How to Keep Opossums Out of Your Garden?

If you’ve ever walked out to your garden in the morning only to find overturned trash bins, missing vegetables, or tiny hand-like tracks in the dirt—you may have an uninvited guest. Opossums.

At Accurate Pest Control, we know how frustrating this can be. But here’s the good news: keeping opossums out of your garden doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can be done humanely. As pest control experts here in New Jersey, we’ll walk you through the practical steps you can take to protect your property—without harming wildlife.

Why Opossums Visit Gardens (and Why They Aren’t All Bad)

Opossums are scavengers. They’re drawn to easy meals like fallen fruit, pet food, bird seed, or unsecured garbage. If your garden is thriving, chances are it’s like a buffet to them.

But here’s something most people don’t know: opossums can actually be helpful. They eat ticks, snails, and even small rodents. In fact, a single opossum can consume thousands of ticks in a season, reducing Lyme disease risks in your area.

Still, when they start tearing up your garden, nesting under sheds, or rummaging through trash, the relationship turns sour. That’s when action is needed.

Signs You Have an Opossum Problem

How do you know if it’s really opossums and not raccoons or stray cats? Here’s what to look for:

• Tracks: Opossums have distinctive hand-like hind feet.

• Droppings: Small piles in garden corners or near compost bins.

• Odor: They release a strong smell when threatened.

• Garden mess: Knocked-over bins, eaten fruit, or shallow holes where they dig for grubs.

A trail camera can help confirm your suspicion if you’re unsure.

Step 1: Eliminate Food Sources

Think of it this way—if the buffet is closed, guests stop showing up.

• Secure trash cans. Use bins with tight-fitting lids or animal-proof locks.

• Manage compost properly. Stick to enclosed bins; avoid throwing meat or dairy scraps outside.

• Pet food. Feed pets indoors and never leave bowls outside overnight.

• Fallen fruit & bird seed. Pick up fruit promptly and store bird seed in sealed containers.

Just by removing food, you’ll make your property far less attractive to opossums.

Step 2: Remove Shelter Opportunities

Opossums are opportunists—they’ll sleep anywhere warm and hidden.

• Clear brush piles, wood stacks, and old junk in the yard.

• Trim back overgrown bushes that provide hiding spots.

• Seal gaps under decks, sheds, or porches with hardware cloth buried a few inches into the ground.

These small changes instantly reduce the likelihood of opossums nesting on your property.

Step 3: Use Exclusion Barriers

Sometimes, the only way to send the message is with a physical boundary.

• Install fencing. A fence about 4 feet tall with outward-angled tops is enough to keep most opossums out.

• Bury the base. Extend the fence a few inches underground to prevent digging.

• Consider electric fencing. For larger gardens or farms, a low-voltage electric wire can add extra deterrence.

It’s an upfront investment, but one that pays off with long-term peace of mind.

Step 4: Humane Deterrents & Repellents

There are safe, non-toxic ways to encourage opossums to move on.

• Motion-activated sprinklers or lights. Opossums are nocturnal and don’t like surprises.

• Scent deterrents. Natural repellents like garlic, peppermint oil, or cayenne can work—just rotate them often so the animals don’t adapt.

• Predator cues. Some homeowners place pet fur in mesh bags around the garden to mimic predator presence.

What you shouldn’t use: mothballs or ammonia. These are toxic, harmful to pets, and unsafe for the environment.

Step 5: Trapping & Removal (Last Resort)

If the opossum activity persists despite prevention, trapping may be necessary.

• Use humane live traps baited with fruit or pet food.

• Always wear gloves and protective gear when handling traps.

• Check your local New Jersey wildlife regulations—relocation is restricted in some areas.

Important: Opposum Trapping is best left to professionals. Mishandling wildlife can cause injury or legal issues.

When to Call Accurate Pest Control

DIY efforts work for mild cases, but if you’re dealing with persistent opossums—or if they’re nesting inside your structures—it’s time for professional help.

At Accurate Pest Control, we:

• Use humane, eco-friendly methods to manage opossums.

• Ensure compliance with New Jersey wildlife laws.

• Provide long-term solutions that prevent them from coming back.

Our team has helped countless homeowners across New Jersey reclaim their gardens, safely and effectively.

Call to Action: Schedule your free garden inspection today with Accurate Pest Control.

Opossums: Friend or Foe?

Here’s our honest take: opossums aren’t inherently “bad.” In fact, they’re cleaner than many people assume, and their tick-eating habits make them a hidden ally.

But the moment they start damaging your property, digging through your trash, or nesting under your home, it’s time to step in. Balance is the key—keep your garden safe while respecting the role they play in nature.

Protect Your Garden the Right Way

Opossums in your garden don’t have to mean chaos. With a combination of removing food, eliminating shelters, adding barriers, and using safe deterrents, you can keep them away for good.

And if you need expert support, Accurate Pest Control is here for New Jersey homeowners who want peace of mind without the guesswork.

👉 Don’t wait for your garden to become an opossum playground—Schedule your inspection today with Accurate Pest Control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do opossums damage lawns?

Not usually. They may dig small holes while searching for grubs, but it’s often minimal compared to raccoons.

Can I relocate an opossum myself?

In New Jersey, relocation rules are strict. Always check regulations or call a licensed pest control company.

Do repellents really work?

They help, but they’re not foolproof. The most effective solution is a combination of prevention and exclusion.