Do you ever feel like there is a hidden intruder lurking in your home or yard? If so, you may be dealing with possums or opossums. These animals can wreak havoc on your property and even cause damage to both your home and garden. But don’t despair! This article will give you the tools and knowledge necessary to rid yourself of these pesky critters and keep them out for good. With a few simple steps, you can successfully get rid of possums or opossums from your home or yard.
It’s never fun to deal with unwanted guests, especially when those guests are furry, four-legged creatures looking for food and shelter. Possums and opossums are small marsupials that will make themselves at home wherever they can find a safe spot—typically under decks, sheds, porches, and other areas around the house. Not only do they look unseemly while rummaging through your garbage cans or garden beds; they also pose a potential threat to pets and children by carrying parasites, ticks, fleas, mites, and other pests.
Fortunately, there are ways to humanely remove possums or opossums from your property without harming the animal. By understanding the behavior of these animals and taking the proper steps for prevention and removal, you can reclaim your home from pesky invaders once and for all! With an arsenal of helpful tips from this article at your disposal, you’ll be able to confidently tackle any possum-related problem that comes your way!
Assess Your Situation
Getting rid of possums or opossums can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s easy to tackle. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle; you just need to know what pieces fit where. Assessing your situation is the first step towards getting rid of these pesky critters in your home or yard.
Before you can begin taking action against an opossum infestation, you need to identify the source of the problem and determine how severe it is. Look for signs such as droppings and damage to plants or structures. You should also check for burrows or nests around your property and try to identify any entry points they may have used. If there is more than one opossum, it’s important to note that they may be coming from different sources so you can take appropriate steps to block them all off.
Once you have identified where the opossums are coming from, you can start devising a plan of action. Traps are often effective in capturing the animals if placed correctly and away from any areas where kids or pets may come into contact with them. Alternatively, glue traps can be used as a humane way of trapping these animals without harm. Gluing PVC pipes together and placing them over entry points is another option; this will help prevent further intrusions from possums while also allowing existing ones to escape unharmed.
No matter which method you choose, remember that understanding opossum behavior is essential for successful removal – otherwise, you could end up making matters worse!
Understand The Opossum’s Behavior
When it comes to dealing with opossums, understanding their behavior is key. We all know they can be tricky critters to handle, but with the right knowledge, evicting an unwelcome guest can be a much easier task. To illustrate this point, I once knew a person who had an entire family of opossums living in her shed. After doing some research she discovered that these marsupials are nocturnal, so she waited until nightfall and then placed a few traps around the shed. Sure enough, within a couple of hours she had caught the whole lot of them!
So when you’re facing a similar situation in your own home or yard, remember that opossums are creatures of habit. They will often return to the same area multiple times if there’s food available or other attractive features like shelter from predators or inclement weather. Knowing this can help you identify specific areas where you should place traps and exclusion devices to keep these animals away from your property for good.
Additionally, it’s important to note that opossums may be attracted to certain smells or sounds in your home or yard. Make sure any garbage cans are covered and keep pet food inside at all times as these could attract opossums looking for an easy meal. Taking preventive measures like these can save you time and energy when trying to get rid of unwanted visitors in the future.
With this information in hand, you’ll have all the tools necessary to humanely evict the opossum and make sure they don’t come back anytime soon!
Humanely Evict The Opossum
Evicting an opossum is no easy feat, but it can be done humanely. It’s a bit like a game of chess, requiring thoughtful planning and execution to ensure success. To win the game against these little critters, you must think like they do and plan your moves accordingly.
First and foremost, you must understand their behavior: opossums are nocturnal animals that prefer to stay in the dark. They will often hide during the day in sheltered places like attics or sheds—places with plenty of hiding spots and food sources nearby. Knowing this, you can start to plan your eviction strategy.
The next step is to create a situation that makes it difficult for them to stay put. Start by closing off all entry points into the building where they’re living by sealing off any gaps or holes with caulk, steel wool, hardware cloth, or glue-covered PVC pipes. You can also use repellents such as ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine around the perimeter of the building to encourage them to move on out of there.
TIP: Remember that evicting an opossum requires patience and diligence—it may take several weeks before they finally move on! Keep checking those entry points every few days in case they find a way back in while you’re working on creating a barrier against future intruders.
Create A Barrier
If you want to permanently get rid of pesky possums, creating a barrier is an effective solution. This means blocking the critters from getting into your yard or house and preventing them from coming back. This task can be daunting for some but with the right DIY skills, it’s totally doable.
To start, find potential entry points where the opossums may be sneaking in and look for signs of damage or openings they could fit through. You should also check around windows, doors, and vents to make sure they are all closed tightly. If you spot any possible ingress routes, it’s time to take action to block them off!
For this job, you will need some PVC pipes and glue – both of which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Cut the pipes into smaller pieces that fit over the entry points you have identified; then use glue to secure them in place. This will create a physical barrier that will keep out any unwelcome visitors who might try and enter your home or yard again!
Block Entry Points
Did you know that opossums can fit through openings as small as two inches? That’s why it’s important to block entry points before attempting anything else. Here are a few tips for keeping these pests out of your home or yard.
First, inspect your home’s exterior for entry points. Look for any cracks, loose mortar, or gaps around doors and windows. These should be sealed with caulk or steel wool to prevent access. You may also want to install sheet metal guards around the base of your house, garage, and sheds, if possible.
Next, check your yard for potential openings that could allow opossums inside. Look for holes in fences or deck posts and cover them up with mesh wire or boards. If you have tree branches hanging over the roofline of your home, trim them back to make sure they don’t provide a bridge from the trees into your property.
Finally, take steps to deter opossums from entering in the first place. Keep pet food indoors and secure lids on garbage cans to reduce their chances of finding an easy meal outside. Also, keep all outdoor areas well-lit at night since opossums prefer dark hiding spots. By taking these preventive measures now, you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to use repellents down the line!
Use Repellents
Possums or opossums in your home or yard are a nuisance, and it’s important to use repellents to keep them away. According to the Humane Society, there has been an increase of up to 90% in possum populations since the 1950s, making them even more difficult to avoid. That’s why it’s advantageous for homeowners to know how to deter them with repellents.
There are many types of repellents that can be used around your home and garden. For instance, predator urine is a smell that naturally scares off possums because they think a predator is nearby. You can purchase this product at most hardware stores and apply it around the perimeter of your property and in your garden beds. Another option is to make an ammonia solution by mixing ammonia with water, then spraying it around entry points, such as windows and doors. This will work as a natural deterrent for the critters.
Finally, you can also try using motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic sound devices that will scare off any animals that come near your property. These products are easy to install and operate, but may require some maintenance over time so they can continue working effectively. With these solutions in place, you’ll ensure that possums don’t take up residence on your property! By keeping garbage and pet food secure, you’ll further reduce the chances of possums returning in the future.
Secure Garbage And Pet Food
Secure garbage and pet food is like putting up a fortress against possums. It’s the most important step in keeping them away from your home and yard. As a handyman, I recommend that you start by storing all trash and food in containers with secure lids. Make sure to also bring pet food inside as soon as your pet has finished eating, as possums are attracted by the smell of leftover food.
Next, it’s important to keep outdoor areas clean. Clear away any fallen fruit or nuts, as these are attractive sources of food for possums. You should also keep compost piles covered, as they provide easy access to an abundance of meals for these critters. Additionally, always remove bird seed from feeders each night, since it can act as a beacon for hungry possums.
Finally, be sure to check around your house regularly for any potential entry points where possums may gain access to your home or yard; this includes checking vents, windows and other openings in the exterior walls of your house or shed. By taking these preventative steps and making sure there is no easy access to food sources around your property, you’ll be well on your way to eliminating opossum problems in no time!
Eliminate Outdoor Shelter
Securing shelter is a salient step in shooing opossums out of your yard. As a handyman, I know that finding and eliminating any outdoor hideouts is critical to keep these critters at bay.
Start by surveying your property for any potential hiding spots. Take a look at trees, sheds, porches, and other structures near the ground. If there are any gaps large enough for an opossum to fit through, take action to block it off. To solve this problem quickly, consider gluing PVC pipes along the bottom of your porch or shed walls. This will create an effective barrier that’s difficult for opossums to pass through or chew away. You can also fill in gaps with wood, wire mesh or hardware cloth depending on the size of the area you’re working with.
Finally, cleaning up any brush piles near your home is another key way to prevent opossums from taking refuge on your property. Trim back overgrown shrubs and rake leaves regularly so they don’t provide a perfect place for these unwelcome visitors to hide out during the day. Taking these steps will help make sure that you don’t have to deal with pesky possums anymore!
Add A Light To The Area
To take care of those pesky possums, adding a light to the area could be your best bet. It’s an easy and cost-effective solution that can be done without too much effort. Imagine getting rid of them without having to put in too much work – sounds like a win-win!
First, you’ll want to figure out where you want to set up the light. This depends on how many pests you’re dealing with and if they’re living in or around your home or yard. If possible, try to mount the light near their den or nesting area – this will help keep them from coming back.
Once you’ve picked out the perfect spot for the light, it’s time to make sure it’s properly installed so it can do its job. Use weatherproof fixtures and bulbs that are made specifically for outside use. You’ll also want to make sure that the bulb is bright enough so that it scares off any critters who enter the area – but not too bright as this may attract more attention than necessary! Once everything is in place, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping those pesky possums away for good!
Install A Live Trap
Installing a live trap is the best way to get rid of possums or opossums in your home or yard. Not only is it humane, but it’s also effective and relatively easy to set up. Start by getting a live possum trap from your local hardware store – they usually come with instructions, so read them carefully before getting started. Make sure you place the trap away from areas where children and pets can access it. Bait the inside of the trap with some food that will attract the animals, such as cat food or apples slices. Once you’ve baited it, check on the trap regularly to see if anything has been caught.
Once you have caught one possum or opossum, don’t forget to release it in a safe area far away from your home or yard! After releasing the animal, dispose of the trap properly and thoroughly wash any remaining bait off before storing for later use.
Making sure that there are no more critters living in your home is important for both safety and peace of mind. Hopefully installing a live trap will be enough to keep them out of your space in the future! To further prevent these pesky critters from entering again, consider gluing PVC pipe around potential entry points like windows and doors.
Gluing Pvc Pipe
Gluing PVC pipe may seem like a daunting task, but with the right supplies and the right know-how, anyone can do it. First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct supplies for the job. Grab some PVC solvent adhesive, primer, and a brush. Don’t forget safety goggles too! Once you’ve got all the materials ready, you can begin gluing PVC pipes together.
Start by cleaning both surfaces of the pipe with a rag that has been dampened with an appropriate cleaner. Apply a thin layer of primer to each surface of the pipe then allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes. Make sure to wear your safety goggles when handling any type of chemical like this. After that’s done, apply a generous amount of solvent adhesive onto one surface and press them together firmly until they are fully connected. Allow it to sit for about half an hour before testing it out by giving it a few gentle tugs – if everything looks good then congratulations! You have successfully glued PVC pipes together.
Now that you know how to glue PVC pipes together yourself, take preventative measures to make sure possums don’t get into your yard or home in the first place such as sealing up any openings on your property or using exclusion devices like wire mesh fence panels around your foundation. With these simple steps, you should be able to keep pesky critters away from your home for good!
Take Preventative Measures
Now that you’ve successfully glued your PVC pipe, it’s time to take some preventative measures to keep those pesky possums away. Possums are nocturnal creatures, so the best way to deter them is to block off any potential access points around your home. Inspect around your house for any holes or gaps, and seal them up with some steel wool or caulk. You can also repair any broken windows or screens, since possums will often try to enter through these openings. It’s also a good idea to trim back any overhanging tree branches near your home as possums may use them as a way of getting in.
Next, you’ll want to remove anything from your yard that might attract possums in the first place. This could be bird feeders, pet food bowls and compost piles. Keeping the area around your house free of food sources will discourage possums from setting up shop nearby.
Finally, if all else fails, you can use a fumigant or repellent spray on possible nesting areas such as sheds or balconies. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully before using a fumigant product around the house. With these steps in place, you’ll be able to keep those pesky opossums away for good!
Use A Fumigant
Using a fumigant is the last resort to get rid of possums and opossums. It’s like being a knight on a white horse, coming in with the cavalry when all else fails. Fumigating the area can be dangerous if not done properly, so it’s important to take extra precaution during this step.
First, make sure that you understand and follow any safety protocols for using such a chemical in your environment. Then, identify any areas where you think the animals may have entered or dwelled and fumigate those areas accordingly. This could include attics, crawl spaces, basements, and other hidden spots within your home that may be difficult to access. Be sure to ensure that any pets or children are away from the area in order for it to be safe for use.
Once you’ve chosen an appropriate fumigant product and followed all safety precautions associated with using it, the next step is to apply it as directed on the label. Make sure you wait until after sunset before releasing it into the air since most opossums are nocturnal creatures who will come out at night looking for food. Also keep an eye out for signs that they have left or been killed by the treatment – such as droppings or carcasses – so you can clean them up properly afterward.
The task of getting rid of possums or opossums may seem daunting but with proper preparation and care, taking this step could make a huge difference in keeping these pests away from your home or yard once and for all.
Contact A Professional
In the end, bringing in a professional may be the best course of action. As a handyman, I’ve often seen DIY attempts to remove pesky critters like possums or opossums fail. The reality is that these animals are persistent and will keep coming back until they’re removed completely. So, if you’re looking for a lasting solution, it’s time to call in someone who knows what they’re doing.
Think of it this way: If your home is under siege by possums or opossums, then you need an experienced hand to help you out. A professional will bring the skills – trapping, relocation and exclusion – to put an end to their intrusion once and for all. They’ll also have the knowledge and equipment necessary to take care of any damage caused by these animals.
So don’t hesitate – contact a professional today and get those critters out of your home or yard! Taking this step will give you peace of mind that your space is safe from further intrusions, and allow you to move on with other projects. With the right help on your side, you can finally get rid of those possums or opossums for good.
Monitor The Area
Monitoring the area is key if you’re looking to get rid of possums or opossums in your home or yard. It’s important to keep an eye on where they’re entering and exiting, as well as any other activity they may be up to. Here’s what you should watch out for:
Are they visiting at night? They’re nocturnal, so if you see them around during the day, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.
Are they making a mess in your yard? Possums and opossums have an unpleasant habit of digging through trash cans or leaving behind droppings in your garden, so keep an eye out for any signs of this kind of behavior.
Do you hear noises coming from inside your walls or attic? If so, it could mean that one or more possums or opossums are living in your house, which is a bigger problem than just having them running around outside!
If you spot any of these things happening, it’s time to act fast and take steps to make sure the critters don’t stick around for too long. Start by blocking off any possible entry points into the house with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or PVC pipe – both of which can be easily secured with construction adhesive. Then, set up some humane traps outside to catch any stragglers and release them somewhere far away from your property. Taking these steps will help make sure that your home and yard stay free of pesky possums!
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of possums or opossums in your home or yard can be a tricky task. But with the right strategy and knowledge, you can keep these pests at bay. Be sure to assess your situation and understand the creature’s behavior before attempting any removal tactics. It’s also important to take preventative measures like creating barriers and blocking entry points to ensure they don’t come back. Finally, if necessary, you can take more serious measures such as using a fumigant or contacting a professional for help. As the old adage goes “prevention is better than cure” – it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive when dealing with pest control! With the right steps, you can have your home or yard free from pesky opossums in no time.