Find out how to get rid of possums using wildlife-friendly methods.
This guide will help you recognize opossum presence, and provides several humane methods for deterring these mammals.
Plus you’ll find a few reasons why opossums may be helpful in your garden.
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Garden Opossums: Friend or Foe?
Some pests do a lot of harm to plants, but opossums often benefit lawns and gardens.
Opossums are also usually non-aggressive animals, and their low body temperature makes them naturally resistant to rabies.
Like natures cleanup crew, opossums reduce yard waste and help keep your garden pest-free.
You may also want touse row coversor grow tunnels in your garden to make veggies harder to reach.
Double up the security on chicken coops by adding hardware cloth or chicken wire to weak spots.
Remember to check these areas for animals before you seal them up.
Cayenne powder, garlic oil, vinegar, and predator urine spray are all commonly used to deter opossums.
Mothballs, camphor, and ammonia should not be used outdoors as animal repellents.
These products can harm opossums and other wildlife, and they contaminate garden soil and leach into waterways.
If youre determined to remove opossums from your property, research local rules and regulations before you kick off.
If opossums arent falling for your trap, camouflaging the trap with sticks or leaves may help.
When frightened, opossums sometimes feign death or play possum as a defensive mechanism.
If this occurs, leave the opossum alone, and it should recover in a few minutes to hours.
Reevaluating Possums.Texas A&M University
