Possums in your yard or attic can be a real headache. Their presence often brings unwanted smells, potential property damage, and the risk of disease. While professional removal is sometimes necessary, there are several fast fixes you can implement to deter these marsupials and improve your chances of getting rid of them. This guide focuses on quick, effective solutions to minimize the possum problem.
Quick Actions to Deter Possums Immediately
Before you delve into more permanent solutions, these immediate actions can make a difference:
1. Secure Entry Points:
- Identify access points: Possums are surprisingly agile. Check for gaps under siding, holes in roofs, or openings around vents and chimneys. Even small openings are sufficient for a determined possum.
- Seal immediately: Use steel wool, caulk, or wire mesh to plug these holes. Possums can't chew through steel wool, making it a highly effective deterrent. Ensure the seal is complete and airtight.
2. Remove Attractants:
- Pet food: Keep pet food indoors, especially at night. The scent attracts possums and other unwanted wildlife.
- Garbage: Use tightly sealed garbage cans and dispose of trash regularly. Avoid leaving any food scraps outdoors.
- Compost: If you have a compost pile, keep it well-contained and away from your house. Cover it securely to prevent possum access.
3. Deterrents:
- Bright lights: Possums are nocturnal. Motion-activated lights can startle them and discourage them from approaching your home.
- Noise: Loud noises, such as banging pots and pans, can temporarily scare them away. However, this is a temporary solution and not a long-term strategy.
- Predator scents: Commercially available predator urine (like fox or dog urine) can be used as a deterrent, but its effectiveness varies.
Longer-Term Solutions for Possum Control
While the above steps offer immediate relief, for long-term possum control, consider these strategies:
1. Exclusion:
- Professional assessment: If you have a significant possum problem, a professional wildlife removal expert can assess your property and identify all entry points.
- Strategic sealing: They will then implement comprehensive exclusion measures to prevent future infestations. This is often the most effective long-term solution.
2. Habitat Modification:
- Reduce cover: Remove brush, piles of wood, and other debris that provide possums with shelter near your home.
- Remove food sources: This includes removing or securing any fruit trees or berry bushes that attract possums to your property.
3. Relocation (Only by Professionals):
- Ethical considerations: Never attempt to trap and relocate a possum yourself. This is often illegal and can be dangerous for both you and the animal.
- Professional handling: Contact a wildlife removal professional. They have the expertise and permits to handle possums safely and ethically.
Maintaining a Possum-Free Environment
Prevention is key. By consistently following these tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a possum infestation. Regular inspections for new entry points, maintaining a clean yard, and securing food sources are crucial steps in keeping your property possum-free. Remember, patience and persistence are key in dealing with these tenacious creatures. While quick fixes can provide immediate relief, a multi-pronged approach will offer the best long-term results.
