Yes, possums generally dislike getting wet and will actively avoid rain and large bodies of water. This aversion is strong enough that motion-activated sprinklers are often used as an effective, humane deterrent for keeping them out of gardens and off properties.
2. Possums don't like getting wet.
Install motion-activated sprinklers and/or lights
They won't be scared off that easily. However, they get startled when they get sprinkled. Which means water is more efficient and also a natural method to deter possums.
Possums hate strong, pungent smells (like garlic, onion, peppermint, eucalyptus, mothballs, and ammonia), sudden disturbances (like motion-activated lights or sprinklers), and perceived predator threats, finding these elements unpleasant and unsafe, so they avoid areas with these strong deterrents, though they can get used to them if not moved.
Cold snaps, heavy rain, or storms often push them to seek warm and dry shelter in homes, attics, or garages. During harsh conditions, they may stay for longer periods since leaving exposes them to danger and discomfort. In milder weather, they return to their nomadic patterns, moving around freely in search of food.
Possums come around houses seeking easy food, water, and safe shelter, drawn by unsecured trash, pet food, fallen fruit, compost, and cozy spots like roof cavities or woodpiles for warmth and protection from predators. They're opportunistic, so your yard becomes an appealing buffet and hotel, especially when natural food sources are scarce or your home offers ideal nesting.
While possums rely more on their sense of smell and environmental cues, they can remember familiar individuals, including humans, over time. Their memory plays a significant role in navigating their surroundings and identifying potential threats or food sources.
To get rid of possums fast, eliminate their food and water sources (trash, pet food, fallen fruit), secure entry points to your home (roof, vents, under decks) with mesh, and use strong deterrents like motion-activated lights/sprinklers, ammonia-soaked rags, or predator urine, while also trimming tree branches near your house to block access. For persistent issues, humane trapping and professional removal are options, but always check local wildlife laws first.
Opossums have a few natural predators; larger mammals such as bobcats, foxes, and coyotes pose a significant threat to the opossum, as do feral cats and also household pets such as dogs and cats – especially if the opossum is making nightly visits to backyards.
A combination of the two is most effective. Opossums can be scared temporarily by loud, intermittent noises or lights. Try using motion sensors that activate jets of water, noisemakers or lights, but you may not get much sleep with the racket outside.
No. A porch light by itself won't keep possums away. These adaptable nighttime foragers get comfortable around constant lighting and will still investigate any easy meals or hiding spots.
You generally don't need to worry about a possum in your yard; they're mostly harmless, beneficial for eating pests, and prefer to avoid humans, but you should secure garbage, remove pet food, and avoid them, especially if they seem sick (out during the day) or if they're getting into your home. Keep pets and kids away, don't corner them, and call a wildlife rescuer if one appears injured, sick (daytime activity), or is causing property damage.
Opossums are nocturnal, meaning they sleep all day and are active at night, but that's not a hard and fast rule. During colder months, you may see opossums during the day.
DO NOT TRAP. Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable.
If a possum is in your garage, chances are it is just looking for food. Leave the door open and it should go out eventually. If a possum is nesting in your garage, whether an exterior wall or in a corner, there are ways you can remove the possum from your garage.
Possums are mostly herbivorous animals, which means the bulk (no pun intended) of their diet is plant-based. Australian possums eat: Leaves - Just like koalas, possums are suckers for eucalyptus leaves. If there is no eucalyptus around, they settle for other plants, such as green plum, acacia, red bush apple, and more.
Even though opossums aren't as dangerous as other wildlife, they can still damage your home, shed, and deck. They may also harm humans and pets if they feel threatened and try to defend themselves. Find a Critter Control near you.
During the day, the Common Ringtail Possum will sleep in its soccer-ball-sized nest, called a drey, which will be located several meters high in dense foliage, sometimes with several other individuals. They have been known to live in roofs of houses and sheds.
Possums are nocturnal and highly vocal — especially in urban areas where space is limited. They use sounds to: Defend their territory. Attract a mate.
Possums are opportunistic feeders, which means they'll keep returning to places where food is easy to find. Open garbage cans, fallen fruit in the yard, bird feeders, or leftover pet food are irresistible to them. Once they discover these resources, they often return night after night until the supply runs out.
Are possums dangerous to dogs? While opossums are often docile, if actually attacked, they will sometimes defend themselves. At first, the possum will most likely just stand still with their mouth agape at the dog. If attacked, they might play dead, but they also might fight and scratch and bite.
On a practical level, it could be a sign your yard has become an easy food source or a comfortable hiding place. For those curious about spiritual meaning, some believe a possum encounter symbolizes adaptability, resourcefulness, or a warning to pay attention to your surroundings.
Even tiny insects can solve seemingly complex problems by working together. You've heard of IQ? Well, EQ—encephalization quotient—is the measure used to describe an animal's intelligence by comparing its brain to that of a creature of the same size. Humans have an EQ of about 7.5, whereas a possum has an EQ of 0.2.
The usual reason people think they have rabies is the drooling that opossums do when approached and scared. For the most part though, opossums are all bark and no bite. When a 'possum is approached, it will open its mouth widely, show you all of their teeth, and begin to drool excessively.