Yard maintenance involves more than mowing and weeding – it also entails keeping pests out.
Read more: The Basics of Yard Maintenance & Why You Need It.
Opossums are marsupials and can reproduce quickly, so taking action as soon as you notice one is essential. Here are some tips on how to get rid of opossums in your yard.
1) Remove the Food Source
Opossums are attracted to food sources, so it is essential to remove any potential attractants. This can include pet food, garbage cans, compost piles, or fruit that has fallen from trees. Ensure these items are securely stored away and not left out in the open where opossums can easily access them.
2) Secure Trash Cans and Compost Bins
One of the primary food sources for opossums is your trash, so make sure all trash cans and compost bins are securely sealed. Use bungee cords or strong rope to tie lids down, or buy heavy-duty lids that will be easily opened. Keep it enclosed with a secure door to further secure your trash. You should also keep pet food inside to prevent attracting opossums and other wildlife to your space.
3) Remove Potential Shelter Areas
Opossums will be attracted to areas that provide shelter from predators and the elements. To discourage them from camping in your yard, trim any overgrown shrubbery and cut away any nearby ivy. If possible, clear out woodpiles or piles of yard debris that can cover the opossums. Remove access to potential den sites, such as crawl spaces under porches, sheds, decks, and stoops. Seal all openings larger than 1/2 inch with heavy-duty hardware cloth, and close off any potential access points from the roof. Finally, ensure that trash bins are firmly lidded and stored away from your home.
4) Use Fencing for Protection
If opossums are a persistent issue in your yard, consider installing fencing around the perimeter as a preventative measure. Fencing should be 4 feet high and made of hardware cloth, chicken wire, or other similar material that the opossums can’t climb over. The fence should also be buried at least 6 inches below ground so they cannot dig their way in.
5) Apply a Chemical Repellent
If the above strategies do not successfully remove opossums from your yard, you can use a chemical repellent to deter them. Chemical repellents such as bobcat urine, coyote urine, and predator-urine-based granules are available online and at local hardware stores. Make sure to follow the directions on the label to properly and safely apply the repellent. Additionally, you can use a motion-activated sprinkler system as a chemical deterrent. The sudden burst of water will startle any animal, including opossums, when they approach your yard and scare them away.
Call Absolute Lawn Pros for the best lawn service in Alpharetta. We understand that having possums in your yard can be a nuisance, and we are here to help eliminate them. Our team of experts will come to your home and assess the situation.