How To Get Rid Of Possums In Your House

So, there I was, minding my own business in the kitchen, when I heard this weird noise coming from the attic. I thought, "Great, now I've got squirrels in the roof too." But no, it was worse. Much worse. It was a possum, and it had made itself quite at home in my attic. I'm not talking about a cute, little, play-dead possum from cartoons. This was a real, live, "I'm not leaving without a fight" possum. And that, my friends, is how I ended up on a mission to learn how to get rid of possums in my house.

First Things First: Identify the Culprit

Now, before you go on a possum-hunting spree, you need to confirm that it's indeed a possum you're dealing with. Possums are nocturnal creatures, so you might not see them during the day. But you'll definitely hear them. They make a hissing sound when they're angry or scared, and they can also make a noise that sounds like a cat meowing. If you find droppings that are about the size of a large grain of rice, that's another sign you've got a possum problem.

But Why Are They Here?

Possums are looking for the same things we are - food, water, and shelter. If you've got an open window, a gap under your deck, or a hole in your roof, they'll move right in. They're also attracted to pet food left outside and open trash cans. So, if you're wondering why you've got a possum in your house, it's probably because you've accidentally sent out a 'Vacancy' sign.

Now, Let's Get Rid of These Unwanted House Guests

Step 1: Make Your House Less Inviting

Possums aren't looking for a fight, they're just looking for a place to live. So, the first step is to make your house less inviting. Seal up any holes or cracks that they could be using to get in. Use steel wool, foam sealant, or hardware cloth to fill these gaps. Also, make sure your chimney has a cap, and your vents have screens.

As for food and water, make sure your pets aren't leaving any food outside, and secure your trash cans. If you've got a pond or a birdbath, make sure it's not attracting possums. You can do this by adding a few drops of dish soap to the water. It won't hurt the birds, but it will make the water slippery for possums.

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Step 2: Encourage Them to Leave

Possums don't like bright lights or loud noises. So, you can try leaving a light on in the attic or playing a radio to encourage them to leave. You can also try using a repellent. There are commercial repellents available, or you can make your own using ingredients like garlic, hot peppers, or ammonia.

But remember, possums can be aggressive when they're cornered. So, if you're not comfortable dealing with them yourself, it's best to call a professional. They have the equipment and the know-how to safely remove possums from your home.

| OCG Pest Control

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Once you've got the possums out, you'll want to make sure they don't come back. So, keep your house maintained, seal up any new gaps, and don't leave food outside. You can also try planting certain plants around your house that possums dislike, like marigolds, lavender, and mint.

And there you have it, folks. My personal guide on how to get rid of possums in your house. I hope you never have to use it, but if you do, you're now armed with the knowledge you need to send those possums packing.