If you find a possum in your garage, you’re not alone. These curious animals often sneak inside looking for food, warmth, or shelter. While they’re not dangerous, having a possum in your garage can be stressful. They might make a mess, chew on wires, or scare your pets. Getting rid of a possum is not as hard as it seems, but you need to be careful and use the right steps. This guide will show you how to remove a possum safely, keep your garage clean, and prevent them from coming back.
Why Possums Enter Garages
Possums are mostly nocturnal, so they’re active at night. They have a strong sense of smell and can find even small amounts of food. Here are the top reasons they come into garages:
- Food scraps left on the floor or in open bins.
- Pet food stored in easy-to-reach places.
- Warmth and shelter during cold or rainy weather.
- Dark, quiet spaces for nesting.
Possums are good climbers. If your garage has gaps, vents, or weak doors, they’ll get in easily.
How To Identify A Possum In Your Garage
Sometimes, you don’t see the possum directly. Here’s how you can tell if a possum is around:
- Footprints: Possums have five long toes on each foot.
- Droppings: Possum droppings are about 2 inches long, smooth, and brown-black.
- Noises at night: Listen for scratching, rustling, or hissing.
- Strong odor: Possum urine smells sharp and musky.
- Damaged items: Look for chewed boxes, food bags, or insulation.
Common Signs Vs. Other Animals
It’s easy to confuse possum signs with rats or raccoons. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Sign | Possum | Rat | Raccoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footprints | 5 long toes | 4 toes (front), 5 (back) | 5 fingers, looks like a hand |
| Noises | Slow, heavy rustling | Fast, light scurrying | Loud, heavy thumping |
| Droppings | 2″ long, smooth | 1/2″ long, pellet shape | 1-3″ long, chunky |
If you’re not sure, try setting up a camera or sprinkling flour on the floor to see footprints.
Preparing To Remove The Possum
Before you do anything, remember that possums are usually gentle. Still, it’s important to protect yourself and avoid bites or scratches.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves.
- Keep children and pets away from the garage.
- Do not try to grab the possum with your hands.
- Open all doors and windows to give the possum a way out.
- Turn off lights (possums prefer to leave in the dark).
Never use poison or harsh traps—these can hurt the possum and are often illegal.
Step-by-step Guide: How To Get A Possum Out
- Locate the Possum
- Move slowly.
- Check behind boxes, shelves, or under cars.
- Use a flashlight to look in dark corners.
- Create an Escape Path
- Open the garage door wide.
- If there are windows, open them as well.
- Block off rooms or hallways leading to your house.
- Encourage the Possum to Leave
- Make gentle noises (talk, clap softly).
- Use a broom to guide (not hit) the possum toward the exit.
- Leave the garage alone for an hour or two. The possum will often leave on its own.
- Use Food as Bait (if it won’t leave)
- Place a bowl of cat food or sliced fruit near the exit.
- Leave the area dark and quiet.
- Check every 30 minutes to see if the possum has left.
- Consider a Humane Trap
- Buy a live animal trap (available at hardware stores).
- Bait with fruit or cat food.
- Place near where you last saw the possum.
- Check the trap often (every 2-3 hours).
- Release the Possum Safely
- Wear gloves.
- Take the trap at least 1 mile from your home, near woods or a stream.
- Open the trap slowly and let the possum walk out.
Example: Removing A Possum With A Trap
Sarah found a possum hiding behind her garage freezer. She placed a humane trap with apple slices overnight. In the morning, the possum was inside. Wearing gloves, she carried the trap to a local park and gently let the possum go.
The possum ran into the bushes and did not return.
Credit: possumman.com.au
What To Do If The Possum Has Babies
Sometimes, a female possum may have babies in her pouch or a nest. If you see small pink tails or hear squeaking, the mother may not leave without her young.
- Do not separate mother and babies.
- Give extra time for the family to leave.
- If they don’t go after a day, call a wildlife rescue for help.
Trying to move a mother with babies can stress her and cause harm.
Cleaning Up After The Possum Leaves
Possums can leave behind messes that attract new animals. Clean up the garage carefully:
- Wear gloves and a mask.
- Remove droppings with a plastic bag.
- Wash areas with hot, soapy water.
- Spray disinfectant on floors and surfaces.
- Throw away chewed or soiled items.
Possum urine and droppings can carry bacteria, so thorough cleaning is important.
How To Prevent Possums From Returning
Once the possum is gone, you’ll want to keep your garage possum-free. Here’s how:
Seal Entry Points
- Close gaps around doors and windows.
- Install weatherstripping on garage doors.
- Cover vents with wire mesh.
- Repair holes in walls or ceilings.
Remove Attractants
- Store pet food in sealed containers.
- Take out trash regularly.
- Sweep up food crumbs and spills.
- Keep compost and birdseed away from the garage.
Use Deterrents
- Motion-activated lights scare away nocturnal animals.
- Commercial animal repellents (safe for pets) can keep possums away.
- Play a radio softly overnight (unfamiliar sounds can deter possums).
Example: Common Garage Entry Points
| Entry Point | How Possums Get In | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Loose garage door | Slides under gap | Install rubber seal |
| Wall vents | Climbs through vent | Wire mesh cover |
| Broken window | Crawls through hole | Replace glass |
When To Call A Professional
Most possums are easy to remove with the steps above. However, you should call a wildlife expert if:
- The possum is injured or sick.
- There are baby possums and the mother won’t leave.
- You are not comfortable handling animals.
- The possum is stuck in a wall or ceiling.
- The animal acts aggressive or confused.
Professionals have special tools and training to remove possums safely.
Possum Facts And Misconceptions
Many people are scared of possums, but most fears are not true. Here are some facts:
- Possums rarely attack humans. They prefer to run away or “play dead.”
- They eat insects and pests, which helps your yard.
- Possums are not rodents. They’re marsupials, like kangaroos.
- They rarely carry rabies because their body temperature is too low for the virus.
Possums Vs. Other Pests: Quick Comparison
| Animal | Risk Level | Mess Level | Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possum | Low | Moderate | Bacteria in droppings |
| Rat | High | High | Spreads diseases |
| Raccoon | Medium | High | Can carry rabies |
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When trying to remove a possum, beginners often make these mistakes:
- Using poison or glue traps: These are cruel and often illegal.
- Trying to catch the possum with bare hands: Risk of bites and scratches.
- Blocking all exits before the possum is out: The animal may panic or die inside.
- Ignoring babies: The mother may not leave without them.
- Not sealing entry points after removal: Possums (or other animals) may return.
Credit: donerightpestsolutions.com
Non-obvious Tips For Success
Here are two insights many beginners miss:
- Possums can squeeze through gaps as small as 3 inches high. Check even small cracks and holes.
- Scent lingers: Even after cleaning, possums and other animals may return if they smell old urine. Use an enzyme cleaner, not just soap and water, to neutralize odors.
What To Do If You Can’t Find The Possum
Sometimes you know a possum is inside, but you can’t locate it. In this case:
- Sprinkle flour or cornstarch on the floor. Footprints will show where the possum moves.
- Place a small piece of fruit in different corners. The one that disappears first is probably where the possum is hiding.
- Leave the garage door open overnight if possible. Most possums will leave when it’s quiet and dark.
Credit: urbanjunglewildliferemoval.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will A Possum Stay In My Garage?
A possum usually stays until it finds food or feels safe enough to leave. If you make the garage noisy and open exits, it will often leave within hours.
Is It Safe To Remove A Possum Myself?
Yes, if you are careful and follow the steps above. Wear gloves and never touch the animal directly. If you feel unsafe, call a professional.
Can Possums Damage My Garage?
Possums may chew on wires, boxes, or insulation. They also leave droppings and urine. While they don’t usually cause major damage, it’s best to remove them quickly.
What Attracts Possums To Garages?
Food, pet food, trash, and warm shelter attract possums. Sealing up food and closing gaps will help keep them out.
Are Possums Dangerous To Humans Or Pets?
Possums are not usually dangerous. They prefer to avoid people. They rarely bite or attack, but it’s still best to keep pets and children away until the animal is gone.
If you want more information about possums and safe removal, you can visit the Humane Society’s guide.
Handling a possum in your garage may seem scary, but with patience and the right steps, you can solve the problem safely. Remember, keeping your garage clean and sealed is the best way to prevent another midnight visitor.
