Finding a possum in your garage can be a bit unnerving, right? You walk in to grab something, and there it is, staring back at you! But don’t worry—I’ve got your back.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the smart, humane, and effective ways to get rid of possum in garage, that little intruder for good. So let’s get your garage back to being, well, just your garage!
Identifying the Possum and Its Entry Points
The first step is to confirm that you are indeed dealing with a possum. These animals are typically gray with a pointed snout, rounded ears, and a prehensile tail.
Once identified, locate the entry points the possum is using to access your garage. Common entry points include gaps around garage doors, vents, and holes in walls.
Why Possums Are Attracted to My Garage
- Food Sources: If you store pet food, birdseed, or garbage in your garage, possums might be attracted by the easy meal.
- Shelter: Garages provide a warm, dry, and safe space away from predators, making them an ideal nesting spot.
- Darkness and Quiet: Being nocturnal creatures, possums are drawn to the dark, quiet corners of a garage where they can rest undisturbed during the day.
- Easy Access: Gaps, cracks, or open doors provide easy entry points for possums looking for a new home.
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Methods to Remove a Possum from Your Garage
Ready to show that sneaky possum the exit? Here are some tried-and-true methods that’ll help you peacefully evict your unexpected garage guest—no drama, just results!
Trapping
Set a Trap: Use a humane trap that is at least 32” x 10” x 12” in size. Bait the trap with food items that attract possums, such as cat food, fruits, or peanut butter. Place the trap in areas where possum activity is most frequent.
Safe Handling: Always wear gloves when setting up or handling the trap to avoid transferring your scent. Once the possum is trapped, relocate it at least 5-10 miles away from your home to prevent it from returning.
Create an Unfriendly Environment
Loud Noises: Possums are sensitive to loud sounds. You can use talk radio, metal music, or even air horns to create a noisy environment that encourages the possum to leave.
Bright Lights: Since possums are nocturnal, they dislike bright lights. Install bright shop lights or motion-activated floodlights in your garage to make it an uncomfortable space for the possum.
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Use Strong Odors
Vinegar and Ammonia: Soak cotton balls in vinegar or a diluted ammonia solution and place them around the garage. These strong odors can drive the possum out.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Set up motion-activated sprinklers in your garage or at entry points. The sudden spray of water can startle and deter the possum.
When to Call a Professional
If these methods do not work, or if you are uncomfortable handling the situation, it might be best to contact a wildlife control expert. They can safely and legally remove the possum and offer additional advice on preventing future intrusions.
Preventive Measures to Keep Possums Out
Now that you’ve successfully shown your possum pal the door, let’s make sure it doesn’t come back! Here are some smart steps to keep your garage a possum-free zone from now on.
- Seal Entry Points: After removing the possum, thoroughly inspect your garage for any openings. Seal these with materials like steel wool, copper mesh, or metal sheets. Make sure doors close tightly and repair any damaged vents.
- Remove Food Sources: Store pet food and garbage in sealed containers. Avoid leaving any food scraps in your garage, as they can attract possums.
- Yard Maintenance: Possums often hide in piles of leaves, wood, or other debris. Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained reduces the chances of possums finding shelter near your home.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively remove a possum from your garage and prevent it from returning.
Ensure that any action you take complies with local wildlife laws, as some regions have specific regulations regarding the handling of possums.
The Final Cut
Congratulations! You’ve now got the tools to evict that possum and keep it from coming back.
Just remember, a little prevention goes a long way. Keep things secure, stay vigilant, and you’ll have a possum-free garage in no time. Keep up the good work, and your garage will stay a possum-free zone, just the way it should be!
