Best Possum Deterrents

Knowing the best products is only the start. It’s also essential to know the best ways to use them to justify your purchase and make sure that you’re taking care of the problem. We’ll give you the lowdown on the ways you can get the most out of your money.

Damage and toppled trash cans are often the first clues you’ll find that will provide evidence of these animals. For a critter only as big as a cat, possums can make a significant impact—on your wallet. It ranges from garbage strewn around to spilled pet food to the destruction of outbuildings like chicken coops. Fortunately, they’re usually solitary but are prolific bree

These products capitalize on the instincts of possums for maximum effectiveness. They work in several ways. Some use scare tactics to frighten the animals away from your yard. They may do it with lights, strobes, sounds, or a combination of effects. The possums then form these negative associations with your property and move on to safer areas.

Others rely on scent. Foul-smelling products won’t deter an animal known to scavenge carrion and dumpsters. Instead, they contain odors that they associate with predators such as fox urine. Detecting them alerts the possums and provides a useful repellent. Some use lights to resemble another threatening animal’s eyes shining in the night. They function on the same principle.

Most deterrents take some time to work. Frequent application is essential. In the case of physical objects, you need to move them so that the pests don’t get used to their presence. When used with other methods such as physical barriers, they get the job done.

It’s essential to follow the instructions of the product to the letter. It may involve guidelines such as the frequency or spacing between applications in the case of granules or liquid options. Mechanical devices will include details about the correct installation and placement of them. All of this information is crucial to get the most usefulness out of them.

These deterrents are safe to use as directed. Follow the precautions listed on the label. You’ll often see cautions about using granules or liquid products near surface water sources where runoff can occur. Bear in mind that items that contain urine will have a foul odor that you don’t want to use too close to your home.

Mechanical items are safe to use too. Ultrasonic devices are not audible to humans, so there’s no risk of disturbing anyone. However, some individuals may have issues with units with flashing or strobe lights. Place them pointing away from the dwelling to avoid any problems. Many deterrents work on non-targeted animals too, making them a better value for the money.

You can use deterrents as part of your comprehensive plan for keeping pests out of your backyard. They can provide perimeter control and act as a barrier. You should also make your property and house less attractive to possums and other nuisance wildlife. That means clearing brush piles or debris near your home that could provide shelter. The same caution applies to wood piles too.

If possible, keep your garbage cans in the garage rather than leaving them outside. Make sure the lids are secure and animal-proof. Also, store pet food similarly. Like raccoons, possums are quite dexterous with their opposable thumbs. If the animals are raiding your compost site or bird feeders, remove or relocate them. Remember that possums are opportunistic and will home in on any available food source.

The good news is that all these measures are excellent ways to deter other unwanted visitors like rodents or other wildlife By taking this multifaceted approach, you will go a long way toward preventing a pest issue and the costs associated with these problem animals. But we’ll leave you with one thought about them to consider. Possums also happen to be excellent tick killers.