The opossum is an adaptable animal whose presence in a yard is often a symptom of available resources. These nocturnal scavengers are generally non-aggressive but can cause property damage and disrupt outdoor areas while foraging. Managing their presence effectively requires a multi-step approach focused on removing attractants, safely removing current occupants, and implementing strategies to prevent their return. This process emphasizes humane and responsible methods.
Eliminating Attractants
The most effective step in discouraging opossums is eliminating the food, water, and shelter sources that draw them to the property. Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, consuming nearly anything edible, including insects, fallen fruit, and carrion. Removing these easy meals is the foundation of long-term management.
Garbage cans are a primary attractant, and securing them is a necessity. Use heavy metal cans or plastic bins with locking lids, or secure non-locking lids tightly with bungee cords. Storing garbage cans in a shed or garage until collection day also significantly reduces the scent that attracts these animals.
Pet food left outside, especially at night, is a strong lure. Always bring pet dishes inside after dusk. Ensure that outdoor bird feeders are not spilling seed onto the ground, and regularly clean up fallen fruit from trees, as overripe items are highly appealing.
Opossums seek quiet, sheltered spots to rest, such as brush piles or debris under decks. Remove unnecessary yard clutter and seal off voids under sheds or foundations with sturdy wire mesh to eliminate potential den sites. Standing water should also be addressed, as opossums are drawn to moist environments.
Safe and Effective Removal Methods
Once attractants are addressed, the next step is physically removing any animal residing in a sheltered space. Exclusion is the preferred method for removing an opossum from under a deck or shed. This involves installing a secure barrier, such as heavy-gauge wire mesh buried slightly into the ground, around the perimeter of the structure.
Before sealing the final exit point, confirm the animal has left the area, especially if it is a female with young. Techniques include propping open a one-way exclusion door or sprinkling flour in front of the opening to check for tracks after dark. If young are suspected inside, consult professionals to prevent odor problems from stranded animals.
If exclusion is not possible, humane live trapping can be used. Effective baits include overripe fruit or canned cat food, placed inside the trap to encourage entry. The trap must be checked frequently, ideally within a few hours of placement, to minimize stress and prevent dehydration or overheating.
Long-Term Deterrence Techniques
After removal and attractant management, sensory-based deterrents discourage future visits. Opossums are easily startled, making motion-activated devices highly effective. Motion-activated sprinklers detect movement and release a startling burst of water, conditioning the animal to avoid the space.
For areas where water cannot be used, bright, flashing lights or ultrasonic devices can be installed, though opossums may become accustomed to them. Commercial or homemade repellents rely on scents opossums dislike, such as predator urine or strong spices. However, these scent-based methods are not universally reliable if a food source is appealing enough.
To make the yard less appealing for travel, modify dense ground cover or low-hanging shrubs that provide concealment. Opossums prefer to travel under cover, so removing extensive brush or trimming foliage eliminates their preferred travel corridors. The combination of environmental modification and startling devices is the most robust strategy for long-term deterrence.
Safety Precautions and Legal Requirements
Approaching any wild animal requires caution, despite the opossum’s docile nature. While resistant to the rabies virus, they can carry other pathogens, including leptospirosis, tularemia, and tuberculosis. Always wear heavy gloves when handling a trap or objects in contact with the animal, and avoid direct contact entirely.
Opossums may be infested with external parasites like fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets. After removal, clean and sanitize the den area to eliminate remaining parasites or waste. If an opossum appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually, contact local animal control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Homeowners must be aware of local and state laws regarding the trapping and relocation of nuisance wildlife. In many jurisdictions, relocating a trapped opossum without a permit is illegal, as it can spread disease or cause the animal to die in unfamiliar territory. Consulting a professional wildlife control operator ensures compliance with current legal requirements.