Why Possums Are Attracted to Your Yard
It's not uncommon to find a possum roaming your backyard at night. These nocturnal marsupials are opportunistic creatures that thrive in urban and suburban environments where they can find food and shelter. Understanding what attracts possums to your yard can help you take proactive steps to discourage their presence and protect your pets, garden, and trash bins.
Main Attractions for Possums
- Food Availability: Food is the primary reason possums enter residential areas. They are not picky eaters and will consume almost anything edible they can find. This includes:
- Pet food left outdoors
- Open garbage cans
- Bird seed and suet
- Compost piles containing food scraps
- Ripe or fallen fruit from trees
- Water Sources: Like all animals, possums need a steady supply of fresh water. If you have birdbaths, pet water bowls, or leaky hoses or sprinklers, these present an attractive resource.
- Shelter: Possums look for secure, dark places to rest during the day. Common shelter options in a typical yard include:
- Woodpiles or brush piles
- Under decks or porches
- Sheds and outbuildings
- Dense shrubs or overgrown areas
- Safe Nesting Spots: Female possums seek out protected spots to raise their young. Undisturbed areas around your home may seem like perfect nesting spots.
How to Deter Possums from Your Yard
If you’re dealing with nuisance possums, the best long-term solution is habitat modification. Here's how to make your yard less appealing:
- Remove Food Sources: Feed pets indoors and never leave pet food outside overnight. Secure your garbage cans with tight lids and use animal-proof containers when possible.
- Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Regularly pick up fruit and vegetables that drop from trees or garden beds.
- Secure Compost Bins: Use a closed compost system and avoid composting meat or dairy waste.
- Limit Water Access: Empty outside water bowls at night and fix any leaky fixtures or pipes.
- Eliminate Shelter: Seal any openings under your house, shed, or porch. Clear overgrown vegetation and discard yard waste appropriately.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can startle nocturnal animals, making your yard less inviting.
- Use Repellents: Commercial possum repellents or natural deterrents like ammonia-soaked rags near hiding spots can deter entry.
Are Possums Dangerous?
While possums are generally not aggressive, they can pose indirect risks, especially to pets. They may fight over food, scare smaller animals, or potentially spread parasites and diseases like fleas and ticks. However, they also contribute positively by eating pests like insects, snails, and even small rodents.
When to Call a Professional
If possums have taken up residence in your attic or crawl space—or keep returning despite deterrents—consider contacting a wildlife removal expert. These professionals are trained to humanely remove animals and advise on exclusion strategies to keep them away permanently.
Summary
Possums are drawn to yards that offer easy meals, water, and safe shelter. By understanding their habits and removing these attractants, you can create an environment that's less appealing to them. In doing so, you’ll not only protect your property and outdoor pets, but also maintain a healthier and tidier outdoor space overall.
