--- title: "How to Get Rid of Opossums away from House and Yard" description: "Learn how to get rid of Opossums safely, keep them out of your yard, compare repellents, and prevent them from returning to your home." canonical: https://ngpest.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-opossums-fast-and-permanently/ site: "Nextgen Pest Solutions" site_url: https://ngpest.com/ --- # How To Get Rid of Opossums Fast and Permanently Michael Holden · June 15, 2026 ![Virginia opossum with a white face and pink nose standing in leaf litter, a pest homeowners need to know how to get rid of opossums from](https://ngpest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/How-to-Get-Rid-of-Opossums-Like-This-Virginia-Opossum.webp) A Virginia opossum forages among low vegetation and branches in its natural outdoor environment, the animal behind every search for how to get rid of opossums. Learn on how to get rid of Opossums, remove accessible food, eliminate hiding spots, and block entry points after confirming the animal has left. The most effective long-term approach combines habitat cleanup, humane exclusion, and prevention rather than relying on repellents alone. ## **Key Takeaways** - Remove pet food, fallen fruit, unsecured garbage, and other attractants. - Use secure barriers to keep possums out of your yard and prevent access beneath structures. - Natural possum repellents and homemade deterrents have limited evidence of effectiveness. - Contact wildlife removal professionals when possums enter attics, crawl spaces, or other difficult-to-access areas. ## **How to Get Rid of a Possum Safely** The best way to get rid of a possum is to make your property less attractive while allowing the animal to leave safely. Opossums generally avoid confrontation, so there’s usually no reason to approach, corner, or handle them. Follow these steps when getting rid of possums around your home. ### **1\. Remove Food and Water Sources** Possums are opportunistic feeders attracted to easily accessible food. Start by: - Bringing pet food and water bowls indoors at night. - Securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. - Collecting fallen fruit from trees. - Cleaning spilled birdseed beneath feeders. - Keeping compost inside secure containers. Removing these attractants is one of the simplest ways to keep opossums away. ### **2\. Eliminate Hiding Places** Possums may seek shelter beneath decks, sheds, porches, and piles of outdoor materials. Clear overgrown vegetation, remove unused debris, and organize woodpiles away from the house. Inspect enclosed spaces for signs of activity before closing access points. If you notice animal droppings, consult our guide to [identifying opossum poop](https://ngpest.com/blog/identifying-opossum-poop/) to help determine whether possums are visiting your property. ### **3\. Use Humane Exclusion Methods** Physical exclusion is generally more effective than trying to scare a possum away repeatedly. Install durable hardware cloth around vulnerable openings, reinforce damaged vents, and secure crawl-space entrances. For occupied dens, a wildlife professional may use a properly installed one-way door after confirming that no dependent young will be trapped inside. The [Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management](https://icwdm.org/species/other-mammals/opossums/opossum-damage-prevention-and-control-methods/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) recommends habitat modification and structural exclusion for controlling opossum problems. ## **How to Keep Possums Out of Your Yard** If you’re wondering how to get rid of possums in your yard, focus on food, shelter, and access. Possums frequently visit residential yards in search of discarded food, insects, fallen fruit, and sheltered resting places. To keep possums out of your yard: 1. Secure outdoor garbage: Use animal-resistant containers and clean up spilled waste. 2. Protect gardens: Install suitable fencing around vulnerable garden beds. 3. Remove nighttime food: Never leave pet food or birdseed accessible overnight. 4. Reduce shelter: Clear dense brush and inspect spaces beneath outdoor structures. 5. Maintain barriers: Repair damaged fencing and close openings only after confirming they’re unoccupied. These measures help deter opossums from your yard without harming wildlife. If you’re dealing with repeated nighttime visits, motion-activated sprinklers may provide temporary deterrence while you address food sources and access points. ## **What Repels Possums? Natural and Commercial Deterrents** Homeowners often ask what repels possums and whether a natural possum repellent can keep animals away permanently. Unfortunately, no odor-based opossum repellent has demonstrated consistently reliable control. Physical exclusion and removing attractants remain better long-term strategies. ### **Natural Possum Repellents** Common homemade possum deterrent suggestions include peppermint oil, vinegar, garlic, and other strong-smelling substances. However, there is limited reliable evidence that these materials consistently repel possums. Some animals may temporarily avoid unfamiliar odors but return once the scent fades or food remains available. For lasting possum control, prioritize sanitation and access prevention. ### **Do Mothballs, Ammonia, and Peppermint Oil Repel Possums?** Several popular home remedies have important limitations. | **Repellent** | **Effectiveness and safety** | | --- | --- | | Mothballs | Not effective or appropriate for repelling possums; misuse can expose people and pets to toxic chemicals. | | Ammonia | Not recommended because fumes can be hazardous and results are unreliable. | | Peppermint oil | No strong evidence supports dependable, long-term possum exclusion. | | Commercial repellents | Effectiveness varies; do not assume a product works unless its label supports the intended use. | | Motion-activated sprinklers | May temporarily discourage visits but are less effective once animals become accustomed to them. | The [University of California Integrated Pest Management Program](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/opossum/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) advises against mothballs and ammonia as possum repellents and emphasizes the limitations of chemical deterrents. ### **How to Scare a Possum Away** If you need to scare a possum away from your house, maintain a safe distance and give it an unobstructed escape route. Motion-activated sprinklers may discourage occasional visitors, although possums can become accustomed to repeated disturbances. Avoid chasing, cornering, or attempting to grab the animal. ## **How to Get a Possum Out of Your House, Garage, or Attic** Getting rid of possums indoors requires additional precautions because frightened animals may hide or become defensive. ### **Possums Inside the House or Garage** If you need to get a possum out of your garage, keep children and pets away, close interior doors, and open a clear exit leading outdoors. Allow the animal to leave independently. Do not attempt to pick it up or force it through a confined space. If it remains trapped, contact a wildlife removal specialist. ### **Possums Under Your House or in the Attic** To get rid of possums under your house, first determine whether the animal has established a den. Look for disturbed insulation, damaged vents, nighttime movement, and droppings near possible entrances. Young possums may remain inside while their mother searches for food, so sealing an occupied entrance can trap animals within the structure. Professional inspection and appropriate exclusion methods are the safest approach. If you’re unsure which animal is responsible, our [backyard animal poop identification guide](https://ngpest.com/blog/backyard-animal-poop-identification-an-ultimate-guide/) can help you compare common wildlife droppings. ## **How to Prevent Possums From Coming Back** Keeping possums away requires consistent property maintenance, even after an animal has been removed. For long-term prevention: - Inspect fences, vents, decks, and crawl-space openings regularly. - Seal confirmed inactive entry points with durable materials. - Keep outdoor trash, pet food, and compost secured. - Trim vegetation around potential shelter areas. - Check for renewed digging, droppings, or nighttime activity. Avoid poisoning or attempting unauthorized relocation. Wildlife removal laws differ by state, and certain methods require professional permits. Homeowners in Florida should review the [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s nuisance wildlife guidance](https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/remove/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) before trapping or relocating an animal. ## **Need Professional Opossum Removal?** If possums repeatedly enter your property, settle beneath your home, or become trapped indoors, professional removal can help resolve the problem safely. Nextgen Pest Solutions provides wildlife inspections, removal, and exclusion services to address existing activity and reduce future entry. Learn more about our [professional opossum removal services](https://ngpest.com/services/opossum-removal/) and get help protecting your home. Table of Contents - [Key Takeaways](#key-takeaways) - [How to Get Rid of a Possum Safely](#how-to-get-rid-of-a-possum-safely) - [1\. Remove Food and Water Sources](#1-remove-food-and-water-sources) - [2\. Eliminate Hiding Places](#2-eliminate-hiding-places) - [3\. Use Humane Exclusion Methods](#3-use-humane-exclusion-methods) - [How to Keep Possums Out of Your Yard](#how-to-keep-possums-out-of-your-yard) - [What Repels Possums? Natural and Commercial Deterrents](#what-repels-possums-natural-and-commercial-deterrents) - [Natural Possum Repellents](#natural-possum-repellents) - [Do Mothballs, Ammonia, and Peppermint Oil Repel Possums?](#do-mothballs-ammonia-and-peppermint-oil-repel-possums) - [How to Scare a Possum Away](#how-to-scare-a-possum-away) - [How to Get a Possum Out of Your House, Garage, or Attic](#how-to-get-a-possum-out-of-your-house-garage-or-attic) - [Possums Inside the House or Garage](#possums-inside-the-house-or-garage) - [Possums Under Your House or in the Attic](#possums-under-your-house-or-in-the-attic) - [How to Prevent Possums From Coming Back](#how-to-prevent-possums-from-coming-back) - [Need Professional Opossum Removal?](#need-professional-opossum-removal) - [Start My Pest Control Plan](#start-my-pest-control-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions About Opossum Removal](#frequently-asked-questions-about-opossum-removal) - [Key Regional Offices](#key-regional-offices) - [Alpharetta, GA](#office-alpharetta-ga) - [West Palm Beach, FL](#office-west-palm-beach-fl) - [Clearwater, FL](#office-clearwater-fl) - [Birmingham, AL](#office-birmingham-al) Contributor ![Man with dark hair and beard wearing a light blue polo shirt against a gray background](https://ngpest.com/_media/v1/2025/11/Michael.webp) Michael Holden, CEO Nextgen Pest Solutions offers a wide range of pest control services. ## Start My Pest Control Plan Limited time: get $25 off your first service. Frequently asked questions ## Frequently Asked Questions About Opossum Removal Get a free inspection when you book a pest control service. **1\. What is the fastest way to get rid of a possum?** The fastest safe approach is to remove food attractants, provide an escape route, and secure access points once the possum has left. **2\. What repels possums and keeps them away?** Removing food and shelter, installing secure barriers, and maintaining your property are more reliable than most commercial or natural possum repellents. **3\. Do mothballs repel possums?** No, mothballs are not a reliable or recommended possum deterrent, and using them for wildlife control can create toxic exposure risks. **4\. How do you keep possums out of your yard permanently?** Secure garbage, remove outdoor food, protect vulnerable garden areas, and maintain barriers to reduce repeated possum visits. **5\. How do you get rid of possums under your house?** Have the area inspected for dependent young and use humane exclusion methods before sealing entrances to prevent animals from becoming trapped.