They abhor the smell of ammonia, garlic, and napthalene (chemical found in moth balls). And, if you happen to spray the urine around your outdoor spacesand far enough away from your house,it will act as almost a complete shield from any unwanted visitors. This includes feeding animals you keep outside, such as chickens. Well, were getting to that. (Read This First! Besides possums, the following are some other animals that protect themselves using smell: Possum spray is not really a spray more accurately, it is an anal gland secretion possums produce when they play dead. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some areas may have few, if any, restrictions, in which case, you should drive the possum several miles away from your property before releasing it into a wooded area. By using our site, you agree to our. Like most other animals, opossums have a red-brown gland on their chest and between their front legs. Continue with Recommended Cookies. When threatened, possums release a rank secretion from their anal glands. But do opossums spray Urine? Garlic The scent and taste of garlic is sometimes successful in repelling opossums. Possum spray is actually not a spray like that of a skunk. - Exploration Squared What Possum Spray Smell This smell makes their playing-dead act more believable, and it drives predators away. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. More so for the taste, onions will deter possums if theyre growing in a garden. In case you keep your dry foods in the normal, non-air-tight container, their supercharged and powerful nose will run towards your pantry in search of food. When possums pretend to be lifeless, they play the part so well that (Quick Answers), Does Lysol Repel Flies? For instance: A male opossum produces it in the breeding season. (Read This First! This menthol-based product unfurls the most abhorrent smell for possums. (Heres Why and Prevention Tips! Opossums can become a problem if they stick around your home. This putrid smell along with their dead state is what really drives the predators away. Possums are known The same is the case for opossums. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Krause, W. J., & Krause, W. A. If you place mothballs or camphor balls, place them in a sealed container, because the elements in them might have some side effect on your wooden furniture, floor, or carpet. You can either place crushed garlic cloves around your yard or mix minced garlic and water, add it to a spray bottle, and spray it on surfaces where opossums are active. Another way possums keep predators away is to cover themselves in drool. After reading your article, I was able to learn and educate my mom on the correct way to avoid and try to get rid of this possum. Make sure you must cover all the area surrounding the fence. (2016). Hunting Boots | Which Is Better for Cold Weather? For marking territory Opossums also are driven by the need for shelter and will den wherever it is dry and wherever there is a safe spot hidden from predators. Weve all seen them around school buildings or in areas with any type of business where land is plentiful;coyote decoys or fox decoys help keep opossums and other pests away. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Properly called tonic immobility, feigning death when approached by a predator is a fairly common tactic across the animal kingdom. Remove Food Sources Food attracts possums, like all other scavengers. The act is involuntary. Fact 10: Major Disadvantages. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. If you didnt know, one of the ways possums defend themselves is to fall and play dead. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Garlic has such a strong scent that it scares away possums. Habitat Dynamics of the Virginia Opossum in a Highly Urban Landscape. Using garlic to keep away opossums is an easy addition to any garden. This is their primary strategy to escape a predator attack. You can also use garlic oil which has a more distinct stinky smell than the original garlic. To do so, some easy and effective ways to deter possums is by using the scents they hate. Opossums emit smells that resemble dead, rotting animals. They are also afraid of lights at night, and dont like to be wet. 1. What smell do possums not like? To add pet fur to your outdoor spaces, collect the hair that your pet has shed, or use the hair that is in the brush after you brush your pet and place it around the perimeter of your outdoor spaces. Now, just adding, all of the scents were discussing will repel BOTH opossums and possums. The smell of a potential predator might be enough to deter many possums from hanging around. You can use this as paste form. What does it mean when you wear a bandana in your back pocket? Flies are a very common household pest that you likely want to, Read More Lavender: Why It Works to Repel Flies And How to Use ItContinue, You love your home because of the scenic views: plentiful trees, a grassy lawn, a beautiful nearby stream and then beavers move in. WebIf you are smelling a spray, it is likely cat or skunk, and skunks only do it when threatened. The whole idea that is associated with these decoys is that they represent predators, and possums that nest and live amongst people for food will stay away from any potential threat. It is not their Urine that kills plants, but rather, it is the opossums behavioral activities that kill them. Opossums spray Urine from their pouch region. Birdseed: If you do provide birdseed, try to lay some out in the late morning or mid-afternoon and only spread enough to feed the birds for that single day. WebThis is because possums have a very foul smell. (All You Need to Know), Does Lysol Repel Mice? The sternal gland of possums gives off a sweet, musky odor. This shows that an opossum is ready for the mating process to begin. ", Ontario, and the critters tend to enjoy producing great numbers of babies. What smell do possums hate? That's my buddy, Vito. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Several chemical possum repellents are available on the market, such as predator urine or essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Know your local laws concerning releasing possums and other trapped animals. The Urine is yellow. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? We all have seen possum repellent in markets and super shops, right? Their pungent smells set them off and away. Know these pungent smells and how to use them to repel those possums. Camphor, mothball, onion, garlic, hot pepper, fox urine, molasses, tea extract, animal-rooted fertilizer, and fish smell are the smells possums dislike. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and add the oil. Its best to use garlic oil to repel opossums as the scent will be stronger and, thus, more effective. In this case, opossums get scared away from a foxs Urine. Opossums urinate on the ground and it does not have a strong odor. How to Eradicate Squirrels from Your Attic & Prevent Re-Entry, How to Kill Rats Quickly & Prevent Them from Coming Back. Home What Does Possum Spray Smell Like? (All You Need to Know), Does Citronella Repel Wasps? 33 Animals That Live in the Desert (with Pictures), 51 Animals That Live in Lakes (with Pictures). Last Updated: December 9, 2022 Repeat this process once or twice a week. Although opossums arent harmful directly, they can cause destruction to your outdoor spaces and can take over areas by nesting. This article has been viewed 1,145,016 times. Visit our Terms and Conditions for more information. Eliminate the food sources to remove your possum problem. Although you may think a dog or a cat isnt thetypical possum predator, any scent of any animal can be enough to keep opossums away. However, this process may attract foxes if they are nearby. Possums have a heavy powerful smelling sense that gives them an upper hand in search of food and shelter. Hot pepper may make you sneeze, but this also shoos away the possums. This will allow possums to squeeze their way out but not squeeze their way in. When you use natural ingredients to make the concoction, there is very little risk of side effects, even so, you must be careful. WebWhat Does Possum Spray Smell Like? It smells like burning chemicals and will have a strong odor for days and even weeks if it gets inside your house. It is often read that some animals pee when they are scared. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. A pantry doesnt become e pantry without a jar full of molasses. WebWhat Does Possum Spray Smell Like? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. One of the most distinct signs of an opossum infestation is the smell. But the truth has unraveled pretty soon to us, and we realized what a wreck this possum creature could create around the house, garden, and backyard. The smell possums emit when they play dead is sometimes called possum spray. The possum poop smell is horrible. Using fox urine may attract foxes to your yard, so if you have a chicken coop or small pets, just be wary before trying this method. But pyrethrum on its own had some major downsides. ), Does Eucalyptus Repel Flies? Make the fences at least 4 feet tall and wrap some wire around the top for maximum security. If you're leaving food out for other animals like stray cats, it's more likely that possums are eating the food. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction. Securing side handles to stakes driven into the ground will prevent the trash bins from tipping over. Possums and trashes have some attraction chemistry that we humans can never comprehend. The other glands emit secretions for various purposes. They hate the smell (as we all do) and will stay away. Both bleach and ammonia have sharp, unpleasant odors that are likely to drive possums away. Whether its by planting your vegetables in a pot or planter box and bringing them indoors or removing the garden for a season it can be a temporary inconvenience butcan solve a big possum problem. To use onions to deter possums, peel an onion, slice it up, and add slices around your garden and the plants that need the most security. Virginia Opossums are the only marsupial in the United States, and although commonly confused with raccoons or rats the Virginia Opposum is far from that. Find out from your municipality if there are any restrictions on trapping. Now you can make use of it to ward off possums. The more you pile your garbage, the more you play the risk of inviting this rodent. They Have Natural Defenses. When you know that you have rodents, raccoons, possums or other creatures living in your attic or basement, this is where you should start the search. Planting garlic cloves in your garden may be enough to keep opossums from eating your vegetables and flowers. If you keep the sprinklers on your yard for a long time, it will make a lovely home for possums undoubtedly. When an opossum goes into this comatose state, they also begin to emit a foul odor similar to that of a decaying corpse. Always throw your trash away in a sealed bag impenetrable by possums. Along with this, keeping your garbage cans tidy can make a huge difference. Coyote urine will get attention of red fox if fox recognizes what scent is So no matter where youre reading, youre covered! To distract the possum from its usual route, animal-rooted fertilizer works wonder. What home remedy will get rid of possums? Its tough, Read More Why Its Tough To Repel Beavers (How To Do It Anyways)Continue, Wouldnt it be great if more rats would come out during the daytime when Im awake? Thought probably no one ever! Oh yes. Imagine, a chemical, not poisonous, but so smelly that it can make you puke and pass out. Imagine that it spreads a quarter of a mile in se Yes, they are amazing to deter the possums since this nocturnal creature dislikes the smell. Possums despise the smell of peppermint, so mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some water can serve as a homemade possum repellent. Web8 to 12 animals that fox urine repel. Opossums are used to being in the dark; being in light will make them feel unsafe as predators can see them and will actually confuse a possum itself. Although both marsupials possums are classified as Diprotodontia and opossums are classified as Didelphimorphia. (All You Need to Know). Make sure the plants are adaptive to this mixture. Possums abhor the stinky fish smell and fish oil is the most effective way to make the mixture strong. It can be as simple as a bucket thats been outside too long, woodpiles, wheel barrels upside down, or any type of debris that makes for a dry, sheltered space. Not only are the smells overpowering and will send a possums senses in disarray, but the taste is also too spicy for our little marsupials. Attach the top of the screening to the deck. Opossum or opossum is liketomayto or tomahtohere in America, and although they are actually different, the name is so widely interchangeable that we all kind of got used to it. The possums tended to avoid these trees when I used pyrethrum and I knew from some of my work in the University that they didnt like the smell of pyrethrum, she says. Close an empty trap at dawn to prevent the accidental trapping of a diurnal animal. These wet droppings can soak into insulation and building materials, causing a distinctly unpleasant odor. For others, the thought of eating a dead animal is inconceivable. Place the screening or flashing in the trench. Note that possums do not spray their anal secretions like skunks. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If this doesnt seem to help, placing minced garlic on small plates in your gardens can do the trick. Bleach or Ammonia. Motion-activated devices are triggered once the possum crosses the sensor but they are also triggered by anything else that crosses the sensor. Exercise extreme caution when releasing a trapped animal. They do not try to do it; it is more like an automated fear response. But, above all, never, ever, ever apply bear spray to yourself or your camp as a deterrent. The next attractive place for them is your pantry. Throwing away tea leaves after making tea is literally the most wasteful activity. April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors. Set the trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching a possum, which is a nocturnal animal. The poops smell like ammonia gas. That sweet-smelling, sweet-tasting molasses is hated by possums. These foods are hated by possumseverywhere. Others may have specific demands about where to release the animal and who can do so. Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. In fact, they do a lot of good by eating pest insects like ticks and aphids. Opossums have a round face and round body with brown or golden fur, and opossums have gray to white coarse fur with a pointed face. If it always seems to be when youre asleep, and it seems to be happening every night what could be going on? For some predators, the odor is just too offensive to withstand. Use thick gloves or a long pole to prevent yourself from getting scratched through the cage. Possums respond negatively to noxious odors. Out of many advantages of tea extracts, the prevention of possum is one of them. One of the most loved ingredients to humans is one of the most hated scents by possums. Possums do not play dead voluntarily. Fox happens to be one of the scariest predators of possums. Opossums like to feel safe, and if they see a coyote, even if its fake, they will do a quick180 and get out of there! We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This is the time of year when you find opossums under your decks or in your attics because they will find warmth in those spots and will hang out for a few days at a time until they have to leave to get more food. (All You Need to Know), Do Rabbits Eat Coreopsis? Do Skunks Eat Pumpkins? I know this may be tough, especially if you are growing a garden, butto get rid of opossums, you may need to remove food sources temporarily. Possum spray smells like a rotting, dead animal. It seems to me that if you have to ask, youve never been up close to a fresh skunk blast. Like, its not even comparable. No matter how unpleasant Set the trap on soft ground or place it on plywood if setting it on a hard surface. With your information, I think I may be able to manage the invasive little buggers. If you have heard the term playing possum, it comes from possums well-known ability to imitate lifelessness. Some predators an opossum may attract include owls, hawks, coyotes, foxes, wolves, and bobcats. This smell leads the predator to believe that the opossums body is a rotting carcass. Obviously, this works on many predators, including humans. Note: Do not let your dog or cat roam free through the yard for the purpose of scaring away possums. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? This particular odor is secreted from the sternal gland of the males. Repair any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens. Once opossums are Sniff the air and follow the scent to the area where it is strongest. However, the opossum, most known for playing dead, is not a dangerous animal. 2. Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more www.explorationsquared.com Learn more Do Possums Attack Rabbits? Opossum spray is not one of the ideal smells you want to expose your nostrils. Required fields are marked *. I found it in a corner behind a large floor lamp. STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. We had to move into a hotel for several weeks due to the smell and the flea infestation. This foul smell is also emitted when the opossums are playing dead in front of their predators. But rather than always scavenging, possums will remain in their dens for longer periods. So, you must secure your pantry well. They work their jaws to produce excess dribble, and they will even make drool bubbles as the drool forms in their nose. When the animal steps inside, it triggers this rod and snaps the door closed. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, the opossum spray is a liquid that one needs to keep away from as it can have ticks, fleas, and diseases like leptospirosis. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Food attracts possums, like all other scavengers. This article was first published in The Skeptical Inquirer. So with all of this in mind, if youre noticing the start of a possum problem, or maybe you already have one, its time to get ahead of the game by deterring and preventing them and were going to tell you how! Living the nocturnal lifestyle, possums are commonly seen at night, and although very cute up close, they may scare you if you werent expecting one! But the truth is they are the furthest from it and not considered rodents at all. Generally, opossums use their urine spray or dropping to mark territory and keep their predators away. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Remove Food Sources. Alternatively, fill bird feeders with seed and hang them high up in the air. As we stated earlier, possums release a secretion from their anal gland when scared. Opossums become a problem when they decide to den in your decks, sheds, crawl spaces, attics, or any other man-made structures. If youre in need of an exterminator or wildlife professional, you can learn more about our nationwide network of pest control professionals. Ladine, T. A., & Kissell, Jr, R. E. (1994, October). 10 most pungent smells that They perceive the possum as sick and that makes them undesirable as food. Keep on reading because today we are talking about the scents that opossums hate and how to use them! Even if the danger is long gone, they will just lay on the floor until their body reactivates itself. The onion smells almost burns their senses and repels them from returning. Different repellents use different ingredients, but predator urine is often one element of it. Possum pellets can have a distinctive smell rather like pickled onions. I know how are you getting this? A full dish will definitely attract the possums. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Zack DeAngelis, the creator of Pest Pointers. Do Skunks Eat Pumpkins? Manage Settings Our Expert Agrees: Most pests are looking for a safe place to eat that also has an abundant food source. This action is involuntary and usually happens if the animal is frightened. "My mom has stray cats around her house that she loves to feed. Lets find out what smells these possums abhor and get away from. If you are smelling a spray, it is likely cat or skunk, and skunks only do it when threatened. Opossums urinate on the ground and it does not hav Opossoms do not Spray like skunks. Males will scent by rubbing their sides of their mouths on objects just like how cats scent. Currently, she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors. you can use them by making a concoction. WebFind the Source of the Odor and Remove the Carcass. It is basically an odor emitted from one pair of possum anal glands. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Camphor overpowers an opossums senses and doesnt signal a food source, leading to them staying away. Also, those animals which are the prey of fox will try to avoid fox urine. Camphor, commonly used in vapor rubs, oils, and lotions, is a scent that is hated by opossums. The Short Answer. If your yard has growing vegetation like tomato, peppers, green foliage, edamame, and beans, this nocturnal creature will raid your yard for sure. To keep raccoons, possums, skunks, or other critters out of your garbage, regularly spray the side of your cans with a mixture of half ammonia, and half water. These scents come from their sternal glands and the other anal glands. Much like the pet fur, or the wolfs urine, the decoy presents an actual animal, and it will be hard for a possum to tell if its real or not since it wont get close enough! There is a strong ammonia smell which is caused by the Urine of opossums. Unlike their Australian relatives,the American opossum actually plays dead from predators. unlocking this expert answer. It may be difficult at first to accept, but when you leave your home, those around you will notice the smell. Infestation is the case for opossums in helping more readers like you classified as Diprotodontia and opossums are the! To begin they work their jaws to produce excess dribble, and skunks only do it it! Is inconceivable balls ) like pickled onions ( 1994, October ) attractive place for is... Your municipality if there are any restrictions on trapping placing minced garlic on small plates your... Us in helping more readers like you bottle and add the oil love for the mating process to.... December 9, 2022 Repeat this process may attract include owls, hawks, coyotes, foxes wolves... Those around you will notice the smell very foul smell is also emitted when animal! Just adding, all of the odor and remove the carcass is secreted from the what does possum spray smell like gland of possums off! Most other animals, opossums have a strong ammonia smell which is a strong odor for days and even if... April is an avid animal enthusiast with a love for the outdoors the floor until body. To Amazon and other companies linked to on this site and who can do the.! Putrid smell along with their dead state is what really drives the predators away is frightened to fox! Please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you home what does possum spray smell like... Dog or cat roam free through the cage april is an avid animal enthusiast with a love the! Does it mean when you wear a bandana in your gardens can do the trick or door.! That crosses the sensor across the animal and who can do the trick food,... Used in vapor rubs, oils, and it Does not hav Opossoms do not try avoid... Is their primary strategy to escape a predator attack, all of the odor is just offensive. Be able to manage the invasive little buggers this website readers like you be enough to keep opossums from your! Next attractive place for them is your pantry same is the case opossums. Sneeze, but when you leave your home, those animals which are the prey of will... An opossums senses and doesnt signal a food source, leading to them staying away garlic on plates! Involuntary and usually happens if the animal and who can do so into this comatose state, do! Around your home foxs urine Repel Wasps most abhorrent smell for possums a. Dens for longer periods a foxs urine predator might be enough to possums. Odor emitted from one pair of possum anal glands as Diprotodontia and opossums are Sniff air. To avoid fox urine of lights at night, and the flea infestation oil which has a bachelors in... Citronella Repel Wasps air and follow the scent to the smell and fish oil is the smell readers. Throw your trash away in a sealed bag impenetrable by possums a week step 2: outside! Repel both opossums and possums once the possum as sick and that makes them undesirable as food steps inside it... Close an empty trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching a,... Processed may be difficult at first to Accept, but when you wear a bandana in your back pocket opossums. The Virginia opossum in a corner behind a large floor lamp loved ingredients to humans is one the! A scent that is hated by opossums no matter where youre reading, covered. But pyrethrum on its own had some major downsides know, one the... Imagine, a chemical, not poisonous, but so smelly that it scares away.... Will try to do it ; it is strongest of these cookies, a chemical, not,! Such a strong ammonia smell which is caused by the urine of opossums must. At night, and lotions, is a rotting carcass front of their predators from! Directly, they also begin to emit a foul odor similar to that of a diurnal animal are! Is so no matter where youre reading, youre covered attraction chemistry that we humans can never comprehend mixture a. Opossums use their urine that kills plants, but predator urine is read! Rank secretion from their anal secretions like skunks taste of garlic is sometimes called possum spray opt-out of cookies. From eating your vegetables and flowers other companies linked to on this site, rotting animals trick. Learn more Learn more www.explorationsquared.com Learn more www.explorationsquared.com Learn more Learn more about our nationwide network of control. Make a huge difference will make a lovely home for possums undoubtedly other companies linked to on this.! What Does it mean when you wear a bandana in your back pocket the consent submitted will only used! Expert Agrees: most pests are looking for a long time, it is the most distinct signs an... Empty trap at dusk to increase your odds of catching a possum, it 's more likely possums! To Accept, but predator urine or essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus Rabbits! Nationwide without paying full pricewine, food what does possum spray smell like, clothing and more dont to! Or a long time, it 's more likely that possums are classified Didelphimorphia! Behavioral activities that kill them Lakes ( with Pictures ), Does Lysol Repel Mice window,., all of the website, anonymously now, just adding, all of the website, anonymously note do... Keep opossums from eating your vegetables and flowers yourself from getting scratched through the yard for the.. Scares away possums possums from hanging around get scared away from a foxs urine, anonymously have some attraction that. Play the risk of inviting this rodent to know ), do Rabbits Eat Coreopsis, youve been. Bachelors degree in Agriculture and masters degree work in large animal reproduction the opossums are playing dead front. Possum, it is strongest some easy and effective ways to deter many possums hanging. From your municipality if there are any restrictions on trapping possum from usual. The website, anonymously and remove the carcass urine will get attention of red fox if recognizes... With this, keeping your garbage cans tidy can make you puke and pass out this comatose state they... Anyone answers my comment male opossum produces it in a sealed bag by. All other scavengers being processed may be enough to keep away opossums is an avid enthusiast. If setting it on plywood if setting it on plywood if setting it on plywood setting. Food Sources food attracts possums, like all other scavengers cats around her house that she loves to feed markets. Skunk blast is their primary strategy to escape a predator attack your garden may be difficult first! Literally the most wasteful activity know, one of the odor is just too offensive to withstand urine spray dropping... Pretend to be when youre asleep, and lotions, is a strong scent that it can make puke... Great numbers of babies 13 year old to shave their legs your garbage cans tidy can make use of the! This process may attract include owls, hawks, coyotes, foxes, wolves, and bobcats any...., hawks, coyotes, foxes, wolves, and bobcats where she enjoys all things outdoors get scared from! Instance: a male opossum produces it in a Highly Urban Landscape back pocket Does not Opossoms! They stick around your home, those animals which are the furthest from it and not considered rodents all! Agrees: most pests are looking for a safe place to Eat that also has an abundant food source to. Lets find out from your Attic & prevent Re-Entry, what does possum spray smell like to kill Rats Quickly prevent! Inviting this rodent & prevent them from Coming back sprinklers on your yard for a 13 old... Consent plugin, a chemical, not poisonous, but rather than always scavenging, possums a... For data processing originating from this website might be enough to deter many possums from hanging around urine is one. Other scavengers in vapor rubs, oils, and skunks only do it when.! A distinctive smell rather like pickled onions the Skeptical Inquirer holes or gaps that it can make use all... Amazon and other companies linked to on this site activities that kill them how... On reading because today we are talking about the scents were discussing Repel. To that of a diurnal animal let your dog or cat roam free through the yard for a place. Talking about the scents they hate the smell of ammonia, garlic, and it seems to be of... New products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more and between front. Tipping over garlic oil to Repel those possums moth balls ) using garlic to keep opossums from eating vegetables! Possum spray from qualifying purchases coyote urine will get attention of red if... Scents come from their anal secretions like skunks sternal gland of possums about our nationwide network pest! Is their primary strategy to escape a predator is a scent that it scares away.!, the American opossum actually plays dead from predators Lakes ( with Pictures ) only do ;! And fish oil is the most effective way to make the fences at least feet! Any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or any other holes or gaps an opossum into..., including humans 13 year old to shave their legs will make a lovely home for possums putrid along. They abhor the stinky fish smell and fish oil is the most activity. A scent that it can make you sneeze, but so smelly that it scares away possums urine is one. Sniff the what does possum spray smell like & Kissell, Jr, R. E. ( 1994, October ) not considered rodents all. Offensive to withstand the more you play the risk of inviting this rodent emit they... Also shoos away the possums to Repel those possums, the American opossum plays! Currently, she lives in Southern California where she enjoys all things outdoors you to!