Motion-activated devices are triggered once the possum crosses the sensor but they are also triggered by anything else that crosses the sensor. Motion-activated sprinklers tend to be slightly more effective than motion-activated lights. Lights are enough to frighten away skittish possums that are afraid of humans, but water sprinklers work better with possums that are a little more mature and a little harder to startle.
The smell of a potential predator might be enough to deter many possums from hanging around.
Place a clove of crushed garlic in any area that you want neighborhood possums to avoid. Crushed garlic is better than whole garlic since crushing it first allows more of the scent to escape. [3] X Research source
Different repellents use different ingredients, but predator urine is often one element of it.
You may think that you are doing a good deed, but possums fed by humans gradually lose their fear of humans and are more likely to become aggressive when food is not given to them.
Securing side handles to stakes driven into the ground will prevent the trash bins from tipping over.
Remove all sources of food and water before dusk settles in, and keep pet food away from pet doors or other openings to the house.
Barbecue grills: Clean grills and grease traps after you use them. Fruit: Pick up fruit that drops from trees or bushes. Birdseed: If you do provide birdseed, try to lay some out in the late morning or mid-afternoon and only spread enough to feed the birds for that single day. Alternatively, fill bird feeders with seed and hang them high up in the air.
Note that in many states and municipalities, using quick-kill traps to dispose of possums may be restricted or prohibited. Live-holding traps are rarely banned, however. Find out from your municipality if there are any restrictions on trapping. Some cities may require you to obtain a permit. Others may have specific demands about where to release the animal and who can do so.
Set the trap on soft ground or place it on plywood if setting it on a hard surface. The trapped possum may attempt to dig its way out, and placing the trap on a protective surface will prevent it from damaging its paws. Set the trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching a possum, which is a nocturnal animal. Close an empty trap at dawn to prevent the accidental trapping of a diurnal animal. Each cage trap is set in a slightly different manner, but most have a trigger rod or knob that must be pulled or twisted out when opening the door of the cage. When the animal steps inside, it triggers this rod and snaps the door closed. Follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions that come with your cage trap for more specific directions. Use appropriate bait. Fruit, berries, vegetables, raw egg, peanut butter, and sardines are attractive bait options for possums.
Use thick gloves or a long pole to prevent yourself from getting scratched through the cage.
Exercise extreme caution when releasing a trapped animal. When trapped, animals often lash out in fear, and you may be scratched or bitten if you are not careful. [12] X Research source Know your local laws concerning releasing possums and other trapped animals. Some areas may have few, if any, restrictions, in which case, you should drive the possum several miles away from your property before releasing it into a wooded area. Other areas may require that you release the possum on your property or hire a professional to release the possum. [13] X Research source
These covers are screwed onto the vent and have just enough room for steam and smoke to escape but not enough for possums to sneak through.
Do not place climbing plants near or on the house, especially not near the eaves areas.
Dig a trench around the perimeter of the deck. The hole should be at least 12 inches (30. 5 cm) deep. Place the screening or flashing in the trench. The barrier should extend from the bottom of the hole to the bottom or underside of the deck. Fill the trench in with dirt, packing it down in place to prevent the screening from being jolted or wiggled around. Attach the top of the screening to the deck. Nails or fence post staples usually work best.
To use a one-way exit funnel, the large end should be big enough for a possum to fit through and should be attached to the barrier using nails or fence post staples. The small end should extend away from the building and should have a hole roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter. This will allow possums to squeeze their way out but not squeeze their way in. Keep this passage open for a few days to one week before sealing up the hole.
Repair any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens. Lock or cover pet doors at night.
