How to Keep Possums and Raccoons Off My Property
Opossums and raccoons are nocturnal wild animals that are attracted to garbage and food left out on your property. These creatures tend to carry disease and are potentially harmful if they bite or scratch you if happen to come in contact with them. The key to ridding your property of wild animals is through food source removal and deterrents to ward off the animals. If your property is littered with opossums or raccoons, contact animal control to take care of the problem professionally.
Seal all garbage cans and compost bins at night. Place a 30 to 40 lb. weight on top of the garbage can lid to keep animals from removing it, or tie rope tightly around the lid's handle to tie down the lid to trash can. Opossums and raccoons sleep during the day and search for food at night, which leaves your garbage cans and compost bins susceptible to being invaded.
Pick up fruit and other food sources from your yard. Fruit trees attract these nocturnal rodents, and fallen fruit results in a yard filled with the creatures.
Move your pet's food and water bowl indoors after sunset. Raccoons and opossums will eat and drink your pet's food and water if it is left outside at night, which increases the risk of passing diseases to your pet.
Soak several rags in peppermint oil or ammonia and place the rags around your property. Opossurms and raccoons do not like the pungent odor of the peppermint oil or ammonia, and will stay away from the offending area. Replace the rags after rainfall to maintain the deterrent.
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References
- Earth Easy: Natural Garden Pest Control
- "The Garden Primer"; Barbara Damrosch; February 2008;
- Audubon Society of Portland: Living with Raccoons
