The North American opossum is the continent’s only marsupial. Its presence near homes is related to finding readily available resources. These nocturnal scavengers are timid, but they can become a nuisance when seeking shelter or food on human property. The most effective approach to encourage an opossum to leave involves humane, non-lethal methods focused on removing the attractants that drew it in.
Eliminating Food and Shelter Sources
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they are attracted by accessible food sources like pet meals and unsecured garbage. Bringing pet food dishes indoors, especially at night, immediately removes a significant attractant that encourages regular visits. Similarly, securing all outdoor trash receptacles with locking lids or heavy-duty bungee cords prevents the animal from easily scavenging a meal.
Any fallen fruit from trees or discarded berries in the yard should be consistently cleaned up, as these provide an easy food source. Opossums are also drawn to sources of standing water, so removing containers that hold rainwater can help make the area less appealing. Clearing ground-level debris, such as woodpiles, brush, or dense landscaping, eliminates easy daytime hiding spots the opossum uses for rest and shelter.
Humane Sensory Deterrents
Active deterrence focuses on disrupting the opossum’s senses, making your property feel unsafe or unpleasant. Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or bright lights, are effective because they capitalize on the opossum’s nocturnal nature. A sudden burst of water or light startles the animal, conditioning it to avoid the area where the disturbance occurs.
Opossums possess a highly developed sense of smell, which can be exploited using strong-scented deterrents. Ammonia-soaked rags, placed in coffee cans with holes near suspected den areas, can mimic the scent of a predator’s urine, signaling danger to the opossum. Other pungent, non-toxic options include commercial predator urine or sprays utilizing capsaicin (chili pepper extract) and garlic.
For long-term success, it is important to rotate the types of sensory deterrents used, as opossums can become accustomed to a single method over time. Placing flashing lights, such as battery-powered strobe lights, near entry points or under decks is also highly effective at night. The combination of unexpected light, sound, and smell creates an environment the opossum finds too risky.
Physical Exclusion and Securing Entry Points
Once the opossum has been discouraged from the area, physically blocking access to vulnerable spaces is the next step to prevent its return. Opossums often seek shelter under porches, sheds, and decks, so these areas must be sealed using galvanized hardware cloth or wire mesh. This material should be installed to block the opening and then buried in a shallow trench that extends outward.
This technique, known as an L-footing, involves burying the mesh 12 to 18 inches deep and then bending it outward at a 90-degree angle for an additional 12 inches to deter digging animals. Openings to attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys must also be secured, perhaps by installing chimney caps or repairing broken vents with sturdy screening. Before sealing any opening, confirm the animal is not currently trapped inside by sprinkling flour near the entrance and checking for tracks the next morning.
Knowing When to Contact Wildlife Professionals
While many situations can be managed with humane deterrence, there are specific instances where professional assistance is warranted. You should contact a licensed wildlife specialist if an opossum appears visibly injured, is acting erratically, or seems clearly sick, as handling such an animal poses a safety risk. Furthermore, if the animal has established a nest in an inaccessible area, such as a wall void or a deep crawl space, attempting removal yourself can be complicated and inhumane.
It is important to seek professional guidance if a mother with young is suspected, as improperly moving the mother can orphan the babies. Local regulations often restrict the trapping and relocation of wildlife, making a professional the only legal and safe option for removal.