How to Stop Possums from Pooping in Your Yard

Possums that are yard bound generally spend most of their time eating and sleeping. Unlike opossums, they don’t look for food in trash cans, because they have a large food supply in your home. They tend to be leftovers from previous tenants who used the home as a rental property. While many of these possums will just do their business in the yard and then spend the rest of their time holed up in the attic, some only use the yard as a toilet. 

The good news is that you can take steps to stop this habit if it becomes a problem.

Understand Possum Behavior and Habits:

To effectively tackle the possum problem, it is crucial to understand their behavior and habits. Possums are nocturnal creatures that are primarily attracted to environments that provide them with food, shelter, and water sources. 

They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. Understanding their attraction to certain environments will help in implementing preventive measures to keep them away from your yard.

Possums are known to seek shelter in areas such as hollow trees, logs, and dense vegetation. 

They are agile climbers and can access yards through trees and fences. However, they are also opportunistic creatures that will take advantage of readily available food sources, making it crucial to eliminate attractants to discourage their presence.

What Attracts Possums?

To effectively prevent possums from defecating in your yard, it is essential to identify and eliminate potential attractants. Some common attractants include:

1. Pet Food

Possums are very attracted to pet food. If you feed your dog or cat outside, then you probably already know that possums can quickly learn where this is going on. Most pet owners don’t realize how much of an attraction this is for possums until one gets into their yard and starts making a mess of things.

2. Filled-Up Trash Cans

Possums love garbage and will stop at nothing to get it! If a garbage can is full and not able to be tipped over, then they will try to claw their way into it as well as tear off the lid. This can cause holes in the garbage can so large that they aren’t safe anymore for use as a trash can – or even for storage when it comes time to clean house

3. Partially Rotten Fruits

A lot of people think that possums only eat meat – but this isn’t true. Possums love fruits just as much as humans do.

Start by securing your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids or consider using bungee cords or weights to keep them sealed. This will prevent possums from accessing a potential food source. 

Implement Physical Deterrents

Physical deterrents can be effective in deterring possums from entering your yard. Here are some methods to consider:

1. Fencing: Installing a fence around your yard can act as a significant deterrent. Choose a fence that is at least 4 feet high and extend it a few inches below the ground to prevent possums from digging under it. Ensure there are no gaps or openings that possums can squeeze through.
2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Possums are startled by sudden bursts of water, making motion-activated sprinklers an effective deterrent. Install these sprinklers in areas where possums are likely to enter your yard. When the sensors detect movement, they activate the sprinklers, scaring away possums.
3. Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to possums but inaudible to humans. Place these devices strategically around your yard to deter possums from entering. Ensure the devices cover the areas where possum activity is common.

Create an Unappealing Environment

Making your yard less attractive to possums is crucial in preventing them from defecating in it. Here are some steps to create an unappealing environment for possums:

1. Remove Food Sources: Regularly clean up fallen fruits, nuts, or seeds from your yard. Do not leave pet food outside overnight. By removing potential food sources, you remove the incentive for possums to visit your yard.
2. Secure Compost Bins: If you have a compost bin in your yard, ensure it is securely closed and inaccessible to possums. Use tight-fitting lids and consider adding a weight or lock to keep it sealed.
3. Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Possums are attracted to dense vegetation that provides shelter. Regularly trim overgrown shrubs and trees, reducing the number of hiding spots available to possums. This also improves visibility in your yard, making it less appealing to them.
4. Clear Clutter: Remove any unnecessary items or debris from your yard that possums can use as shelter. This includes piles of leaves, woodpiles, or unused equipment.

Natural Repellents and Home Remedies

In addition to physical deterrents and creating an unappealing environment, natural repellents, and home remedies can also help deter possums. Here are some options to consider:

1. Vinegar: Possums dislike the strong smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it around the perimeter of your yard or areas prone to possum activity.
2. Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper around your yard, focusing on areas where possums are likely to enter or defecate. The spicy scent deters possums from approaching.
3. Predator Urine: Purchase predator urine from a hunting or outdoor supply store and apply it strategically around your yard. The scent of predator urine signals danger to possums, deterring them from entering.

Remember to reapply natural repellents after rain or every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness.

Seek Professional Assistance

If despite your best efforts, the possum infestation persists or becomes unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Local wildlife control or pest management services have the expertise and tools to address possum problems effectively. They can help assess the situation, implement advanced methods, and ensure the safe removal of possums from your property. Contact them for advice and assistance as needed.

What kills possums fast?

– Poisons. The most common way to kill an opossum is with poison. It’s not a very pleasant way to go, but it’s effective and easy. There are several types of poison available at your local hardware store or online.

– Traps. Traps are another option for killing possums. You can find trappers who will come out and set the traps for you, or you can do it yourself if you have the time and inclination. 

Conclusion

By identifying potential attractants, implementing physical deterrents, creating an unappealing environment, utilizing and natural repellents you can successfully prevent possums from defecating in your yard. Taking proactive measures to maintain a clean, healthy, and possum-free outdoor space will not only enhance your enjoyment of your yard but also contribute to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of your surroundings.