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

Possums might be slow movers, but they’re fast at causing problems once they sneak onto your property. Between the mess, the noise, and the potential for damage or disease, getting rid of them quickly—and keeping them out—is a top priority for any homeowner

What Attracts Possums to Your Home or Yard?

Possums are opportunists, and if your property offers easy food, shelter, or water, they’ll stick around. Unsecured trash cans, pet food left outside, fallen fruit, and overflowing compost piles are basically a buffet for these scavengers. They’re especially active at night, so you may not even notice the problem until something’s already been raided.

They also look for quiet, hidden places to nest—like under decks, in crawlspaces, attics, or behind sheds. If they find a warm, safe space with nearby food, they’ll keep coming back night after night. Cutting off these resources is your first step toward convincing them to leave—for good.

How Do You Know a Possum Is on Your Property?

The most obvious signs are noises at night—thumping, scratching, or slow shuffling sounds in your attic, walls, or around your porch. Possums are nocturnal, so if you hear activity after dark and see overturned trash or scattered pet food in the morning, it’s a strong clue they’ve been by.

You might also spot droppings, paw prints, or nesting material like leaves and insulation. Possums have long, naked tails and a hunched gait that sets them apart from raccoons or stray cats. If you see one waddling along your fence line or rooftop at dusk, it’s time to act fast before it settles in.

What Is the Quickest DIY Method to Get Rid of a Possum?

Start by removing anything that’s attracting the possum—secure your trash, bring pet food indoors, and clear away fallen fruit or compost. Then, block off access to hiding spots like crawlspaces, porches, and attics using wire mesh or heavy-duty screening.

For active deterrents, motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle possums and make your yard feel unsafe to them. The key is consistency—scare them off before they get too comfortable, and don’t give them a reason to come back. DIY methods work best when applied early and combined with physical exclusion.

Do Possum Repellents Work?

Repellents like mothballs, ammonia-soaked rags, or commercial sprays might provide a temporary deterrent, especially in open spaces like gardens or under decks. These strong smells can irritate a possum’s senses and may keep them from settling in—at least for a little while.

However, repellents wear off quickly due to weather and can lose effectiveness over time. Possums are adaptable, and if food or shelter is readily available, they’ll tolerate unpleasant smells to stick around. That’s why repellents should only be used as a short-term solution alongside physical exclusion and cleanup.

Should You Trap a Possum?

Trapping a possum may seem like a fast fix, but it’s not always the safest or most effective option. Live traps can stress the animal, cause injury, and increase the chance of getting sprayed or bitten if you don’t know how to handle it. Even if you catch one, relocating it without proper permits is illegal in many areas.

There’s also the chance you’re only catching one of several possums using your property. Without addressing what attracted them in the first place, another could take its place. If you’re considering trapping, it’s best to involve a licensed wildlife professional who can do it humanely, legally, and with the right tools.

How Do You Keep Possums From Coming Back?

Once a possum is gone, the last thing you want is a repeat visit. Start by sealing off common entry points like vents, gaps in your foundation, or spaces under your deck using wire mesh or hardware cloth. Check for weak spots around your home and reinforce them before another possum finds its way in.

Next, stay consistent with yard maintenance. Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and trim overgrown shrubs that could offer cover. Possums look for easy meals and quiet hideouts—remove both, and they’ll look elsewhere.

Why Hiring a Wildlife Removal Professional Is the Fastest Option

When time matters and you don’t want to risk a spray, bite, or property damage, calling a professional is the safest and quickest route. Wildlife removal experts know how to locate possum entry points, remove the animal humanely, and seal your home against future visitors—all without putting you or your family at risk.

Professionals also understand local wildlife laws and have the right equipment to handle the job efficiently. Instead of guessing your way through repellents and traps, you’ll get a customized plan that actually works—and fast. It’s the most reliable way to make sure the possum is gone and stays gone.

Call AAAC Wildlife Removal for Fast, Humane Possum Removal

If a possum has made itself at home on your property, don’t wait for the scratching, smell, or damage to get worse. AAAC Wildlife Removal offers fast, humane possum removal backed by years of field experience and a deep understanding of local wildlife behavior.

We don’t just trap and leave—we inspect, remove, seal entry points, and help you prevent future intrusions. Whether it’s under your deck, inside your attic, or raiding your trash, we’ve got the tools and expertise to solve the problem for good. Give us a call today and let us help you reclaim your space.

Conclusion

A single possum might not seem like a big deal at first, but wait too long and you could be facing torn insulation, chewed wiring, or a nest full of baby possums in your crawlspace. The longer they stay, the harder they are to remove—and the more damage they can cause.

Fast action is the key to keeping your home safe and possum-free. Whether you try proven DIY tactics or call in a professional, the goal is the same: remove the possum quickly, block them out completely, and make sure they never come back.