Signs of Opossum Activity
Opossums are slow-moving, quiet animals that are active at night, so you might not see them on your property. However, these signs indicate their presence:
Scat. Opossum droppings are smooth, brown, and about 1 to 2 inches long, often mistaken for cat droppings. Look for them in familiar nesting areas, walkways, or frequent visitation spots.
Nesting spots. While opossums usually don’t create their own burrows, they take over abandoned nests. They may also pull away siding, gutters, and wire mesh to find a suitable nesting spot.
Damaged produce. Although they aren't major garden pests, opossums may eat corn, berries, and fallen fruit. Sometimes, they might enter chicken coops to eat eggs, chicks, and small chickens.
Strange noises. Typically quiet, opossums may hiss or growl when threatened or use lip-smacking and clicking to communicate with their young.
Overturned trash bins and compost piles. Opossums are attracted to unsecured trash bins and compost piles. You might find bins knocked over or large holes in your compost.
Tracks in wet earth. Opossums have distinctive rear footprints with “thumbs” apart from other toes. Sometimes, you'll see a dragging trail as well.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Opossums
Although opossums can help control garden pests, not everyone enjoys their presence in the garden. If you're looking to deter unwanted opossums from your space, try these wildlife-friendly methods to avoid costly pest removal services.
1. Remove Food Sources
Opossums are drawn to areas with abundant food, so a thorough cleanup can help keep them away from your yard or garden. Begin by raking up fallen fruit under trees, securing compost in a closed bin, and storing garbage in a durable container with a locking lid.
If you feed pets or livestock outdoors, ensure their food is in lidded containers, and consider temporarily removing bird feeders. Protect veggies using row covers or grow tunnels to make them less accessible. Strengthen chicken coops by reinforcing weak spots with hardware cloth or chicken wire.
2. Reduce Sheltering Spots
Cozy hiding spots attract opossums, so trim tall grasses, prune overgrown shrubs and trees, and remove brush or log piles. Block access to your home by sealing small entrance points with expandable spray foam and covering crawlspaces under decks, sheds, or patios with hardware cloth or chicken wire. Always check for animals before sealing these areas.
3. Install Fencing
Surrounding your lawn or garden with a sturdy fence made of hardware cloth, chicken wire, cement, or wood can help keep opossums out and protect your plants. For optimal effectiveness, install fencing that rises at least 4 feet above ground level and extends 1 foot below the soil line. Slanting the top foot of the fence outward can make it more challenging for opossums to climb over.
4. Try Repellents
Many repellents claim to deter opossums, though effectiveness varies. Substances like cayenne powder, garlic oil, vinegar, and predator urine spray are common choices. Spray repellents may need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
For additional deterrence, place clumps of pet fur in your garden, use wind chimes, or install a motion-activated sprinkler or spotlight. Combining repellents with other prevention methods and varying products can prevent opossums from becoming accustomed to any single solution.
Avoid using mothballs, camphor, and ammonia outdoors as animal repellents. These can harm wildlife and contaminate your soil and waterways.
5. Trap and Relocate the Opossum
Relocating opossums is rarely necessary because they often leave when you remove their food and shelter sources. Trapping is not always effective, as other opossums may quickly take their place.
If removal is your choice, first check local laws and regulations. Select a live trap of suitable size, bait it with cat food or peanut butter, and set it up where opossums are active. Regularly check the trap to prevent lengthy confinement. Avoid trapping from February to June, as mothers might be nurturing babies during this period.
Once an opossum is trapped, release it at least five miles from human areas. While generally non-aggressive, opossums can become defensive when cornered, so handle traps carefully, using sturdy gloves. If trapping proves difficult, disguising the trap with sticks or leaves could help.
When scared, opossums might feign death—also known as "playing possum." In this state, they become immobile, open their mouths, and emit a foul odor. If this happens, leave them alone to recover in a few minutes to hours.
