How To Get Rid Of Opossum In Garage

How to Get Rid of Opossums in Your Garage: A Humane and Effective Guide

Opossums in your garage? It's a common problem, but thankfully, there are humane and effective ways to solve it. This guide will walk you through the process of opossum removal, focusing on deterrents and prevention to ensure they don't return. Remember, opossums are generally harmless, nocturnal creatures, so we'll prioritize humane methods.

Understanding Why Opossums Invade Garages

Before we dive into solutions, let's understand why opossums choose your garage. They're looking for:

• Shelter: A warm, dry place to escape the elements, particularly during harsh weather. Garages often provide this.
• Food: While not as likely as shelter, opossums might find scraps of food or pests like insects and rodents in your garage.
• Nesting Sites: They're looking for a quiet, secluded place to raise their young.

Humane Opossum Removal Strategies

The goal is to discourage opossums from entering your garage without harming them. Here's how:

1. Eliminate Food Sources

• Cleanliness is Key: Thoroughly clean your garage, removing any food scraps, spilled pet food, or garbage.
• Secure Trash Cans: Use heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent opossums from accessing them.
• Store Food Properly: Keep all food items in sealed containers to eliminate appealing smells.

2. Seal Entry Points

• Identify Access Points: Carefully inspect your garage for any openings, cracks, or holes where an opossum could enter. Pay attention to gaps around doors, windows, and vents.
• Repair and Seal: Use steel wool, caulk, or other appropriate materials to seal all identified entry points. This is crucial to prevent re-entry.

3. Deterrents: Making Your Garage Unattractive

• Bright Lighting: Opossums are nocturnal and prefer dark spaces. Installing motion-activated lights can deter them.
• Noise Makers: Ultrasonic repellents or other noise-making devices might help, although their effectiveness varies.
• Predator Urine: Commercial products containing predator urine (like fox or coyote urine) can sometimes deter opossums. However, the effectiveness can vary and the scent can be strong.
• Repellent Sprays: Commercial opossum repellents are available, but their effectiveness is debated.

4. If All Else Fails: Contact Wildlife Professionals

If you're unable to remove the opossum yourself, or if you suspect a nest, it's best to contact a licensed wildlife removal specialist. They have the experience and tools to safely remove the opossum and ensure it's released humanely in a suitable habitat.

Preventing Future Opossum Infestations

Prevention is key! By continuing the strategies above, you can significantly reduce the chances of future opossum problems:

• Regular Garage Cleaning: Maintain a clean and organized garage.
• Ongoing Inspections: Regularly inspect your garage for any new openings or potential entry points.
• Secure Storage: Keep firewood, compost, and other potential attractants away from your garage.

By following these steps, you can effectively and humanely remove opossums from your garage and prevent future infestations. Remember, patience and persistence are vital in dealing with wildlife issues.