How to Get Rid of a Possum In Your Garage

Are you dealing with possums in your garage? If so, you have nothing to fear from these creatures– they are typically gentle and timid. However, it can still be a hassle having unwanted visitors in your garage, and you likely want to get the possums out of your space as soon as possible. Plus, possums can cause mess and destruction inside your space if they decide to nest, for instance. Read on for some tips and tricks to be aware of when you have possums in your garage space.

How to Get Rid of a Possum In Your Garage

There are a few different methods that you can implement to deter possums from your garage, or to get rid of them if they are already living in your garage space. Take a look below to learn more about these approaches.

Remove Food Sources

Possums are often attracted to garages because there are ample food sources here. Be aware of what can be considered a food source for a possum, and either eliminate those food sources or store them safely so that the possums are unable to access them. Some of these food sources can be pet food or birdseed, which is often stored in the garage. Cleaning your garage and storing any food in locked, airtight containers makes it easy for you to prevent possums from coming to the garage in the future. They may even leave of their own accord once they realize that their food sources have dried up.

Use Traps

Another method to deal with possums that are already in your garage is to use traps. Don’t worry, there are plenty of humane options out there, so you can catch the possums and then release them back into the wild. However, you will want to be sure that you release the possums far enough away that they do not simply return to the garage. You will also want to address whatever issues attracted the possums to the garage in the first place so that they do not decide to return! When it comes to relocation, you may have to hire someone else to do it, depending on the area– relocating animals on your own is illegal in some parts. Be sure to do your research first!

Use Smells

If you do not want to resort to traps yet, or do not want to deal with relocation, another way to get rid of possums is to use smells. This is a common method for dealing with pests or infestations. Some of the scents that possums do not like are garlic, onions, camphor, and mothballs. For instance, you can crush up garlic and use it in your garage to deter the possums. In order to do this, you should concentrate the garlic– or whatever scent you choose– in areas where you have seen the possums, or in hiding places like dark corners. You can also place these smells at entry points to the garage. Mothballs are another easy scent to make use of, as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can place the mothballs in these same sorts of areas, as well as around the outside of the house to keep possums from getting too close.

Seal Cracks or Holes

How are the possums getting into your garage in the first place? This is something that is important for you to figure out– if it is not addressed, you may continue to find yourself dealing with unwanted guests. This may mean more possums, or other pests such as snakes, insects, or rats. Take stock of your garage– are there cracks or holes in your foundation or the siding? If so, this could be how the possums are getting inside. They also can be getting in through gaps around the door, especially if the weatherstripping is missing or damaged. You will need to seal the holes and replace any damaged weatherstripping to keep possums and other pests from getting into your garage.

Clean Your Garage

It is also important to keep your garage clean and neat. Keeping the garage free of clutter will help to get rid of any potential hiding spots or areas that can be used as nests for the possums. It will also help you to get rid of any potential food sources– scraps of food or trash left out on the floor are easy pickings for a possum, and may convince them that your garage is a good place to live.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do if you have a possum in your garage?

If you have a possum in your garage, there are a few ways that you can get it out. Some of these methods involve setting traps– there are also plenty of humane trap options out there. If you prefer not to handle the possum issue on your own, you can contact wildlife relocation specialists instead, who will be able to remove the possum and bring it somewhere safer.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a possum?

One of the quickest ways to get rid of possums in your space is to trap them. Another quick way to get rid of a possum is to make the space it is inhabiting inhospitable. FOr instance, use smells that possums do not like, or remove all of the potential food sources so that your space is not offering everything a possum needs in a shelter.

How do you scare away a possum?

There are some easy and straightforward scare tactics that you can implement to frighten a possum away. These include tying helium balloons up that will sway and startle the possum, or making the space too loud by playing music on a speaker or portable radio.

What smell keeps possums away?

Smells can deter many animals from an area, including possums. Some of the smells that can keep possums away are garlic, onion, camphor, or mothballs.