How To Prevent A Opossum Problem Before It Begins

Opossums can be jarring to see when they wander into your yard at night. Chances are, however, they are just passing through in search of food. This means that preventing an opossum problem can be simple: If your yard isn't appealing, they'll move on just as quickly as they arrived. It's important to be aware of the simple mistakes that can attract opossums to your yard, and cut them off before they get comfortable. By eliminating easy food sources, removing shelter and hiding spots, and changing your yard's environment at night, you can deter an opossum problem before it ever begins.

You can start by securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or by placing a weight on the top. Opossums are well-known for rummaging through garbage for food that's easy to get. If you  compost, make sure it's in a sealed bin rather than an open pile. If you have pets and their food is outside, bring it inside at night and clean up any spills or leftovers. Even small amounts of food can attract nighttime visitors. 

Bird feeders could also be a hidden culprit, since spilled seeds scattered on the ground provide a free buffet for critters. If you have fruit trees or a garden, make it a habit to pick up any fruit that falls quickly. Rotting produce can keep opossums returning to your yard each night. It's also helpful to check and remove any accessible water sources like pet bowls or birdbaths, since opossums are drawn to water just as they are to food.

If your yard offers shelter, that could bring opossums in to stay. Assess the outside to find any possible hiding places. Trim down any overgrown shrubs, clear away brush piles, and secure wood stacks by covering them. Areas of clutter can create the perfect hiding spot. Check and secure spots around the home, such as decks, sheds, or crawl spaces, since small openings can serve as entry points. Seal any gaps and patch holes with material like wire mesh or hardware cloth to prevent opossums from nesting. If you find an opossum nest in your yard, do not try to trap it yourself. Contact local animal wildlife services for assistance.

Garlic is an unexpected kitchen staple you can use as a deterrent. However, it's less effective than other preventative measures, since it's only temporary. Opossums look for dark, quiet places to rest. You can change your outdoor environment by adding some motion-activated lights or noise devices, which will be startling to opossums that try to enter your yard. Consistent outdoor lighting can discourage them from sticking around long-term. Some homeowners use motion-activated sprinklers or sound deterrents for an extra layer of protection around their gardens to keep critters out. 

Finally, a physical barrier to change up your yard can make all the difference. Consider a well-built fence to stop them from finding their way into your yard. Prevention isn't a one-time fix. Regularly taking out the trash, cleaning up any potential food sources, and maintaining your yard will help keep it opossum-free.