Possums can quickly become a nuisance when they target gardens, fruit trees, and home structures. Keeping these nocturnal marsupials away requires clever, humane, and chemical-free strategies. Effective long-term deterrence focuses on eliminating access points and removing irresistible food rewards, paired with the application of natural repellents they find unpleasant.
Physical Exclusion and Securing Entry Points
The most reliable long-term strategy for humane possum control involves structural modifications that physically block access to desirable areas. Possums are skilled climbers and often use vegetation as a bridge to reach roofs, attics, and gardens. Trimming tree branches so they are at least six to ten feet (approximately two to three meters) away from any structure creates a necessary “possum gap,” cutting off their access.
To protect garden beds and perimeter areas, a specialized fence design is required to prevent both climbing and burrowing. Fences constructed of smooth material, like sheet metal or corrugated iron, or wire mesh with an outward-sloping top, are effective because possums struggle to gain purchase on slick surfaces. For a robust ground barrier, install an L-shaped wire mesh footer by burying the mesh about one foot deep and bending it outward one foot at a 90-degree angle to deter digging.
Securing the home itself is equally important, focusing on areas possums use for shelter. Vents, chimneys, and gaps around the roofline or under decks must be sealed with sturdy materials like galvanized wire mesh. If a possum has already taken up residence, a one-way exclusion door can be temporarily installed over the entry point, allowing the animal to exit at night without re-entering. This sealing process must be done at night after the animal has left to forage, ensuring it is not trapped inside the structure.
Removing Attractants and Food Sources
Possums are opportunistic omnivores, so eliminating readily available food is a powerful deterrent. Securing household garbage is a priority, requiring bins to have tight-fitting lids or to be secured with bungee cords or weight to prevent them from being tipped over. Storing garbage cans inside a secure shed or garage until the morning of collection will remove the food reward entirely.
Outdoor pet food must be removed before dusk, as possums are nocturnal and readily consume kibble and canned food. Bird feeders, especially those with seed that spills, also act as a strong attractant and should be temporarily removed or secured. In orchards and gardens, regularly picking up fallen fruit, berries, and nuts eliminates a preferred source of fermenting sugars that draws them in.
Eliminating potential nesting or resting spots makes the property less inviting. Possums often seek out debris piles, brush, or overgrown areas for shelter during the day. Clearing away dense landscaping, woodpiles, and general yard clutter reduces the number of safe, dark places they can hide or establish a den.
Utilizing Natural Scent and Taste Deterrents
When physical barriers are insufficient or impractical, applying natural compounds with strong, unpleasant tastes and smells encourages possums to forage elsewhere. Possums rely heavily on smell, making potent aromatic substances like garlic, cayenne pepper, and essential oils effective deterrents. A simple homemade repellent can be created by steeping crushed garlic cloves or chili flakes in water, straining the mixture, and combining it with dish soap to help the solution adhere to foliage.
For plants actively being chewed, taste-based deterrents offer a targeted solution. Compounds that cause an immediate bitter reaction, such as molasses or Quassia bark chips, can be applied directly to the affected leaves. To prepare a molasses spray, one cup of the syrup is dissolved in a quart of water, with dish soap added as a sticking agent. This makes the plant unpalatable without causing harm.
These repellents require consistent maintenance to remain effective, especially since possums can grow accustomed to a single deterrent. Because most homemade sprays are water-soluble, they must be reapplied after rain or every few days to maintain concentration. Before widespread application, testing the mixture on a small, inconspicuous part of the plant is recommended to ensure the solution does not cause phytotoxicity or damage to the foliage.