how do i get rid of a possum in my garage

Making your garage an inhospitable environment for a possum may help your problem, so try:

• Making it uncomfortable for them. ...
• Block out entrances and exits so they can’t get in in the first place.
• Leave lights on, so they think that people are around.
• Use motion sensing lights that come on at the signs of movement, which may deter them.
• Keep the trash cans elsewhere. ...
• Keep any food stores or rubbish bins tightly sealed. ...

Full Answer

How do I attract possums to my yard?

Method 7: Use Attractive Scents To Attract Possums

• Some odors are particularly appealing to opossums.
• They are often attracted to cinnamon scents, so if you have any remaining in your yard, be prepared to welcome these animals.
• This is why most people who want to get rid of possums in their yards employ these aromas to attract them to baits.

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How to catch a possum in my yard?

“Opossum are not wary of traps and can easily be caught with a box or cage-type, live-catch trap. Traps should be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches in size and set along trails or known routes of travel. Fish-flavored canned cat food works well as trap bait but often attracts cats as well.

How to keep away possums from house, yard, attic?

Safety Considerations

1. Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes. ...
2. Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. Open holes provide easy access. ...
3. Apply a chemical repellent to your garden.

How do you get rid of possums in the backyard?

To also manage opossums in your yard, you can employ the following methods:

• Remove Food Sources – Pet food, trash cans, and gardens most often provide food for opossums. ...
• Eliminate Hiding Places – Opossums use existing nests or nest-like spaces for their dens rather than creating their own. ...
• Repellents – Several chemical repellents are on the market, generally in the form of granules or a spray. ...

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What is the fastest way to get rid of a possum?

STEP 1: Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes. ... STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. ... STEP 3: Apply a chemical repellent to your garden. ... STEP 3: Use electronic repellents to scare possums away.More items...•

What home remedy will get rid of possums?

Natural Methods for Repelling PossumsPet Fur – Opossums will avoid suspected predators, including a dog or cat. ... Ammonia – Fill a jar with a bit of ammonia and cut a hole in the jar's lid. ... Garlic – The scent and taste of garlic is sometimes successful in repelling opossums.More items...

How do you scare away a possum?

As mentioned, the possum has terrible eyesight, and so it will avoid light as much as possible because of the fact that it is at its most vulnerable during the daylight. Shining a bright light on it will cause it to move away from that light and away from your home.

What smells make possums go away?

Possums respond negatively to noxious odors. They abhor the smell of ammonia, garlic, and napthalene (chemical found in moth balls). They are also afraid of lights at night, and don't like to be wet.

What do possums hate most?

Natural possum deterrents affect differently their senses, and the most effective ones repel because of their smell, taste or both....Possums hate the taste of:Molasses.Garlic.Onion.Hot peppers.Hot sauce.Mustard.Quassia chips.Black tea.More items...•

How do you get a possum to move?

Most often, the opossum is frightened and will hold its ground and defend itself. Simply walk away and keep children and pets away. (Of course, you should make sure the opossum has not bitten any pet or person; if it has, contact your health department.) The opossum will move on when it feels safe.

Will a light keep a possum away?

Light. Possums like to operate under the cover of darkness, so anything that you can put in your garden that mimics the reflective eyes of a potential predator or lights up when they enter the garden should help scare them off.

What does it mean when a possum comes to your house?

A possum encounter may be a sign that you need to protect yourself and your family against bad energy or bad people who want to take advantage of you in some way. Spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation can sometimes provide significant protection.

What happens if you scare a possum?

Tolerance. Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. And if that doesn't work they play dead when really scared! If there is an opossum in the backyard, don't worry.

Do moth balls keep possums away?

Mothballs, designed to keep moths from chewing fabric that has been stored away, are also unappealing to possums. Fragrant mothballs or naphthalene crystals are best for encouraging possums to evacuate an enclosed area, such as underneath a porch or in a crawlspace.

Do mothballs stop possums?

No, mothballs and ammonia do not effectively repel opossums. Mothballs, ammonia, and a host of other repellents ultimately fail to scare opossums away for good.

What smell Possum doesn't like?

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.

Will vinegar get rid of opossum?

Fencing in or clearing out areas in which opossums can hide will eliminate many problems with these animals. If you know where they are hiding near your house, you can also place some rags soaked in apple cider vinegar near the area you see them- they dislike strong odors.

What attracts possums around your house?

They are attracted to overflowing or odorous trash cans, uncovered compost heaps or other containers that you may have outside. They like to set up their habitat near water or moist areas. If you live near a pond, drainage ditch or sewer, you're more likely to see opossums on your property.

Will moth balls keep possums away?

Mothballs, designed to keep moths from chewing fabric that has been stored away, are also unappealing to possums. Fragrant mothballs or naphthalene crystals are best for encouraging possums to evacuate an enclosed area, such as underneath a porch or in a crawlspace.

What foods do possums hate?

Garlic has many health benefits to humans but can cause irritations to insects and some mammal pests. It contains organosulfur compounds which is its active ingredient. Possums hate the smell so you can use it to deter them.

Are Possums Dangerous Animals?

Are they dangerous? To be more specific, should you worry about them potentially being rabid?

Why do you need gloves for possum traps?

Possums may be able to detect your scent on the trap or the bait if you don’t use the gloves. You need the gloves to keep the possum from getting suspicious.

How to get possum out of garage?

You’ll need to trap the possum in your garage in order to get it out of there. Use a sturdy trap and place something sweet inside of it like fruit or some peanut butter on bread. After trapping the possum, contact animal control in your area so that it can be safely relocated.

How long does it take for a possum to take bait?

It’s now time to play the waiting game. The possum may take the bait right away or it could be hours before it starts to move. However, if you ensured the possum has nowhere else to go, it will likely enter the trap sooner rather than later.

What to do after a possum trap?

You could be found in violation of the law if you released a trapped possum without permission. What you want to do after trapping the possum is to contact the local animal control. Tell them about the situation and request their assistance. They can tell you how to relocate the possum properly.

Why are possums afraid of humans?

Possums are more afraid of us than we are afraid of them. Because of that, they feel the need to hide and lurk in the shadows as they approach homes.

How to keep possums out of your house?

Use appropriate sealing items or screens to cover the small openings. Keep your home so closed off that the possum will have no other choice than to look elsewhere for food.

What Scent Keeps Possums Away?

Possums really don’t like chili. You can sprinkle a little chili powder around where they get in, to deter them from entering.

What Home Remedy Will Get Rid Of Possums?

If you have a possum problem but you don’t want to resort to inhumane methods of getting rid of them, never fear! There are home remedies that can rid you of these pests:

How to get rid of possums in the garden?

Set up children’s spinning pinwheels around the garden. They will move in the wind and startle the possum away.

What is the best deterrent for possums?

Ammonia is another good possum deterrent; it’s not the most pleasant smell for us humans either, but it should keep the critters out of your space.

How to make possums think there are predators?

Invest in a cat silhouette, that can be placed around your garden and make possums think that there are predators.

How to keep possums away from my house?

Keep the trash cans elsewhere. Although it may be inconvenient, keeping your rubbish away will help deter the possums.

What is a possum?

Possums are territorial creatures, and the sight or smell of other mammals about the place will give them pause for thought.

How to tell if a possum is a nocturnal animal?

Because possums are mostly nocturnal animals, damage will mainly be done at night. One of the most obvious signs of a possum infestation is their droppings. These droppings are large with slightly pointed ends and resemble dog droppings. You will also want to look for damaged storage bins.

How to get rid of opossums in my house?

You also want to make sure they do not leave the basement and enter your home. Because of this, competing food sources need to be removed. Keep your trash sealed in trash bags and stored outside in bins with a lid.

How big are possums?

Possums are generally 20 to 36 inches long. They have gray fur and a white face with a long, hairless tail. They normally weigh between 4 and 15 pounds and are intelligent animals. An opossum will "play dead" when they are threatened. The animal will look - and even smell - like they are dead.

How to release a possum in a live trap?

Once you have captured a possum in your live trap, check your local authorities to make sure you are correctly relocating the animal. Approach the trap slowly and use a gentle voice. Place a towel over the cage to avoid frightening the possum.

What happens when you have a cold in your garage?

When cold weather arrives, your garage might become home to an opossum. These pests are usually found digging through your trash, but they may find an entry point to your garage. An opossum will not only disturb your sleep at night and leave droppings in your garage, but they can also cause damage to your foundation.

What do opossums eat?

An opossum is a scavenger and mainly feeds on carcasses and plants, but they are adaptable and will also consume small animals, insects, and sweet foods. Take caution when approaching or handling this animal. They are great climbers and are able to swim.

Where to inspect for possums?

Where to Inspect. Possums are most likely in your basement looking for shelter. If you have any clutter or storage bins in your garage, they are most likely near these particular spots. Search the corners and crevices of the garage as well.

What are possums in a garage?

Possums are animals that, upon their invasion to your garage or home in general, will cause you so many disturbances. First and foremost, you will have sleepless nights from all the noise they make as they rummage through things in the garage.

How to close a possum trap?

Once the possum gets into the trap, it will then step on a panel found on the trap’s floor. The panel lifts and activates the trap to close. Make sure you try out the trap to test its functionality. Turn the lights off and make sure all entry points are closed. Frequently check to inspect if the possum has been trapped. When it gets trapped, cover the trap with a blanket and carefully remove the trap and take the possum to a suitable location as per the local laws and guidelines. Carefully open the trap and allow the possum to leave.

How to keep possums from getting into traps?

When the possum gets trapped, take action immediately to ensure the possum is not trapped for more than a day .

Why are possums dangerous?

Possums are dangerous animals when provoked, and that’s why they should be evacuated from the home environment immediately after they are spotted. They can transmit diseases such as Leptospirosis, Tuberculosis, Coccidiosis, and other diseases to pets and people. Moreover, possums may act as hosts for ticks and fleas that may later infest your pets.

How do possums survive?

Possums possess various behavioral adaptations to ensure their survival. They can play dead when they sense danger by slowing down their breathing rate. They also become stiff and salivate in some other instances, creating a not-so-appealing scene to scare away the predator. They can also excrete waste that has an unpleasant odor to scare you away. Worst of all, they can fake death.

Why do people use garages?

Other individuals may use their garages to store garbage and food debris as they await disposition. The existence of these items in the garage forms the suitable pathways for possums to find shelter in the garages when the outside weather is not favorable.

Do possums move?

Possums are not aggressive, and when they sense danger, they may pretend to be dead. When they feel threatened, their body will involuntarily hobble and refuse to move. If you encounter a possum that looks lifeless, do not try to poke it or cause it any injury.

How to set a humane trap?

When the possum follows the bait and walks far enough in, the animal steps on a panel located on the trap floor. The panel raises and triggers the door to close. Test the trap a few times to make sure it properly works.

How to keep possums out of garage?

Turn off the garage lights and close the doors. Stay out of the garage except to check the trap. Go back and check the trap often, especially if the temperature outside is extremely hot or cold. It is not humane to leave the possum trapped for long, especially if it's a nursing mother. Advertisement.

How to get rid of possum in a trap?

Immediately take the animal to a proper location per local laws. Carefully open the trap and stand back, allowing for the possum to exit the trap.

What do you need to catch a possum?

Things You'll Need. Large cage trap. Tuna, peanut butter, dog food or cat food. Blanket. Possums are scavengers that have climbing abilities. Possums are small to mid-sized, and they usually are brown or gray. These marsupials are nocturnal. Your garage may attract a possum if it is searching for shelter. If it finds a constant food source inside, ...

What to use to bait a sand trap?

Bait the trap. Tuna, peanut butter, dog food or cat food work well. Make a path with the bait that leads from the back of the trap--ahead of the panel trigger--to a couple feet out in front of the trap.

Do possums eat dog food?

If it finds a constant food source inside, it may be difficult to get the animal to leave. Possums aren't picky eaters; they eat fruit, veggies, nuts and garden produce. They also dine on dog food, cat food and garbage when they find it.

Who is Kayar Sprang?

Kayar Sprang has been a professional freelance writer and researcher since 1999. She has had articles published by clients like Kraft Foods, "Woman's Day" magazine and Mom Junction. Sprang specializes in subjects she has expertise in, including gardening and home improvement. She lives on and maintains a multi-acre farm.

What is the smell of garlic and ammonia?

Ammonia and garlic are scents that possums tend to flee from. If using ammonia, pour a small amount of ammonia into a coffee can with a lid. Place a rag inside the ammonia and bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid. The rag will act as a wick to disperse the fumes.

What is a MMPC?

MMPC, Pest Control Specialist. Our Expert Agrees: Most pests are looking for a safe place to eat that also has an abundant food source. If you're leaving food out for other animals like stray cats, it's more likely that possums are eating the food. Eliminate the food sources to remove your possum problem.

How to get rid of possums in my yard?

2. Scatter dog or cat fur in the areas that possums frequent. Collect pet hair after brushing your dog or cat. Place the hair in small mesh bags and hang them or scatter them around areas at which possums frequently gather. The smell of a potential predator might be enough to deter many possums from hanging around.

How to get rid of possums in crawlspace?

1. Get a live-holding cage trap. If you have possums in your crawlspaces, such as your roof or under your house, you may need to physically remove them. Get a live-holding trap from a big-box home improvement store or from an online retailer. Live-holding traps capture possums without hurting or killing them.

How to keep possums out of trash?

Prevent possums from getting into your trash. Keep the lid of your garbage cans closed by securing it with bungee cords, chains, ropes, or weights. You could also buy garbage cans with lids that have clamps to keep them on.

Which is better, motion activated or water sprinkler?

Motion-activated sprinklers tend to be slightly more effective than motion-activated lights. Lights are enough to frighten away skittish possums that are afraid of humans, but water sprinklers work better with possums that are a little more mature and a little harder to startle.

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wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 33 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

Why do opossums smell?

Because they can transmit a variety of diseases to people and pets , it is important to address any opossum issue promptly.

How to tell if an opossum is eating your food?

Taking the above clothing precautions, choose a time to walk throughout your property and look for any signs of opossums. First, look at your trash cans and see if it looks like they’ve been tampered with or any trash has been taken out. If so, this is most likely the source of the food they’re getting from your property. Next, look for signs of scratching along the outside of your house. These are signs that the opossum could be looking for a way inside to get to more food. Also keep an eye out for droppings, which can be as large as cat droppings.

What is the best way to repel opossums?

Chemical Repellents: Chemical opossum repellents are available in stores and online, usually in spray or granule form. These very pungent products even be as foul-smelling as the opossums’ own odor. Therefore, these are best to use around the perimeter of your property, away from doors and windows where the smell could waft inside.

How to tell if an opossum is in your house?

Using a flashlight, look in any covered spaces like hollow logs, brush, holes or crevices near your house. While opossums don’t create a nesting area themselves, they usually bring nesting materials into a safe, already-covered space. If you’ve heard noises in your attic, carefully check to see if they’ve moved their nest there.

What is the only opossum native to America?

The Virginia Opossum is the only opossum species native to America, and it is the only variety known to cause problems in the U.S.

How to get rid of opossums in a trap?

Place a small ball or toy inside the trap along with the bait. Once inside, the opossum will probably play with it out of boredom and frustration, tiring them out for you to be able to take them away easily.

What to do if you remove an opossum?

Once you’ve physically removed the opossum, you can use repellents to help prevent any others from coming onto your property .