how to get rid of opossum in yard

After you’ve purchased a live trap, be sure to fully read the instructions so you understand how to use it. A pest management professional can also be of assistance. While you’re up there, place a screen or other barrier on top of fireplaces. Opossums don’t create their own nests. If there are any wood piles, you’d better keep them in a shed or tight shelter. We're available 24/7. © 2019 The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership. Known for eating almost anything, they get into trash and create a foul smell with their feces and urine. When performed along with prevention and repellent methods, trapping can also be the quickest way to get rid of them. Place a rag inside the ammonia and bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid. For other attractants like gardens or the cozy crawl spaces under your house, you may need to take further steps toward warding off opossums and preventing future infestations. https://www.domyown.com/how-to-get-rid-of-possums-a-403.html. http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Didelphis_virginiana/ Place some bait inside of the trap. Trapping is a popular method. They’ll emit either a high-frequency noise or sonic vibration that opossums can’t stand, causing them to turn away. Possums … The backyard possum is considered an omnivore as well, feeding on fruits, nuts, insects, eggs and small animals like frogs and mice. If you’ve noticed property damage that is happening over and over again, there is probably an opossum nest nearby. Since it is illegal to relocate an opossum without a permit, those not wanting to deal with its disposal may prefer to hire a professional wildlife control operator.”. This will also keep out other wildlife like squirrels, voles and chipmunks. Like other marsupials, their young develop in an exterior pouch like kangaroos rather than inside a womb within a placenta. Possums are mostly non-aggressive animals. Fur ranges from grey to black, with white hairs interspersed and on their faces, Found throughout Central and South America from Mexico down to Bolivia, Nocturnal and active year-round like other opossum species, but less likely than other varieties to be found on trees. This will include a multi-pronged effort toward releasing the trash and food available to them as well as eradicating them through trapping, repellents, poisons or other methods. Habitats are among vegetation in forests and grassy areas. They’re omnivores that will feed on almost anything. Venture outside the maternal pouch at 60 to 70 days old and fully leave within 80 to 90 days. The Common Opossum (also known as the Southern Opossum) prefers habitats near water like tropical forests, but will also be found close to people in urban areas. You can also invest in vent covers to place over your dryer vents and other openings along your outer walls. Place them where the opossums frequent and anywhere else you want to keep them away from. There are a few ways to solve this dilemma. Schedule outdoor maintenance and inspection at least once a month for yourself or a professional to do. The opossum is native to North and South America, while possums are only found in Australia. A neighborhood with opossums tends to be considerably cleaner than a neighborhood without them.”. The Virginia Opossum is the only opossum species native to America, and it is the only variety known to cause problems in the U.S. Fur ranges from gray to black; some have a reddish or brown tint, White hairs scattered throughout their coat, Likes to make its home near water sources like ponds, swamps, and drainage ditches, Nocturnal and active throughout the year but limits its activity in the winter and spends its time scavenging on the ground or on trees, Found along the entire Southeastern U.S. starting at the Rocky Mountains, but also as far north as Canada and as far south as Costa Rica. Some of their more identifiable characteristics are their pointed head and pink nose, a long, hairless tail, and hairless, pointy ears. Otherwise, the same or different opossums can still make their way onto your property, and you’ll be dealing with the same problem all over again. A cup of molasses mixed and dissolved in a liter of water serves as a viable repellent for … Deterring Climbing Make it hard for possums to climb structures or plants. https://wdfw.wa.gov/living/opossums.html#possum Once you’ve physically removed the opossum, you can use repellents to help prevent any others from coming onto your property. A wildlife control expert will target eradication and prevention using tried-and-true practices and top-of-the-line products. They can become a pest issue on your porch or inside your basement, attic or crawl spaces. If you’ve heard noises in your attic, carefully check to see if they’ve moved their nest there. Make sure these areas are all properly sealed off and don’t offer any entry points. https://animalsake.com/how-is-possum-different-from-opossum The Virginia opossum is the only species found in the United States, although despite its name, it can be found in many other regions. Take a look at your … CONTROL. Another pesky creature is the possum. Contact with their feces and urine also puts humans at risk for these diseases. How to get rid of possums in a natural way. You’re not alone. Typically, removing the food source will be a good start to rid … They also feature opposable thumbs on their hind feet. Opossums use the abandoned burrows of other animals rather than digging their own. Signs of opossums on your property will include trash that has been tampered with, scratch marks on garbage cans, droppings, foul odors, and disappearing pet food (if you keep any outside). Not impressed? The first toe of each hind foot lacks a claw and is opposable ('thumb like'). Opossums seldom stay in one area for more than a few nights, so fear of them "taking over" an area should not be a concern. Their snouts are long and pointed and tipped with a distinctive, pink nose.”. They clear out garbage, feed on harmful insects and have charming, rat-like tails. They'll eat pretty much … Place a small ball or toy inside the trap along with the bait. Live trapping presents the problem of dealing with the animal once captured. Way of Approach. If all else fails, it isn’t hard to spot an opossum coming out for food at night. They, like many woodland creatures, strongly … They have long, coarse dark gray to white-gray outer body fur with a black or dark brown underfur. Close off decks and crawl spaces with screen or plywood. Their mouths contain 50 small, sharp, teeth. Keep these animals from scavenging in your yard with a combination of tactics. It is found often very abundantly throughout the eastern and midwestern United States westward into Colorado and Texas. Possums are non-aggressive creatures to humans. These products usually also come with a motion sensor. Here are a few different ways you can get rid of possums naturally using these DIY techniques. Opossums can “play dead,” so even if you see one in your yard that looks like it might be dead, keep a safe distance and continue to monitor it. Any time opossums creep toward your yard, the lights or sprinklers will kick in and startle them, causing them to scurry away. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homemade-natural-possum-repellent-48897.html However, while possums do carry certain diseases, they appear to have a certain resistance to rabies. Because of their size and activity, you will probably hear the signs of an opossum infestation before you see them. Motion-activated tools like outdoor lights and sprinklers aren’t usually huge investments, and they can help keep away a variety of intruders. Call now. Length ranges from 4” to 6” (much smaller than its cousin species), Fur is lighter in color than other species, ranging from light grey to white, Found in South America throughout Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. Fortunately, there are many treatment and prevention methods you can use to get rid of opossums on your property and prevent them from coming back. At night, place the trap either near areas where opossums feed (most likely near your trash cans or garden), or near any nesting area you’ve been able to find. Remove yard debris and possible hiding places. This is always an invitation to dinner. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department: “Opossum carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Before deciding how to get rid of a possum, verify the animal you are dealing with. Trash left outside of the can, with clear signs of tampering, Scratch marks on the outside of your home and garbage cans, Nesting materials inside holes, cracks, logs, brush, or even inside your attic or basement. A female possum is called a ‘Jill” a male is called a ‘Jack” and the young are called ‘Joeys” A group of these possums are called a passel. Rid Of Fleas & Possums. This is one of the easiest alternatives for how to get rid of several possums in your yard. If you have small holes in the siding or foundation of your home, you can seal them easily with expandable foam or concrete mix. There are … They have large, black, hairless ears, small black eyes, and white, fur covered faces. If you’re already dealing with an opossum problem, your first step is remediation. This darker fur, then, predominates on the legs. Let’s talk about how to get rid of possums: Make The Area Less Appealing. While it isn’t advised to make your own opossum trap or try to create your own scare tactic, there are some helpful natural products you may have around the house. While many people have an appreciation for wildlife, it’s best for wildlife to stay in the wild. If using ammonia, pour a small amount of ammonia into a coffee can with a lid. If so, this is most likely the source of the food they’re getting from your property. Opossums are more than just a nuisance. Possums found in the garden are often a mix of problems combined. Possums usually act dead, hiss or growl, and release a foul smell from their rectal glands, much like a skunk, when scared. Dog or Cat’s Fur. Each foot has five toes. The Wildlife Rescue League states: “Opossums do not harbor diseases normally found in dogs and cats, such as distemper, parvovirus, or feline hepatitis. Use Motion Sensor Sprinklers Not only can this be good for your yard but it’s also a great deterrent. They can carry various diseases. Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. According to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): “The Virginia opossum (Dedeliphis virginiana) is North America’s only marsupial (“pouched”) mammal. It is not typically found in mountainous regions, in extreme deserts, or in the high northern sections of the United States.”. Learn more in our review on how to use Taurus SC. Possums are excellent to have around the house. As they known to “play dead,” steer clear of one whether you believe it is alive or not. Logs, brush piles and hollow … All warm-blooded mammals can contract rabies, but opossums are rarely found to be rabid. It is one of their favorite foods and they will do anything to get it. Many wildlife removal companies offer guarantees that they’ll continue treatments until the problem is resolved. Sanitize your property and remove all of the things that attract opossums. First, look at your trash cans and see if it looks like they’ve been tampered with or any trash has been taken out. If you have an indoor pet infested with fleas, then you can rest assured that these tiny insects will be wherever they can suck fresh blood, including from your cat and dog or you and your children. Eliminate brush piles, dilapidated buildings, and holes under concrete slabs – … If the possum is using a … Getting rid of possums … Your own repellents can be just as effective and aren’t dangerous since you won’t likely come in contact with the opossums. Knowing that you’re experiencing an opossum problem on your property will allow you develop a targeted and successful treatment plan. Despite their adaptability, opossums are slow runners with poor eyesight, which is why they are easily run over by cars. Once you know you have opossums in your yard, you can use some specific and targeted treatment methods to stop them in their tracks and prevent others from coming onto your property. Also keep an eye out for droppings, which can be as large as cat droppings. Molasses. Opossums are great climbers, so make sure that all of the trees on your property are trimmed back away from your home. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. | Updated for 2019Overall Rating: Pros Set and forget bait station Kills the whole colony Inexpensive Effective Weatherproof Cons Can be challenging... Opossums are known to scratch while they’re looking for food and will make hissing and screeching noises. Once you are prepared with some type of light source and your thick clothing, it is time for you to start your game of… This overall length includes a 10 to 12 inch long tail. Another thing you can do to get rid of possums is to put out cat food in a small bowl in your yard. Sonic repellents can exist in a variety of forms, either requiring you to place them in your ground or setting them up near your house. Opossum are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.”, It is important to get rid of possums that are causing havoc in your home, but not all possums are bad. The Wildlife Rescue League recommends the following: Do not leave pet food or trash outdoors at night. How to Get Rid of Possums in the Garden With Dog Fur. So how do you get rid of possums that have become all too eager to call you neighbor? Small enough to make its way inside human homes, Breeding season is almost year-round, from January through mid-November, Litters usually consist of six to nine pups, Born 12 days after breeding, the opossum’s pups crawl into the mother’s pouch to continue developing. The first step to opossum control is proper identification. One form of keeping opossums away is to make your property less appealing for them to come scavenge for food. Keep your outdoor pets away while the trap is in use. If you live near a pond, drainage ditch or sewer, you’re more likely to see opossums on your property. Your main reason for questioning how to get rid of possums may stem from a concern about disease. You can use different ways to get rid of possums. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. How to Get Rid of a Possum. Camouflage the trap with grasses, leaves and twigs. These methods can be used on your own, or a professional wildlife expert can also use them for you in order to save time and effort. Pick fruit and garden crops when they are ripe to discourage opossums, and do not leave rotten fruit or crops on the ground. Secure pet doors at night, as opossums occasionally enter homes through pet doors. The smell should keep … A trap is the most effective way to remove opossums from your property. Opossum removal can be a challenging task. Once the motion sensor goes off the pests will get sprayed. | Updated for 2019Overall Rating: Pros Effective for more than 15 ant species Fast-acting Kills off queen ant and colony Cons May require daily reapplication Can be toxic if ingested More... Taurus SC is a concentrated bug killer originally only used by professionals. DIY methods can be a game of trial and error. While possums are unique in that they are the only North American marsupial, they are almost always considered a pest. Privacy fences can work for this purpose since opossums don’t usually dig, but make sure there aren’t any holes or cracks that they can get through. Since opossums don’t create their own nests, they’re always actively looking for good hiding places where they can rest and keep away from predators. Many people fear that possums are rabid creatures. Especially if your bait is pet food, it’s best to keep them inside the entire time rather than risk trapping and possibly injuring them. Food sources like your trash and hiding places like logs can be easily sealed off or removed. The most attractive places for possum … According to the Wildlife Rescue League, “Opossums are excellent at rodent and insect control, and being carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean.”, It also states that, “Opossums are more beneficial as scavengers, than harmful for any damage they may cause. Possums love cat food. Eliminate brush piles, dilapidated buildings, and holes under concrete slabs – you will eliminate opossum hotels. http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Didelphis_virginiana/, https://www.pestwiki.com/opossum-facts-get-rid/, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Didelphis_marsupialis/, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Monodelphis_domestica/, https://wdfw.wa.gov/living/opossums.html#possum, https://animalsake.com/how-is-possum-different-from-opossum, http://www.greenleafpest.com/blog/opossum-my-possum-5-signs-of-opossum-infestation-in-your-home, http://www.wildliferescuerehab.com/all-about-opossums.html, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homemade-natural-possum-repellent-48897.html, https://www.domyown.com/how-to-get-rid-of-possums-a-403.html. When they are alive, however, they can disturb pets and create a racket outside while going through garbage. But, sometimes, it becomes necessary to get rid of them. The best way to get rid of an opossum if it has started to repeatedly return to your property is to trap the animal, and then to remove it to an area a reasonable distance away from your home. Removing possums can be a challenging task. Opossums are the only marsupials that live in North America. Traps should be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches in size and set along trails or known routes of travel. All opossums range about 21 to 36 inches long, measured from nose to the tip of their tail. Put the woodpiles in a shed and get rid of all brush piles in your yard. It is also found in the western coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington and in the southern regions of British Columbia. Once inside, they can generally be coaxed outside with a broom. They do carry other diseases that may be of concern to homeowners and their pets. Other baits can include overripe fruit such as grapes, bananas, or melon. If opossums are eating plants in your garden, you can install a screen or mesh fence along the perimeter or only around the vegetation that the opossums are feeding on. This will help you know for sure that you’re dealing with an opossum rather than another type of foraging creature like a raccoon.

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