You hear a crash outside, peek around the corner, and there it is — a possum raiding your trash like it owns the place. Cute? Maybe. Welcome? Absolutely not.
Possums might be great at eating ticks and bugs, but when they’re in your yard, attic, or under your deck, they’re freeloaders who refuse to pay rent.
Let’s get right to it. You have a possum problem and you’re looking for the best way to get rid of them, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Technically called opossums here in North America, this guide will show you how to get rid of possums and, better yet, how to keep them away for good!
What to Do If You Have Possums Around Your Home
Let’s put your imagination to some use: it’s early morning — you notice your trash is in the street, your flower bed has had a makeover, and you’ve stepped into some poop. Either some kids have pulled a prank at your house, or you’ve got a possum problem.
But, how do you know? Here’s what you should do:
- Look for signs of possum activity: Knocked over trash cans, droppings, small holes in your flower bed, scratches in your crawlspace, or a possum family squatting under your deck.
- Don’t lose your cool: Possums might look scary, but they’re more likely to hiss, play dead, or run away than attack. Don’t chase after them, you’ll only look ridiculous.
- Contact a local specialist: Wildlife experts (like Alpha Wildlife) can safely and humanely trap possums and seal their entry points.
Save yourself the headache, keep it simple and call a professional.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Possums?
Forget throwing empty cans or yelling at them from your porch. The best way to get rid of possums is professional trapping and exclusion:
- Inspection — they’ll find where they’re living (crawlspace, attic, deck, shed) and how many there are.
- Humane trapping — professionals capture possums safely and without harm.
- Exclusion — access points to crawlspaces, decks, and other areas will be properly sealed. If left open, they’ll return with friends.
This process ensures the possums are gone for good—and they’re not coming back.
How Do You Keep Possums Away from Your Home?
Possums are like your childhood buddies: they hang around your house, make a mess, and eat all of your food. Take away the free room and food, and they’ll move along.
- Secure your trash cans: Possums love an easy meal. They’ll quickly give up if they have to work for it.
- Bring pet food inside: Leaving food outside is essentially the same as putting a spotlight on it. Bring the dog kibble inside or you risk starting up a possum party.
- Take away water sources: If water is available, possums will find a way to it. Remove all bowls, birdbaths, and leaky hoses from your yard.
- Block off den sites: Use sturdy barriers to block off access points to your deck, crawlspace, or shed.
Trust me, these are proven prevention measures to keep possums out of your yard.
Things to Try That Actually Get Rid of Possums
Possums may help nature, but when they invade your crawlspace or deck, they turn your home into their personal bachelor pad.
Now, not every internet hack holds up, but these do:
- Motion-activated lights — you’ve seen the classic prison escape movies when the spotlight hits the criminals as they’re fleeing the jail. They freeze and run away — the same goes for possums.
- Exclusion barriers — wire mesh around decks and crawlspaces keeps them out. I’m not calling possums lazy, but they don’t want to work at getting under your shed. With barriers in place, they’ll move on to the next house.
- Professional wildlife control — DIY is time consuming, and possums usually win anyway. Don’t waste time on something that doesn’t work. Call for an expert to help you.
What Can Keep Possums Away Naturally?
Let’s just get it out in the open. If you’re looking for natural remedies to get rid of possums, what you’re really looking for are easiest ways to get rid of them without having to spend a bunch of money.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but don’t count on natural repellents for a permanent fix. They might be helpful for a short period of time though.
- Ammonia, vinegar, or other strong scents: Some people use ammonia, vinegar, garlic, peppermint, and mothballs to keep possums away. Keep in mind — those are strong scents for humans too and your neighbors might not appreciate your new aroma.
- Hot pepper sprays: Irritates their senses and keeps them moving, just don’t get it in your eyes.
- Predator urine: Yep, you can buy this. Possums will think coyotes are around and move on to the next yard.
These tricks might buy you time, but possums are stubborn and will eventually return.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Possums Away for Good?
Possums may help the ecosystem, but they don’t belong in your crawlspace. DIY repellents can slow them down, but the only guaranteed way to keep possums away is humane trapping, exclusion, and professional help. Anything less, and you’re just hosting a possum sleepover.
Alpha Wildlife offers services in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Columbia, and Charleston to assist with your possum problems. Call us anytime!
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get rid of possums in my yard?
A: Humane trapping and exclusion. Once removed, professionals seal off den sites to prevent return visits.
Q: Are possums dangerous?
A: Not usually. They hiss, play dead, or run off. But they can spread disease through droppings and bites if cornered.
Q: Do natural possum repellents work?
A: Garlic, ammonia, peppermint, and predator urine may work temporarily, but they’re not long-term solutions.
Q: Can I remove possums myself?
A: It’s not recommended. They carry parasites and can bite. Professionals handle it safely and humanely.
Q: Why are possums in my yard?
A: They’re looking for food, water, and shelter. Trash, pet food, and crawlspaces are open invitations. If you find droppings, scattered mulch from your flower bed, or knocked over garbage cans, possums are nearby.
Quick Recap
Possums in a neighboring yard? Fine.
Possums in your crawlspace? Not fine.
- Signs: trash tipped over, droppings, strange noises.
- Best way to get rid of them: humane trapping and exclusion.
- Prevention: seal decks, bring in pet food, lock trash.
- Natural repellents: temporary at best.
- For peace of mind: call Alpha Wildlife to keep possums away for good.
👉 Alpha Wildlife provides safe, humane possum control so your home stays clean, quiet, and possum-free.
