The North American opossum is the continent’s only native marsupial, recognized by its grayish fur, pointed snout, and long, hairless tail. These nocturnal scavengers are highly adaptable, seeking food and shelter in suburban and urban environments. Understanding the behaviors that draw them into yards is the first step toward humane and effective exclusion. This approach focuses on making your property less appealing, encouraging the opossum to find resources elsewhere.
Removing Common Yard Attractants
The primary reason opossums visit residential areas is the availability of easy food sources, making the removal of these attractants the foundational step in long-term control. Opossums are opportunistic omnivores with a highly varied diet, consuming everything from insects and carrion to fruit and pet food. Taking away these accessible meals eliminates the incentive for them to linger on your property.
One of the most significant attractants is pet food left outdoors, especially overnight when opossums are most active. All pet bowls should be brought inside after dusk, and any outdoor feed for livestock or birds should be secured in containers with tight-fitting lids. Garbage cans should also be secured with locking lids or bungee cords to prevent nocturnal raiding, as disturbed trash is a common sign of their presence.
Opossums readily consume fallen fruits, berries, and vegetables from gardens, so regularly clean up beneath fruit trees and bushes. Compost materials are also a strong draw, which can be mitigated by using fully enclosed tumblers or bins with secure tops. Draining standing water sources like bird baths or pet dishes overnight makes the yard less hospitable. Removing brush piles, wood stacks, and debris reduces potential den sites, forcing the nomadic opossum to move along.
Physical Barriers and Repellents
Once the food supply is addressed, the next step involves using physical barriers to block access and applying deterrents to make the environment unwelcoming. Opossums are skilled climbers but are not strong diggers, which influences the design of effective exclusion measures. Blocking access points beneath structures is particularly important, as they often use spaces under decks, sheds, and porches as temporary dens.
To secure these areas, use heavy-duty materials like galvanized wire mesh or hardware cloth. Bury the bottom edge at least six inches deep and bend it outward one to two feet in an L-shape to prevent digging. For garden protection, a fence at least four feet high is recommended; adding smooth metal flashing or an outward slant at the top prevents climbing. Trimming tree branches that overhang roofs or porches also removes a common access bridge.
While physical barriers are the most reliable method, motion-activated devices serve as temporary deterrents. Sprinklers or lights will startle the nocturnal animal, encouraging it to leave. Non-toxic, scent-based repellents—such as mixtures containing cayenne pepper, garlic, or peppermint oil—can be sprayed around perimeter areas. These repellents rely on the opossum’s sensitive sense of smell but must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.
Safe Live Trapping and Local Regulations
If exclusion and deterrence efforts fail, live trapping may be considered, but this step requires careful attention to humane practices and local laws. A medium-sized live-catch cage trap, approximately 7x7x24 inches, is generally appropriate for an adult opossum. The trap should be placed near a known route or den entrance and checked twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, to minimize the time the animal spends confined.
Baiting the trap effectively is crucial; fruit, vegetables, or peanut butter are preferred choices as they are less likely to attract unwanted animals like cats or skunks. Contact your state’s department of natural resources or local animal control office before trapping. Relocation of trapped wildlife is often heavily regulated or illegal for homeowners due to concerns about disease spread, ecosystem disruption, and the low survival rate of relocated animals.
If trapping is permitted, the animal must often be released within the county of capture, sometimes only on private property with the owner’s permission. If the opossum appears sick, injured, or if you are unsure of the local regulations, contact a licensed wildlife control operator or animal control immediately. Professional wildlife services are the safest option for removal, ensuring the process is compliant with all legal requirements and is carried out humanely.