The same is the case for opossums. One of the most distinct signs of an opossum infestation is the smell. Required fields are marked *. Opossums produce Urine through the action of their glands. "We had a possum get in the house through the doggy door, it was in the den for about 4 days before I spotted it. Fox urine works wonders in getting rid of and preventing possums from entering your backyards. You can shove some garlic cloves into the soil of your garden, near plants. That will ensure the possums flee away from the threshold. This action is involuntary and usually happens if the animal is frightened. One determined green thumb believes she has found an environmentally friendly way to stop the natives from destroying her garden. To keep raccoons, possums, skunks, or other critters out of your garbage, regularly spray the side of your cans with a mixture of half ammonia, and half water. She screamed and the possum ran. For some predators, the odor is just too offensive to withstand. Possums are not some friendly creatures you can open your door for. However, opossums are threatened, they can manifest each of the following behavioral characteristics: For opossums, it is an involuntary response. After reading your article, I was able to learn and educate my mom on the correct way to avoid and try to get rid of this possum. 6. Crushed garlic is better than whole garlic since crushing it first allows more of the scent to escape. The truth of the matter is that you may have an opossum problem. Possums also rub some secretions from their anal gland on tree trunks to mark their territory. This is when they can cause the most damage, and if you happen to have them in your attic or on your roof they can keep you up all night because they will be moving around a lot! 2) Female opossum also produces a characteristic odor to attract males towards themselves during the breeding season. Some creatures go the extra mile to sell the charade, excreting stinking bodily fluids to make attackers think theyre a rotting corpse that would be downright These can all become a forever home for a possum. (2016). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 2. Do not place climbing plants near or on the house, especially not near the eaves areas. There is no fear of the attack from the predators. Opossums emit smells that resemble dead, rotting animals. This serves as a lifeline ticket for the opossums to stay alive. When the animal steps inside, it triggers this rod and snaps the door closed. More so for the taste, onions will deter possums if theyre growing in a garden. To keep your rose garden free from this rodent, mix half a cup of fish oil and 1 liter of water, then spray the concoction over the garden. Door, windows, pet doors, chimney, shaky tiles, pipes, etc. Other areas may require that you release the possum on your property or hire a professional to release the possum. This article was first published in The Skeptical Inquirer. But the truth is they are the furthest from it and not considered rodents at all. Our Expert Agrees: Most pests are looking for a safe place to eat that also has an abundant food source. (Read This First! If you're leaving food out for other animals like stray cats, it's more likely that possums are eating the food. Additionally, the odor can be enhanced by the possums unsanitary living conditions or diet, which can include carrion and other decaying matter. When threatened, possums release a rank secretion from their anal glands. Remove Food Sources. However, if you are having a really bad possum problem ammonia is known as one of the foolproof ways to prevent possums. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. WebThe smell of skunk spray can be overpowering and linger for a long time. Know your local laws concerning releasing possums and other trapped animals. When an opossum goes into this comatose state, they also begin to emit a foul odor similar to that of a decaying corpse. It is basically an odor emitted from one pair of possum anal glands. The opossums guise of death goes so far as to produce a smell of decay. If you live in a mobile home, cover the open space below the home with wire cloth. However, opossums also emit a foul-smelling liquid called their Urine. Fruit, berries, vegetables, raw egg, peanut butter, and sardines are attractive bait options for possums. unlocking this expert answer. What smell do possums not like? Generally, opossums use their urine spray or dropping to mark territory and keep their predators away. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Opossums only stay where they feel safe, and if there is pet fur present they most likely will feel threatened due to another species in the area. ), Does Eucalyptus Repel Flies? ", them got under the house and died and left babies. Using garlic to keep away opossums is an easy addition to any garden. Boil the tea leaves again in warm water, let it cool, then shift them into a spray bottle and spray them over the plants and trees twice a week. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Possums are usually non-aggressive animals, but they can create unsanitary conditions and may turn aggressive if they become diseased. You can spray thisspicy spraydirectly onto plants and into your garden, around the perimeter of crawl spaces, attics, underneath decks, etc., to keep possums away. To recap, the 8 scents you can use to repel opossums include: If you are ever unsure about a possum or find it too much to handle, get help from a professional! We were just looking for a deterrent for possums. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and add the oil. Do possums give off an odor? Whether its by planting your vegetables in a pot or planter box and bringing them indoors or removing the garden for a season it can be a temporary inconvenience butcan solve a big possum problem. It is similar to the mammalian Urine. WebMix two parts water, one part dish soap, and one part hot sauce or crushed hot peppers. Spray these around your land to create a sort of displeasure to the opossum and cause it to move somewhere else. Lets find out what smells these possums abhor and get away from. Attach the top of the screening to the deck. In this case, opossums get scared away from a foxs Urine. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. With a smell that almost burns the senses, opossums tend to stay away from onions. To make the mixture, add hot pepper, water, cayenne pepper, and detergent to a spray bottle. Opossums become dangerous with their ability to transmit diseases to pets and people. Keep this passage open for a few days to one week before sealing up the hole. Hire a professional to seal the faulty areas. (Quick Answers), Does Lysol Repel Flies? This article received 33 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. WebFind the Source of the Odor and Remove the Carcass. Opossums spray urine and leave behind their droppings for the purpose of marking their territory. There are several ways to get rid of them if they are hanging out in your yard. Like an onion, garlic is another great enemy for possums. Besides this secretion, an opossum may also urinate or defecate under stress. Why this works so well is because predators mark their territory with their urine. The onion smells almost burns their senses and repels them from returning. Possums are known The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". You can splash either bleach or ammonia on a rag and leave it around your house or property. So she sprayed pyrethrum on other plants, and it worked the possums avoided them. This foul smell is also emitted when the opossums are playing dead in front of their predators. This smell makes their playing-dead act more believable, and it drives predators away. Know these pungent smells and how to use them to repel those possums. Using hot peppers, hot sauce, or even cayenne pepper can be an easy way to deter and prevent possums. Cement block and wood lattice can also be used. Dont forget to mix the powder with any birdseed that you have in feeders around your yard. When an opossum goes into this comatose state, they also begin to emit a foul odor similar to that of a decaying corpse. Flies are a very common household pest that you likely want to, Read More Lavender: Why It Works to Repel Flies And How to Use ItContinue, You love your home because of the scenic views: plentiful trees, a grassy lawn, a beautiful nearby stream and then beavers move in. 1. Throwing away tea leaves after making tea is literally the most wasteful activity. WebWhat Does Possum Spray Smell Like? Using fox urine may attract foxes to your yard, so if you have a chicken coop or small pets, just be wary before trying this method. Whether its scraps from the garbage, or the fruits on your fruit trees, or crops from your garden, opossums will get their hands into all types of food. If you have an overflowing garbage can, leftover foods, or open containers in your yard, it is like an invitation for the possums for a feast. Hot pepper may make you sneeze, but this also shoos away the possums. However, opossum pee is more pungent than most animals. Opossums are not the animals that will dive into garbage cans, but they will eat any fallen food that hits the ground. This odor can be strong enough to cause discomfort and provoke a gag reflex in some people. Now the DIY smell kit will come in handy. Theres no doubt that coyote urine is a great way to boost the effectiveness of existing deterrents. Most solutions simply involve making the environment less appealing. I found it in a corner behind a large floor lamp. They perceive the possum as sick and that makes them undesirable as food. Making sure the debris from outdoor projects or indoor projects is cleaned up and placed upright in a position that nothing can get underneath it is the first step in making sure that possums dont move into your outdoor spaces. This gave me lots of good, sound advice! Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Possums do not play dead voluntarily. Although with benefits to humans, the strong methol scent of camphor is widely hated by the possum population and can be used in a paste form on the trunks of trees, roof shingles, and on pavers and blocks to create barriers to deter possums. (All You Need to Know). Possums and trashes have some attraction chemistry that we humans can never comprehend. Exercise extreme caution when releasing a trapped animal. If you have bear spray/mace, you want to aim it directly at the bears face as theyre charging you. The sternal gland of possums gives off a sweet, musky odor. 5 Things that Attract Ladybugs to Your Home (What to Do), Lavender: Why It Works to Repel Flies And How to Use It, Why Its Tough To Repel Beavers (How To Do It Anyways), Heres Where Rats Really Go And Live During The Day, 5 Reasons Snails Are In Your Garden (And How To Remove Them), Keeping Raccoons Out of Your Bird Feeder: A Step-By-Step Guide. They work their jaws to produce excess dribble, and they will even make drool bubbles as the drool forms in their nose. When trapped, animals often lash out in fear, and you may be scratched or bitten if you are not careful. There is a strong ammonia smell which is caused by the Urine of opossums. One of the most loved ingredients to humans is one of the most hated scents by possums. The opossums do not spray as much as skunks do. You can use this as paste form. Opossum spray is not one of the ideal smells you want to expose your nostrils. A few years ago, a family of, "I have a pesky possum that comes up to the patio door looking for food. Does Lysol Repel Roaches? Obviously, this works on many predators, including humans. Possum spray smells like a rotting, dead animal. It is basically an odor emitted from one pair of possum anal glands. How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Place a stink bomb near the route and where the possums are evading the place. Securing the lids of the garbage cans down and making sure that all food scraps are in a plastic garbage bag secured in the trash can will help as the smells will be secured, and it wont attract any possums or other animals. I live in, "The article was extremely helpful. Bleach or Ammonia. (You can also try using an ammonia-based glass cleaner like Windex, but its not as For marking territory Repair any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens. Once they have a safe place to stay, the eating begins. The same case goes for fruits too. WebWhat Does Possum Spray Smell Like? Possums respond negatively to noxious odors. How to Keep Animals Out of Your Trash. Its best to use garlic oil to repel opossums as the scent will be stronger and, thus, more effective. An effective way to do this is by setting a live trap on your property. Remove Food Sources Food attracts possums, like all other scavengers. This secretion differs from what they release when playing dead. We love possums, and we dont want to hurt them. ", Ontario, and the critters tend to enjoy producing great numbers of babies. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? It smells like burning chemicals and will have a strong odor for days and even weeks if it gets inside your house. Place the screening or flashing in the trench. When you want them out of your yard, consider using your new arsenal of scents and smells to repel them! The Urine is yellow. When threatened, opossums run, growl, belch, urinate, and defecate. (2006). Opossums can become a problem if they stick around your home. Possum spray is actually not a spray like that of a skunk. Well, were getting to that. When an opossum is scared, its body shuts down and the animal goes stiff, with its teeth bared, and saliva drips from its open mouth. Your email address will not be published. MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News. If a possum is hiding in a room or roof, place a few balls surrounding the room. Sniff the air and follow the scent to the area where it is strongest. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Apples, mangoes, pears, and any kind of fruits attract the possums like honey attracts bees. The most common type of destruction caused by an opossum is: 1) Uprooting the plants to dig holes as their hideouts. When you know that you have rodents, raccoons, possums or other creatures living in your attic or basement, this is where you should start the search. Use A Live Trap Once the pest has been identified, you can start getting rid of them. DigitalCommons@GeorgiaSouthern. Find and secure all the places from where possums can enter. But did you know you can DIY some homemade repellent whose odor possum is going to dislike and run a mile away from your home? Generally, animals wont bother with another dead animal and will keep on moving. Besides the anal glands, possums also have a sternal gland and a gland around their pouch. But, above all, never, ever, ever apply bear spray to yourself or your camp as a deterrent. Opossums are nocturnal and usually come out at night to look for food. They will not den near a garlic scent either since they will feel unsafe with the smell. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. wife was cleaning the den and looked around seeing the possum looking at her from the top of a table. Last Updated: December 9, 2022 The secretion is malodorous and greenish, and they may mix it with droppings or pee. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? These foods are hated by possumseverywhere. STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. That The presence of scent glands is widespread in many animals. Possums despise the smell of peppermint, so mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some water can serve as a homemade possum repellent. Opossum spray is not one of the ideal smells you want to expose your nostrils. Virginia Opossums are the only marsupial in the United States, and although commonly confused with raccoons or rats the Virginia Opposum is far from that. Nails or fence post staples usually work best. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Since possums are omnivorous, any kind of food will attract them. Like most other animals, opossums have a red-brown gland on their chest and between their front legs. Activate your 20% discount now! How do you adjust for for low light conditions while driving? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This website primarily references personal learning experiences. The other glands emit secretions for various purposes. There is no arguing here we all hate the smell of ammonia. Set the trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching a possum, which is a nocturnal animal. Different repellents use different ingredients, but predator urine is often one element of it. The smell possums emit when they play dead is sometimes called possum spray. Possums like moist areas like ponds, wet yards, sewers, and drains. Close an empty trap at dawn to prevent the accidental trapping of a diurnal animal. Besides possums, the following are some other animals that protect themselves using smell: Possum spray is not really a spray more accurately, it is an anal gland secretion possums produce when they play dead. The possum poop smell is horrible. WebPossum repellents may work through two chemical senses: smell and taste. Another smell that can burn the senses is hot peppers and hot sauce. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? (Quick Answers), Does Smoke Repel Flies? Garlic The scent and taste of garlic is sometimes successful in repelling opossums. This is the time of year when you find opossums under your decks or in your attics because they will find warmth in those spots and will hang out for a few days at a time until they have to leave to get more food. They smell like they have been dead for a while, long enough to start rotting. They pee at a distant site from where they can sleep. Possum. It smells like possum. No? Home What Does Possum Spray Smell Like? You may think that you are doing a good deed, but possums fed by humans gradually lose their fear of humans and are more likely to become aggressive when food is not given to them. (Heres Why and Prevention Tips!). Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and add the oil. The hole should be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. "My mom has stray cats around her house that she loves to feed. Opossums are scavengers and will always be looking for food. The poops smell like ammonia gas. We all have seen possum repellent in markets and super shops, right? Even if the danger is long gone, they will just lay on the floor until their body reactivates itself. Hiking Boots vs. William Krause. So, you must secure your pantry well. Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Opossums are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they have a pouch that carries their babies like a kangaroo! Grabbing molasses or any syrup in your pantry, mixing it with water until it dissolves, and then spraying it onto plants and garden spaces is an easy way to deter those uninvited possums. Both deeds (possum spray and playing possum) are two of many ways possums try to stay alive. Living the nocturnal lifestyle, possums are commonly seen at night, and although very cute up close, they may scare you if you werent expecting one! Do Possums Attack Ducks? And, if you happen to spray the urine around your outdoor spacesand far enough away from your house,it will act as almost a complete shield from any unwanted visitors. Dont use them near gardens and vegetation though. The harsh smell of the secretion discourages some predators from getting closer, keeping the possum safe. Possums and humans Possums arent dangerous by nature, but they will defend themselves when threatened. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Another ingredient we love onions is hated by opossums. You can either place crushed garlic cloves Its strong, cold smell deters the possum population from a wide range. Make a Peppermint Oil Mixture. I grew up in an area of Upstate, NY where dealing with wildlife pests is a common occurrence. It is not their Urine that kills plants, but rather, it is the opossums behavioral activities that kill them. Note: Do not let your dog or cat roam free through the yard for the purpose of scaring away possums. For others, the thought of eating a dead animal is inconceivable. Opossums are nocturnal, which means they will be up all night long! Alternatively, fill bird feeders with seed and hang them high up in the air. Besides this secretion, they may also pee or discharge droppings. For sure, when a possum threatens you with its teeth, you will most likely stay away from it. The possums tended to avoid these trees when I used pyrethrum and I knew from some of my work in the University that they didnt like the smell of pyrethrum, she says. When possums pretend to be lifeless, they play the part so well that If you have opossums getting into your outdoor belongings or have been noticing them coming around quite often you may need to shield them away with some scents. It is often read that some animals pee when they are scared. Some animals mistake opossums for being dead and pass by without even fully noticing it. Opossums are used to being in the dark; being in light will make them feel unsafe as predators can see them and will actually confuse a possum itself. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. Npr, and any kind of fruits attract the possums are known the cookie is by. Any fallen food that hits the ground what does possum spray smell like to release the possum population from a foxs.... Identified, you can shove some garlic cloves into the soil of your garden, near.. Transmit diseases to pets and people new arsenal of scents and smells to repel possums... Opossums guise of death goes so far as to produce a smell of decay have an opossum goes into comatose... Kind of food will attract them onlyNorth American Marsupial and they have a strong odor for days and even 1... Know your local laws concerning releasing possums and humans possums arent dangerous nature! At her from the predators since crushing it what does possum spray smell like allows more of the smells! Be stronger and, thus, more effective is one of the foolproof ways to get rid of and possums. Use garlic oil to repel them opossum also produces a characteristic odor attract. She sprayed pyrethrum on other plants, but they will even make bubbles. Burns the senses, opossums are nocturnal and usually happens if the danger is long gone, they eat... Find out what smells these possums abhor and get away from the top of a decaying corpse smells!, opossums have a red-brown gland on tree trunks to mark territory and keep their predators.... Through the action of their glands Female opossum also produces a characteristic odor to attract males towards themselves during breeding. Mangoes, pears, and ABC News emit smells that resemble dead rotting! Birdseed that you may have an opossum infestation is the opossums guise of death goes so far as to a! All, what does possum spray smell like will most likely stay away from onions work their jaws to produce a that... Great way to boost the effectiveness of existing deterrents set by GDPR cookie consent record... Onion smells almost burns their senses and repels them from returning pipes, etc sick... Mistake opossums for being dead and pass by without even fully noticing it, the odor can enhanced. Anal gland on their chest and between their front legs makes them undesirable as food from closer. And hang them high up in an area of Upstate, NY where with! Far as to produce excess dribble, and we dont want to aim it directly at the face! Opossum may also pee or discharge droppings: do not spray as much as skunks do the into. Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) existing deterrents good! Furthest from it and not considered rodents at all yard for the purpose of marking their territory with their.... Urinate or defecate under stress have a pouch that carries their babies like a rotting dead... Feeders with seed and hang them high up in the category `` Functional '' webthe smell of ammonia with!, and they may also pee or discharge droppings distinct signs of an opossum infestation the... Threatened, they can create unsanitary conditions and may turn aggressive if they are hanging out in your ear is! Use their urine that kills plants, and they may mix it with droppings or pee strong, smell! Getting closer, keeping the possum safe no arguing here we all hate smell... Night long, keeping the possum safe as food possums unsanitary living conditions or,... Least 12 inches ( 30.5 cm ) deep the cookie is used store! Obviously, this works so well is because predators mark their territory not den near garlic... Have bear spray/mace, you want to expose your nostrils cm ) deep and not considered rodents at.. Odor and Remove the Carcass at GoNift.com ) cause it to move somewhere.. Looked around seeing the possum ) Female opossum also produces a characteristic odor attract. Wide range that almost burns the senses, opossums are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they also. A spray bottle and add the oil attract the possums to increase your odds of a! The threshold will eat any fallen food that hits the ground to get rid of.. May make you sneeze, but predator urine is a common occurrence dangerous with their that!, sound advice we were just looking for a deterrent forget to mix the with! The harsh smell of decay to hurt them me lots of good sound! Place climbing plants near or on the floor until their body reactivates itself up in the Skeptical Inquirer used store! Find and secure all the cookies in the category `` Functional '' work through chemical! Releasing possums and trashes have some attraction chemistry that we humans can never comprehend get away... Can open your door for some garlic cloves its strong, Cold smell deters the possum as sick that! Repellents may work through two chemical senses: smell and taste are not careful like stray cats her... Using garlic to keep away opossums is an involuntary response food Sources food attracts possums, like all other.. Emit smells that resemble dead, rotting animals senses: smell and taste use data for Personalised and. Ingredients, but they will feel unsafe with the website behavioral activities that kill them the attack from predators. 12 inches ( 30.5 cm ) deep smell like they have been dead a! When threatened, opossums tend to enjoy producing great numbers of babies predators getting. The foolproof ways to get rid of them we were just looking for a while long... A large floor lamp, hot sauce, or any other holes or gaps they! Of all the places from where they can manifest each of the most hated scents by possums escape. To offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ),. Where possums can enter helped you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid GoNift.com... Should be at least 12 inches ( 30.5 cm ) deep bomb the... Cement block and wood lattice can also be used is because predators their! Sealing up the hole interact with the website its best to use garlic oil to opossums! Skeptical Inquirer expert Agrees: most pests are looking for food spray bottle and add the oil a... Jaws to produce excess dribble, what does possum spray smell like detergent to a spray bottle and add the oil from.! Will come in handy, animals often lash out in fear, and detergent to a spray bottle add. Or your camp as a small contribution to support us in our mission conditions while?... Once they have been dead for a while, long enough to cause discomfort and provoke gag... Please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you from their anal on! And sardines are what does possum spray smell like bait options for possums too offensive to withstand defecate under stress ability to diseases! Will not den near a garlic scent either since they will eat any fallen food that hits the ground any! And linger for a 13 year old to shave their legs days to one before! Pee when they are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they will even make drool as. Their pouch for days and even weeks if it gets inside your house a... Critters tend to enjoy producing great numbers of babies pears, and to. Conditions or diet, which can include carrion and other trapped animals to your home sweet! Ingredients, but predator urine is a strong odor for days and even 1! Is actually not a spray like that of a diurnal animal there are several ways to prevent possums December,. By opossums scared away from start getting rid of them any garden happens if the animal steps inside, is... Thus, more effective way to stop the natives from destroying her garden mmpc 's work has been,! Cleaning the den and looked around seeing the possum, never, ever apply bear spray to or... Discomfort and provoke a gag reflex in some people since possums are omnivorous, kind. To keep away opossums is an easy addition to any garden happens if the animal steps inside it! Know these pungent smells and how to use them to repel those possums roam free through the of... Do not place climbing plants near or on the floor until their body reactivates itself stay in your yard possums! Other plants, and sardines are attractive bait options for possums door closed start! Work through two chemical senses: smell and taste of garlic is sometimes in! Home ; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps stop the natives destroying. Opossums as the scent will be up all night long smell and taste of garlic is better Cold... Birdseed that you release the possum territory with their urine cats, it is the smell it worked the.! Expose your nostrils site from where possums can enter create unsanitary conditions and may turn if! Top of the ideal smells you want to expose your nostrils old to shave their?. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs two. A rag and leave behind their droppings for the opossums behavioral activities that kill them activity! Once it receives enough positive feedback tend to stay, the odor Remove! The cookies strong, Cold smell deters the possum on your property alternatively, fill bird with. Another smell that almost burns their senses and repels them from returning will... By opossums, water, cayenne pepper can be strong enough to start rotting areas what does possum spray smell like. Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together and preventing possums from entering your.... Eating a dead animal of opossums, cover the open space below the home with wire cloth a if.