Finding an opossum on your deck can catch you off guard, but there’s usually no need to panic. Opossums are shy, gentle animals that prefer to avoid conflict and will typically move on once they feel safe to do so.
They often wander into yards while searching for food, shelter, or a quiet place to rest. The best response is usually simple observation, giving the opossum space, and removing any attractants that might encourage it to return.
Taking the time to understand why the opossum is there and how to guide it away without stress helps protect both you and the animal. With a few easy steps, you can discourage future visits and maintain a peaceful space around your home.
This article is for general information only. Wildlife behaviour varies by location and situation. If the opossum appears injured or you feel unsafe, contact local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation services. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Stay Calm And Observe
Your first instinct might be panic, but opossums are far more afraid of you than you are of them. These timid animals prefer to avoid confrontation and will usually wander off once they realize you’re nearby.
Keep your distance and watch from a safe spot, allowing the opossum space to retreat naturally. Sudden movements or loud sounds can frighten the animal, making it freeze or hiss defensively.
Patience works best here. Most opossums are just passing through and will leave on their own within a short time.
Do Not Attempt To Touch Or Capture It
While opossums rarely attack, they can bite or scratch when cornered or threatened. Handling wild animals is risky, even if they appear docile or slow-moving.
Resist the urge to touch, pick up, or trap the opossum yourself. If the animal seems injured or unable to move, contact a local wildlife rescue centre or animal control instead.
Professionals have the training and equipment needed to handle wildlife safely. Attempting a DIY rescue could result in injury to both you and the opossum, so always leave it to the experts.
Remove Food Sources
Opossums have a keen sense of smell and are drawn to easy meals. Pet food left outside, unsecured garbage, or fallen fruit can turn your deck into an all-night buffet.
Bring pet dishes inside after feeding times and use bins with locking lids to keep trash secure. Clean up any spilled birdseed or fruit that might attract hungry visitors.
Once the food disappears, so will the opossum’s reason to return. Making your deck less appealing is a simple yet effective way to discourage repeat visits.
Check For A Den Or Nest
Sometimes opossums decide your deck is the perfect hideout, especially if it offers shelter from weather and predators. Dark corners, gaps under decking, or cluttered storage areas make ideal temporary homes.
Use a flashlight to inspect these spaces during daylight hours when the opossum is likely away foraging. Look for signs like droppings, nesting materials, or disturbed insulation.
If you discover a den, contact wildlife control for humane removal options. Forcing the animal out yourself could separate mothers from their babies or cause unnecessary stress.
Close Off Entry Points
Once the opossum leaves, take steps to prevent future guests. Opossums can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so inspect your deck thoroughly for cracks, holes, or gaps.
Use hardware cloth, wood, or metal mesh to seal potential entry points around your deck, fences, and nearby structures. Pay special attention to areas near the ground where animals commonly sneak through.
A little prevention goes a long way. Securing your property now saves you from dealing with unwanted visitors later and keeps wildlife from settling in too comfortably.
Use Humane Deterrents
Scaring opossums away without harming them is entirely possible with the right tools. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers startle the animals when they approach, encouraging them to find quieter spots elsewhere.
Natural repellents like cayenne pepper sprinkled around the deck or ammonia-soaked rags placed strategically can also discourage visits. These scents are unpleasant to opossums but harmless to them and the environment.
Always choose deterrents that are safe and humane. The goal is to make your deck less inviting, not to cause the animal distress or injury.
Contact Wildlife Professionals If Needed
Some situations require expert help, especially if the opossum appears sick, injured, or refuses to leave after several days. Wildlife professionals understand animal behaviour and can assess the situation safely.
Local animal shelters, wildlife rescue organizations, or municipal animal control services can provide guidance or arrange humane removal. They can also check for babies if the opossum is a nursing mother.
Never hesitate to ask for help. Professionals ensure the opossum’s welfare while protecting your home, giving you peace of mind and a safe resolution for everyone involved.
