Updated: Dec 29, 2022

If you’d like to learn how to get rid of possums in your yard, this post will help!

Whether you call them possums or opossums, these cute marsupials can be a bit of a pain to deal with. While they’re generally not aggressive, they can still make a mess if they decide that your yard is a good home for them.

They can damage your garden or fruit trees, make a mess of garbage cans, and if you have outdoor pets, possums can even get into fights with them. Possums can also carry a wide range of diseases, although transmission to humans is admittedly rare. Even so, it’s best not to take a risk, so try these methods to keep them away.

Get Rid of Food Sources

Just like with other pests, the main thing that is probably attracting possums to your yard is food. Possums are omnivores, so getting rid of all of the tasty treats is the best thing you can do to get rid of them.

• Make sure to seal all pet food or to store it somewhere inaccessible like your garage.
• Make sure your garbage cans are sealed, to prevent possums (as well as raccoons) from finding their way in and making a mess.
• If you have fruit trees, make sure to clear away all fruit that has fallen to the ground.

Eliminate Hiding Spots

Getting rid of their hiding spots will also help drive opossums away from your yard.

Possums especially like to hide under porches and decks, so your first order of business should be to seal up any access to that space. You can install netting or add skirting, for example. Just make sure there are no possums actually hiding under your porch when you seal it up!

Additionally, you should also tidy up any piles of lumber, since those can also serve as a hiding space for them.

Get Trimming

Possums are adept climbers, and trees provide a hiding spot for them as much as ground-level nooks. By making sure your trees are well trimmed, the possums will have a harder time climbing them, and they won’t feel quite so much like a good hiding spot.

Additionally, trees often provide opossums with a way of accessing roofs and attics. Be extra careful to trim away any branches that overhang your roof.

Trapping Possums – A Complicated Matter

Ideally, you’d be able to get rid of the possums in your yard without having to resort to trapping. Possums are not particularly easy to deal with once you’ve trapped them. They’re large, and they can be fierce when threatened.

If you do trap a possum, it would be illegal to relocate it in California without a special permit, which also poses some troubles.

Call Wildlife Removal Professionals

If the possums in your yard are truly out of control, your best bet is to call wildlife removal specialists. At Green Rodent Restoration, we’re licensed to deal with wildlife infestations, including opossums. We deal with them in a safe and humane manner.

We’ll also help you identify any issues in your yard or home, so you can prevent possums and other critters from wreaking havoc in the future. Ask us about our rodent control services, and we’ll happily provide you with a free estimate!