Opossum deterrents use scent to make your yard and crawl spaces unappealing, and the best ones combine a repellent smell with removing food attractants. Opossums are nomadic, so deterrence is often enough to send them on their way. Here are the deterrents worth using.
- Peppermint and predator scents are the most reliable opossum deterrents.
- Remove food sources first, since opossums are drawn by easy meals.
- Deterrence works well because opossums are nomadic and move on quickly.
- Seal entry points under decks and sheds to keep them from denning.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent | Spray | Best Overall | Check price |
| Bonide Repels-All Granules | Granular | Best Granular | Check price |
| Bonide Repels-All Spray | Spray | Best Spray | Check price |
| Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray | Spray | Best Natural | Check price |
| ROTIAH Peppermint 24-Pack | Pouches | Best Pouches | Check price |
| Lakota Coyote Urine | Predator scent | Best Predator Scent | Check price |
Best Overall: Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent
Best Overall- Type
- Spray
- Target
- Opossums and rodents
- Size
- 128 oz
- Reapply
- After rain
Natural Armor is a broad animal and rodent repellent that deters opossums, squirrels, and other wildlife with a scent they avoid. The 128-ounce size covers a large yard and lasts through the season.
The broad formula makes it the right all-around choice when you have opossums plus other animals visiting.
Best Granular: Bonide Repels-All Granules
Best Granular- Type
- Granular
- Target
- Multiple species
- Coverage
- Perimeter barriers
- Reapply
- Every few weeks
Bonide Repels-All is a broad granular repellent that deters opossums, rabbits, deer, and other animals. The granular form spreads a perimeter barrier around beds, decks, and sheds.
It is the set-and-forget option for protecting a defined area without spraying.
Best Spray: Bonide Repels-All Spray
Best Spray- Type
- Spray
- Target
- Multiple species
- Size
- 32 oz
- Use
- Targeted spots
The ready-to-use spray form of Repels-All is the convenient way to spot-treat the areas where opossums dig or den. The trigger spray targets specific spots.
It is the right choice for a targeted application around a deck, shed, or crawl space entrance.
Best Natural: Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray
Best Natural- Type
- Peppermint oil spray
- Target
- Opossums and rodents
- Size
- 1 gallon
- Reapply
- Frequently
Mighty Mint uses concentrated peppermint oil to deter opossums and rodents with a scent they avoid. It is the natural, non-toxic choice for households with pets and children.
The gallon size is economical for repeated application through the season.
Best Pouches: ROTIAH Peppermint 24-Pack
Best Pouches- Type
- Peppermint pouches (24-pack)
- Target
- Opossums and rodents
- Coverage
- Multiple zones
- Replacement
- Every 30 to 90 days
The ROTIAH 24-pack of peppermint pouches is a set-and-forget deterrent for sheds, garages, and crawl spaces. Each pouch releases peppermint scent that opossums and rodents avoid.
The large pack covers multiple zones, and the pouches need no mixing or spraying.
Best Predator Scent: Lakota Coyote Urine
Best Predator Scent- Type
- Predator urine
- Target
- Opossums and other prey animals
- Active
- Coyote urine
- Use
- Perimeter marking
Lakota coyote urine marks the area as predator territory, which opossums avoid. It is the direct scent deterrent that works on an opossum’s instinct to avoid coyotes.
Apply it around the yard perimeter, deck, and shed where opossums den.
How to Choose an Opossum Deterrent
Remove Food First
Opossums are drawn by easy food, so secure garbage, bring pet food in at night, and pick up fallen fruit. A deterrent works far better when there is nothing to eat.
Deterrence vs. Trapping
Opossums are nomadic, so deterrence is often enough to send them on their way. Trapping is only needed for an animal that is denning and will not leave.
Seal Entry Points
After deterring the opossum, seal the gaps under decks and sheds so another cannot den there. Deterrence plus exclusion is the lasting fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially when combined with removing food sources. Opossums are nomadic, so a deterrent plus a clean yard usually sends them on their way.
Peppermint and predator scents like coyote urine are the most reliable opossum deterrents. Strong mint is the most common natural option.
Opossums are not aggressive and rarely carry rabies, though they can host fleas. The main concern is the mess they leave and the entry point they use.
Peppermint and most natural repellents are safer than chemicals, but keep pets away until products dry and follow the label.
Often yes. Opossums are nomadic and usually move on within a few days if food and shelter are removed. Deterrents speed up the process.
