4 Smells That Deter Possums Away

Possums might look cute from afar, but when they start invading your home or garden, they can become a real nuisance. These nocturnal creatures are known for making a mess, damaging plants, and even finding their way into roof cavities. If you're dealing with possum problems, you might be looking for a humane and natural way to keep them at bay. Luckily, nature itself provides a solution—certain smells that possums absolutely dislike can effectively deter them from your property. Whether you're already managing issues like termites Bundoora or other unwanted pests, knowing how to repel possums with specific scents can add another layer of protection for your home and surroundings.

Let’s explore four smells that naturally drive possums away and help you maintain a pest-free space.

Garlic – A Pungent Possum Repellent

One of the most effective natural repellents for possums is garlic. Its strong and lingering scent is enough to send these creatures scurrying in the opposite direction. You can easily use garlic in various forms to create a protective barrier around your garden or property.

Crush a few cloves and spread them around areas where possums are active—like garden beds, fence lines or the base of trees. You could even soak crushed garlic in water and spray the mixture around these spots. Reapply after rainfall to maintain its strength.

Homeowners dealing with broader pest issues such as pest control Epping have found garlic an affordable and simple addition to their pest management strategy. While it won't replace professional help, it works well as a supplementary solution, especially in outdoor spaces.

The best part? Garlic is safe for pets and people, making it a non-toxic option for families looking to avoid harsh chemicals while keeping possums away.

Mothballs – Strong Scent with Potent Results

Mothballs are another powerful scent-based deterrent for possums. These small, round pellets are commonly used to keep moths away from clothing, but their strong chemical smell also proves to be offensive to possums.

You can place mothballs in mesh bags or containers and leave them in corners of your roof space, garden, or under the house—anywhere possums tend to nest or travel. It's essential to keep them out of reach of children and pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.

While not a permanent solution, they are an effective way to disrupt possum activity in the short term. People handling other pest issues such as pest control Mill Park often use mothballs alongside traps and exclusion techniques for more comprehensive results.

Remember to monitor and replace mothballs as the smell fades over time. Always use them with caution and according to the instructions on the label.

Ammonia – A Harsh Smell Possums Hate

Ammonia has a sharp, irritant odour that mimics the scent of predator urine, which can trigger a fear response in possums. It’s one of the more aggressive deterrents, and it's highly effective when used carefully and responsibly.

To use ammonia, soak old rags or cotton balls and place them in a container or jar with holes punched into the lid. You can also place the soaked material in areas like attics, sheds, or under the deck where possums might be nesting. Be sure to refresh the ammonia every few days for maximum effect.

When homeowners are dealing with common pests like ants and require Ant Control Rosanna, ammonia sometimes also doubles as a way to discourage these critters too. Its multi-purpose nature makes it a useful addition to your home pest defence kit.

However, ammonia should be used in well-ventilated areas and kept far from children and animals. It's important not to pour it directly into the garden soil or near waterways due to its environmental impact.

Peppermint Oil – Nature’s Fresh Barrier

Peppermint oil might smell refreshing to humans, but to possums, it’s a major turn-off. Its strong, minty aroma overwhelms their sensitive noses and discourages them from sticking around. Plus, it leaves your home or garden smelling fresh.

Use peppermint oil by soaking cotton balls and placing them around entry points, such as roof gaps, fences, and along garden borders. You can also make a peppermint spray by diluting a few drops of oil in water and spraying it in areas where possums roam.

This method is particularly effective for people who prefer eco-friendly and cruelty-free pest deterrents. It’s also a great option if you’re looking to avoid strong chemicals or have pets and young kids at home.

While peppermint oil won’t eliminate a severe infestation, it works well as a regular preventative measure when combined with other deterrents or physical barriers like fencing or netting.

Possums may be part of Australia’s native wildlife, but they don’t belong in your roof or tearing up your garden. These simple scent-based solutions—garlic, mothballs, ammonia, and peppermint oil—can help you reclaim your space in a natural and humane way.

However, if possum problems persist or if you’re dealing with more complex pest issues, it’s always best to call in the professionals. At M&R Termite Solutions, we offer reliable, environmentally responsible pest management services tailored to your needs. Whether it's possums, termites, ants, or any other nuisance, we’re here to help.

???? Call us today on 0413 716 233 or ???? email michael@mrtermitesolutions.com.au to book a consultation or pest control service. Let us protect your home the smart and simple way!