your experience in the comments below.

    References:

    • Opossums (Didelphis virginianus) (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife):
      https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/didelphis-virginianus
    • Learn about opossums (Commonwealth of Massachusetts):
      https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-opossums
    • How do I get a possum out of my roof? (NSW Government):
      https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/possum-removal-roof
  • How to Trap Possum: Expert Tips and Tricks

    How to Trap Possum: Expert Tips and Tricks

    Do you know that opossums are the only marsupials that live in North America? Yes, they are the brothers of kangaroos. Despite their lovely appearance, possums are really dangerous for your house. That’s why you need to think about how to trap possum once you just noticed it in the yard.

    Most people mistakenly believe that they are easy to remove, as possums are not insects: these animals are relatively big in size so you will have no problem spotting them in time. Moreover, possums do not reproduce so quickly as insects. Nevertheless, they are not harmless.

    Opossums can adapt to different environments very fast, and all that stealing from the rubbish bin and digging in the yard can cause you lots of troubles! Therefore, today, I want to discuss how to get possums out of the house.

    [wpsm_titlebox title=”How to Trap Possum” style=”main”]
    1. Survey your property for damage.
    2. Find the Nest.
    3. Set a Possum Trap. Buy gloves before using the trap. Be sure to check the trap at least once a day, or preferably twice.
    4. Put a Possum Bait in the Trap.
    5. Move the possum to its natural environment.
    [/wpsm_titlebox]

    Detailed Guide and FAQ on Catching Possums

    possum between branches

    Why do you need to get yourself opossum traps? How to define whether you have an opossum in the yard? What are the potential dangers the animal can create? In this section, I will answer these and more questions.

    Before we start, I want to give you one useful advice: try to read section by section, do not skip them as I wrote quite a short informative guide and put only the necessary information in it. Let’s start!

    Possums Identification

    Surprisingly, a lot of people do not know how opossums look, as such, they cannot identify when their home yard is infected by this animal. If you are among those people, after a couple of minutes, you will close this gap.

    Possums Identification

    Color: the color varies from grey and yellow-brown to black. Most often, one opossum has several colors.

    Body size and shape: possums are small marsupials. Their body size varies from 7 to 50 centimeters without a tail, with it — from 11 to 105 centimeters. The muzzle is elongated and pointed. The whole body is covered with short hair.

    What they eat: as I have mentioned above, opossums can adapt to different environments very fast. One of the reasons is their ability to eat various foods, including insects, crops, etc. Opossums are omnivores.

    Behavior: opossums are most active at night. Most of all they are known for pretending to be dead. There is even such an expression: “playing possum.” Such a skill often saves their life. At some point, the animal may fall motionlessly, while the eyes become glassy, and foam out of the mouth.

    Moreover, the smell emanating from the possum will not be very pleasant as well, indicating that the animal is dead. However, this is nothing more than a game.

    Potential Possums Dangers

    The scary possum.

    Opossums are nocturnal animals that prefer to sleep in the afternoon. Therefore, they are not so dangerous for your children or home pets. In addition, possums are aloof and docile. Usually, they avoid confrontations and do not bite people.

    However, sometimes they can behave differently, the animal becomes aggressive and may bite painfully. This happens when something or someone threatens their life. Apart from that, possums can damage your building structures pretty badly.

    It is impossible to get rabies from possums since they have a very low body temperature, which is unsuitable for the virus. However, possums carry other infections (tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, etc.)

    What Do Possums Like to Eat

    Opossums are omnivores, meaning that they can eat whatever they find. These animals have a unique digestive system that can digest all organics and find beneficial substances in them. The possum diet includes insects, worms, and various carrion.

    In addition, possums eat fruits and vegetables. By the way, if you notice a possum in your yard, do not worry about the orchard and your fruit harvest, these animals eat only rotten food.

    Some possums may even eat snakes. In order to survive, their body has learned to withstand even the poison of snakes. However, this does not apply to all possums, but only to some species.

    How to Trap Possum (Step-By-Step Guide)

    At this point, you already know what possums look like, whether they are dangerous, and what these animals prefer for dinner. Now, it is time to know how to trap a possum in your yard. Read very carefully, follow the steps below, and you can do it easy and fast.

    Step 1: Survey your property for damage

    First of all, you need to find the damages left by the possum. This information will be in handy when the time for you to create a possum trap bait comes. Knowing the animal’s path, you can move on to the second step.

    Step 2: Find the Nest

    Although the most favorite living place for possums is open fields or open areas near the stream, they can also live in brush piles, tree crevices, or areas beneath steps. I recommend you to check these places to find the nest.

    Step 3: Set a Possum Trap

    There are different approaches to trap an opossum. As the best way to catch a possum, I always recommend setting a trap. You can try to do it by yourself or to ask for help from an expert. Usually, the trap measures about 20 inches, and you should place it along the animal’s path. That is why in the first step I asked you to find the damages.

    Step 4: Put a Possum Bait in the Trap

    How to attract possums to your trap? For this, you should put some food inside the trapping box. It can be fish, vegetables, or fruits.

    Step 5: Possum Trapping

    There are specialized boxes that were designed for trapping possums. These are traps that automatically close as soon as the possum enters them.

    What to Do With a Trapped Possum

    the opossum into the trap

    Now you know how to catch a possum in your house, but what should you do after that? I will say right away that killing an animal is an extreme measure. In addition, in most states, the possession of possums is prohibited. What you should do is to relocate them to a natural environment. But before that, make sure that you have not caught a mother opossum.

    Also, do not forget about the trap. It should be safe for the animal. Make sure to check it at least once a day, but it’s better to do it twice. And it is recommended for you to buy the gloves prior to using the trap as the opossums can spread diseases.

    Quick FAQ Section

    Here, I selected four of the most popular questions about possums and their trapping. As in the previous section, I have already covered the most questions in detail; here, I provide you with short answers.

    How to Set a Possum Trap?

    First of all, you should buy a steel cage and put it in the place where the opossum appears frequently. Attract them by preparing possum trap food. As possums are omnivores, any type of food will work.

    How to Catch a Possum Without a Trap?

    There are two other possible ways to trap a possum. The first one is to use various chemicals: possum repellents, sprinkler systems, etc. The second method is the fencing.

    How Smart Are Possums?

    One of the reasons why the government is caring for possums is that they are quite smart animals. In addition to the ability to play the dead, they also have a sharp memory. Especially, if it is related to the food.

    What Size Should Be a Possum Trap?

    It all depends on the possum size. The average length is about 20 inches, but it can be 10 and 35 inches too.

    Top 3 Best Possums Traps

    If you are looking for the possum traps, then this section is for you. Based on my experience, I selected three of the best opossum traps. So, keep on reading.

    1. Havahart 1045 Two-Door Humane Possum Trap — TOP Pick

    Specifications:

    • Material: Alloy Steel
    • Special Features: Maximum resistance to rust and corrosion
    • Item Weight: 12.8 Pounds
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 36 x 10 x 12 inches
    • Target Species: Groundhog, Armadillo, Cat, Raccoon, Opossum

    Two-Door Humane Possum Trap

    Havahart company is one of the leading manufacturers of animal traps. Besides this, they also produce and sell electronic and animal repellents. There are several animals on which the company is focused. Among them are chipmunks, groundhogs, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, etc.

    On the company’s official site, you can find a convenient browsing mechanism that allows you to filter the products by animals.

    This large trap suits for large opossums, as it has quite a big dimensions: 32x10x12 (all in inches). The cage is made of steel, and it is actually resistant to corrosion or rust. In addition, the trap by Havahart is completely safe for possums as the trigger rod is located outside.

    Pros:Cons:
    • safe for animals;
    • big sizes;
    • high-quality steel.
    • quite expensive;
    • it is not shipped to all countries and regions.

    2. OxGord Live Animal Trap — Designed for Large Possums

    Specifications:

    • Material: Metal
    • Color: Silver
    • Item Weight: 8 Pounds
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12 x 12 x 32 inches
    • Target Species: Chipmunk, Gopher, Cat, Beaver, Raccoon, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk, Mole

    OxGord Live Animal Trap Designed for Large Possums

    The OxGord Live Animal Trap has even more dimensions than the previous one. But before we move on, I want to tell you several words about the company and the brand. OxGord is quite a popular company but it does not specialize in animal controls like Havahart does. This brand produces many other products, such as vehicle covers, shock absorbers, and so on.

    Despite such a wide specialization, all products are surprisingly high-quality and last for a long time. This animal trap is not an exception. Made from high-quality steel, it is resistant to rust and completely safe for opossums. The trap has smooth internal edges that cannot damage the animal.

    As I have already mentioned above, the trap is slightly bigger than the previous one: the dimensions are 32x12x12 (in inches).

    Pros:Cons:
    • does not damage the animals;
    • durable;
    • rust-resistant.
    • it is sold very fast;
    • it is not shipped to all countries and regions.

    3. HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap — Can Be Used to Trap Other Animals

    Specifications:

    • Material: Alloy Steel
    • Style: 32″ w/Iron Door
    • Item Weight: 9.3 Pounds
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 12.5 x 12 inches
    • Target Species: Groundhog, Armadillo, Rat, Rabbit, Chipmunk, Weasel, Gopher, Cat, Raccoon, Chicken, Vole, Opossum, Skunk, Mole

    HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap

    HomGaren sells various products for gardens, fitness, and home, including animal traps. Similar to the traps described above, it is made from high-quality steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion.

    This cage can be used not only for possums but also for other animals, including squirrels, moles, chicken, skunks, and so on. It has sensitive triggers that provide a quick door closing without damaging the animal.

    The cage can also be used for large animals that you want to relocate, not kill. By the way, do not forget to buy a big napkin that you should put on the cage when the animal is trapped and always wear gloves!

    Pros:Cons:
    • sensitive door triggers;
    • suits different animals;
    • rust-resistant steel mesh.
    • it is not shipped to all countries and regions;
    • quite expensive.

    Summing Up

    I hope that my article will be useful for you and you will successfully get rid of possums!Remember that they are quite smart animals and can adapt to various environmental conditions. In the comments box, I want you to tell me about your opossum’s experience. What did you do?

    Did you kill the animal or relocate it? Where did the possum live? Leave your answers below.

    References:

    • Opossum (Suny College of Environmental Science and Forestry):
      https://www.esf.edu/aec/adks/mammals/opossum.htm
    • Caring for possums (Northern Territory Government):
      https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/caring-for-wildlife/caring-for-possums
  • How to Get Rid of Possums: Effective Opossum Removal Methods

    How to Get Rid of Possums: Effective Opossum Removal Methods

    Possums and opossums seem to be cute and quite friendly when you see them in pictures. But, when they get on your territory and spoil the harvest or even settle inside your apartment, they don’t look that cute anymore.

    Looking for a food source, possums can damage your crops, trees, as well as feed on your leftovers, making complete chaos while turning the trash bin over. If you faced such a small but rather disturbing problem, let me help you. As a pest consultant and exterminator, I can give you some useful advice.

    How to Determine a Possum?

    Possum in the wild

    The possums are small marsupial mammals that look like rodents. The first representatives of this species appeared in the Cretaceous period, which is about 100 million years ago, and have not changed significantly since then. The appearance of a possum is very similar to a rat.

    Possums can be confused with rats and mice due to their narrow muzzles and long bare tails, which also work like animal’s fifth paw. Because possums live on the trees, their tails help them to move around and cling to branches.

    The possum itself is a relatively large animal. The length of its body is up to 45 centimeters, and another 30-32 takes the tail. The female individual has a bag on its stomach to carry the cubs like a kangaroo. A newborn possum is born completely blind and weighs only 5 grams. The mother carries its offspring in a bag for 60 days until it is strong enough.

    Pregnancy in possums lasts only a couple of weeks, or rather up to 13 days. They can bring up to 25 cubs for once. From the age of two months, cubs travel on their mother’s back, holding on to their fur.

    Possums are omnivores like humans. They eat everything, including fruits (for example, grapes or plums), seeds, cereals (corn, etc.), and smaller rodents or other pests. Various lizards, frogs, snails, slugs, and worms are also on their menu. But their favorite yums are birds, their eggs, and crabs.

    A big opossum

    Since possums are nocturnal animals, they are more active at night. In the afternoon, possums sleep in hollows of trees or other shelters. The animals live in small groups with up to seven adults and babies of the current breeding season. A dominant male marks the territory to scare other possums away.

    Strangers with a different smell are expelled from their territory. Opossums do not like cold weather. Therefore, in rainy or windy weather, their activity is limited. Animals become inactive and hibernate most of the time. This way of life allows them to save energy during the winter season as the possibility of obtaining food is decreased.

    From my own experience, I can tell that possums are very smart creatures, and catching them is not so easy. Did you hear the ‘play possum’ phrase? This is actually the possum’s favorite game. The creature pretends to be dead. These animals not only imitate the death with their appearance, but they also emit the smell of a corpse.

    Possums vs Opossums: Is There a Difference?

    Possums and opossums are different mammals, although together they belong to the infraclass of marsupials. It is more suitable to call possums all species of the Couscous family that live in Australia, New Guinea, and a number of islands in Oceania. Opossums are the species of the possum family that mostly live in America.

    The Brushtail possum

    The name confusion arose from James Cook’s expedition a long time ago. His biologist described the Australian animal he saw as the one from the possum family, but the words ‘possum’ and ‘opossum’ are applied with equal success to both American and Australian mammals.

    The main feature of the possum is a thin membrane, stretching along the sides of the body from the wrist to the ankle. When the possum jumps, the membrane stretches and forms an aerodynamic surface. This allows the animal to go a distance of up to fifty meters.

    By stretching or pulling the membrane, possum regulates the direction of its flight. Possum males mark the territory with odorous glands located on the chest, forehead, and back of the body. Males are distinguished from females by a small bald spot on their forehead, in the place where the gland is located. Females have a bag that is designed for carrying offspring.

    Potential Possums Dangers

    Like I’ve already stated, the possums are omnivores, so they eat many different plants and animals. Their diet often consists of herbs, nuts, fruits, seeds, and grains. Small rodents, birds, frogs, insects, worms, snails, slugs, and snakes can also become possum’s lunch or dinner.

    In addition, possums are scavengers, as they like to delve into trash cans or containers in search of leftover food. Possums also eat corpses of animals that have been killed by a car or abandoned by other predators. Because they eat insects, slugs, and snails, possums are considered useful animals for gardens.

    They also help to control the population of rats and cockroaches that they compete with for food. In fact, sometimes, possums kill their competitors fighting for food.

    The possum is one of North America’s most bloodthirsty animals. Farmers hate possums with fierce hatred because they raid poultry houses where they kill a huge number of birds. Therefore, the appearance of a possum endangers both your garden and household.

    How to Inspect for Possums Signs

    To determine whether you’re dealing with possum problems, you have to check on your property very attentively. Keep in mind that possums are mostly inactive in the daytime, so you probably won’t notice them until the night comes.

    But that doesn’t mean you have to wait till the possum comes into your bed. Inspect your kitchen, pantry, and any other room where you have food or plants. The possum is unlikely to get inside your fridge, but it can climb into the leftovers.

    There were also cases when people found possums in their bedrooms. So, be careful and don’t be afraid of a possum attack. The possum won’t fight a predator that is bigger than itself.

    two possums eating

    How to Get Rid of Possums: a Step-By-Step Guide

    How to catch a possum in the house? This question has several answers, but you can use this universal guide.

    Step 1: Survey Your Property for Damage

    Whether you’re getting rid of possums in the garden or trying to catch a possum in the house, the first thing you have to do is to find signs of its activity. Inspect your house and yard carefully. Pay attention to the plants and livestock (chickens, pigeons, etc).

    The possum feasts on their eggs and birds as well. In addition, the possum can be feeding on your food leftovers, so check on the garbage cans and bins to see whether the animal visited your house.

    Step 2: Find the Nest

    possum nest

    Possums are loners, but female individuals are the most active when they carry their cubs. They need to feed their offspring, so they are looking for constant food sources. After you inspected your house and yard, decide on where the possum is most likely to settle.

    If it damaged your garden, look for the pest outside. The possum has probably built its nest near the source of food. Therefore, if you found possum signs inside, inspect all of the cracks and corners in the house.

    Possums can settle in attics, under floors, under the porch, and in the garden (on trees, see the picture above). Sometimes, their activity is destructive, and they scatter garbage all over your site, so you can easily find their location.

    Step 3: Bait the Possum

    If you still haven’t found a possum’s location, arrange some bait traps for it. Get some of its favorite yums (eggs are the best option) and put them on possible possum routes along with a cage trap. Make sure to check it every day.

    Best Possums Trap

    Step 4: Develop a Treatment Plan

    To develop a treatment plan, you need to consider whether you have to scare possums away from your house or garden. There are many products to deal with possums both inside and outside. Some of them are cruelty-free and humane, while others can kill the animals.

    Remember that Australian and US laws have different regulations for possum/opossum killing. It’s better to check your official state site for specific information.

    My advice is to use several effective methods at once to scare the possums away. Consider using baits, traps, natural ingredients, electronic ultrasonic repellers, or choose high-quality opossum repellents.

    Best Possums Control Remedies

    In this section, I’m going to tell you about some products I and my fellows used for possum control. The list is made in random order, so don’t consider one product to be better than another. These products will help you if you search for how to repel possums methods, choosing a possum bait, and other treatments.

    1. Duke Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap – the Best Possums Trap

    Specifications:

    • Material: Alloy Steel
    •  With a bait hatch door
    • Item Weight: ‎0.05 Pounds
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30 x 12 x 12 inches
    • Target Species: Possum, Armadillo, Cat, Raccoon

    Duke Traps Large

    One of the simplest ways to get rid of a possum is to catch it with a special trap. If you are against animal cruelty, I recommend you to consider the Duke Humane Animal Trap.

    The trap itself is a cage with a simple mechanism. Put cardboard at the bottom so that the possum’s paws do not fall between the ribs of the cage. Once the animal gets inside, the door will close, you can take it out, and let the possum free. The cage has smooth details, so the pest won’t get injured.

    How to use: Put some food inside and use the trap according to the instructions.

    Pros:Cons:
    • totally safe and humane way of possum removal;
    • made of durable material, so you can use it for many years if needed;
    • simple working mechanism.
    • it might be a bit pricey.

    2. One of Best Possums Repellents: Bonide Chemical Co 239 037321002390 Shot Gun Rtu Animal Repellent

    Specifications:

    • Active Ingredients: Garlic, Dried Blood, Whole Egg Solids, Clove, Fish Oil, Onion and Wintergreen
    • Yield: One quart will yield 2 gallons of finished spray; One gallon will yield 8 gallons of finished spray
    • Item Weight: 2.33 pounds‎
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 0.4 x 0.19 x 0.81 inches
    • Target Species: Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Dogs, Cats, Raccoons, Porcupines, Armadillos, Birds, Rats, Mice, Beaver, Ground hogs, Skunks, Voles, Moles and Shrews

    Repellents are one of the safest ways to keep rodents and possums away from your property. The ingredients used in Bonide Chemical Animal Repellent are safe for both humans and pets, but the effect is amazing.

    The repellent affects possum’s nasal mucous, and acts like a trigger that scares these pests away. The Bonide product is also safe for the garden and your house; therefore, you can use one gallon to process the whole territory.

    How to use: Just pour the repellent around the perimeter of your garden and house for the best effect.

    Pros:Cons:
    • made with safe and non-toxic ingredients;
    • doesn’t spoil the soil of the garden;
    • works for different kinds of animals.
    • the effect may disappear after the rain.

    3. Organic Possum Repellent: Shake Away 2852228 Fox Urine Granules

    Specifications:

    • Active Ingredients: Fox Urine 5%
    • Item Form: Granules
    • Item Weight: 2.08 pounds
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4 x 4 x 9 inches
    • Target Species: Rabbits, Groundhogs, Possums and other small animals

    Shake Away Fox Urine Granules

    This product works on the basis of the predator-prey relationship. Shake Away Fox Urine Granules is a natural repellent that scares away small pests like possums, mice, and rabbits. Possums are genetically programmed to avoid territories that are marked by bigger predators. And foxes are the most common predators to haunt on opossums.

    How to use: Use the granules as directed in the instructions for the best effect.

    Pros:Cons:
    • natural repellent;
    • doesn’t get spoiled because of the weather;
    • scares away the rodents as well.
    • can’t be applied at home.

    4. Poison to Try: Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks

    Specifications:

    • Active Ingredients: Bromethalin 0.01%
    • Item Form: Bite, Chunks
    • Item Weight: 10.56 Ounces
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 19 x 16 x 9 inches
    • Target Species: Norway Rats, Roof Rats, Cotton Rats, Polynesian Rats, House Mice, Eastern Harvest Mice, Golden Mice, Meadow Voles

    Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks 8lbs

    Once again, before using lethal traps or poisons, I urge you to check information on your state’s official web resource to make sure whether you’re allowed to kill possums. Anyway, if you chose to take extreme measures, Farnam bait might be helpful in the battle for your territory.

    Bromadiolone is the active ingredient of the product, and it is what kills possums. The animal dies after eating only one dose of the poison.

    How to use: Use as a separate treatment or as a bait in the trap.

    Pros:Cons:
    • an effective treatment;
    • can be used with a trap;
    • one dose is enough to kill a possum immediately.
    • non-humane way to get rid of pests.

    5. Coon Gitter Bait: Best Possums Trap Bait

    Specifications:

    • Work great in traps
    • Item Form: Pellets
    • Item Weight: 12 ounces
    • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8 x 5 x 2 inches
    • Target Species: Mouse, Raccoon

    Another humane option to catch a possum. The Coon Gitter Bait was originally designed for luring raccoons, but the experience shows that it also works for smaller pests.

    For the best effect, I recommend using it with the cage trap. Put some bait inside the trap and catch the uninvited guest easily. The ingredients used for the product are safe and non-toxic for pests and pets as well.

    How to use: Put the stated amount of the bait inside the trap and wait until the animal comes for the smell of it.

    Pros:Cons:
    • safe for both outside and inside usage;
    • works amazingly together with a cage trap;
    • non-toxic bait.
    • it might be dangerous if you have small kids in the house.

    Possums Prevention

    These creatures are pretty smart, and getting rid of them may be a difficult task. High intelligence and dexterity allow possums to get to any feeding trough or to get deeply planted bulbs from the ground. Their strong paws help them to achieve any food they want.

    The easiest way to deal with possums is to prevent their appearance. It is much easier to control animals outside than trying to drive them out of your house. Therefore, you have to do everything so that possums won’t show up on your territory.

    To deter possums from your yard and apartment, you have to follow some simple rules.

    Eliminate Its Source of Food

    The only reason why possums have settled in your property is that they need food. You already know that these animals eat almost anything. So, make sure you got rid of insects, snakes, wood, dead plants, etc.

    Seal the Trash

    The most visible sign of possum activity on your lawn is the scattered garbage. Remember that possums do like to get into the trash bins to find treats, so you have to make sure your leftovers and other trash are safe from these pesky little destroyers.

    Seal the Trash

    Protect Your House

    Possums are likely to settle in the house attics. So, it is better to clean the attic and check whether there are materials that can be used to make a nest. You can also scatter the hair of pets. A constant smell of predator’s presence will frighten pests.

    If you can not cope with the possums, then just feed them. Make a special feeder and provide them with their favorite food. Set the feeders in open spaces, so the possums can easily find them, or sprinkle the seeds outside the area. The pests will remember where to find food and probably won’t bother you anymore.

    FAQ

    How Do Possums Get into Your House

    How Do Possums Get into Your House?

    They can get into the house through the window or the door. The risk increases if you have greenery around the house, since possums are likely to set in tree hollows. Be careful when you ventilate your rooms. To prevent possum appearance, consider getting special window grids.

    What Attracts Possums?

    Possums come to human residences in search of food. As you already know, possums eat everything, so it isn’t hard for them to find a treat in your house or backyard.

    How to Get a Possum Out of Your House?

    The best way is to catch the animal with a rodent or specially designed trap and let it out outside. If you don’t want to deal with it yourself, call your local pest agency and ask for opossum extermination help.

    How to Get Rid of Possums Naturally?

    Sometimes, to deter possums from yard or house is quite a complex task even for a professional. The thing is that possums are omnivorous, and they also can eat poisonous snakes, which makes them immune to almost anything. My advice to you is to keep your house and yard clean from trash, insects, and animal corpses.

    Is Possum Pest Control Effective?

    What to do with possums when they show up on your territory? They eat birds, eggs, spoil the grown vegetables, your favorite flowers in the garden, and turn everything upside down if they settle inside.

    The fight against possums is not a single day task; it takes time and patience. If you want to get rid of dependents forever, you have to mobilize your knowledge and start the battle immediately.

    What to do with a possum if you found it in your garden or house? The decision is up to you. In case you need more information on how to kill a possum and whether you’re allowed to do it, browse your state’s official source.

    In this guide, I’ve tried to give complete information on how to keep possums away from inside and outside the house using both humane and more radical methods.

    Still, maybe you have experience in getting rid of possums using other methods? I would like to know! Also, if you have any questions about opossum control, please let me know in the comments section below.

    References:

    • Damage by Possums Trichosurus Vulpecula to Farm Crops and Pasture(Victoria University of Wellington):
      http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Vic74Zool-t1-body-d4-d8.html
    • Cretaceous Period (Humboldt State University):
      https://natmus.humboldt.edu/exhibits/life-through-time/visual-timeline/cretaceous-period
    • Opossums vs. Possums? (Purdue University):
      https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/Pages/opossumPossum.aspx
    • A Guide to the Care and Use of Australian Native Mammals in Research and Teaching (National Health and Medical Research Council):
      http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=6E88DBD2FCB304BD110EF4C6D6094DE5?doi=10.1.1.676.1268&rep=rep1&type=pdf
    • What omnivores eat: direct e€ects of induced plant resistance on herbivores and indirect consequences for diet selection by omnivores (Journal of Animal Ecology):
      http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/agrawal/pdfs/2000/Corrine-2000.PDF
    • Possums and possum control; effects on lowland forest ecosystems (by I.A.E. Atkinson, D.J. Campbell, B.M. Fitzgerald, J.E.C. Flux, M.J. Meads):
      http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.515.9582&rep=rep1&type=pdf