A possum will usually leave on its own since it’s a nomadic animal, but if food or shelter is available, it may stay much longer until those resources are removed.
Spotting a possum around your home can leave you wondering if it’s just passing through or planning a long-term stay. These marsupials are often nomadic, but when food and shelter are readily available, they can stick around much longer than you’d like.
So, will a possum eventually leave on its own? The answer depends on what your property offers. Understanding their habits, knowing what attracts them, and learning how to gently encourage them to move along is the key to getting your peace of mind back.
What’s the deal? Will a possum eventually take off?
In most cases, yes, possums are wanderers by nature and don’t stay rooted in one spot for long. They usually roam neighborhoods at night in search of food, then retreat to a temporary shelter during the day.
The exception happens when your property feels like an all-inclusive resort. If they find a steady food source, a cozy hiding spot, or safe nesting space, they may linger much longer than expected. Left unaddressed, that “temporary guest” could become a frustrating housemate.
Why a possum might set up camp? and what makes them move on?
Possums aren’t picky, which is exactly why they sometimes hang around. A deck, attic, shed, or even a woodpile makes the perfect shelter to hide from predators and harsh weather. Pair that with easy access to garbage, pet food, or fallen fruit, and suddenly your yard looks like a long-term rental.
They’ll eventually move on if the comforts disappear or the area feels unsafe. Removing food sources, securing entry points, and making the space less inviting can push them back into their normal roaming cycle. In short, the less attractive your property is, the faster they’ll be on their way.
Simple, specific actions that help get them gone for good
If a possum has settled in, the best strategy is to make your property less appealing. You don’t need to chase or trap them, small adjustments can naturally encourage them to leave on their own. Here are steps that work:
- Remove food temptations: Secure garbage cans, bring pet food indoors, and pick up fallen fruit regularly.
- Light and sound nudges: Leaving a radio playing or shining a light near their shelter during the day can make them uncomfortable enough to leave.
- Seal entry points after they’re gone: Use hardware cloth or steel mesh to close gaps around decks, attics, or crawl spaces to stop them from returning.
- Tidy up hiding spots: Clear brush piles, stacked wood, or clutter that creates easy shelter.
These small measures not only push the current possum to move along but also make your yard less inviting to future wildlife visitors.
Don’t let “Maybe it’ll go away” cost you more
Hoping a possum will just pack up and leave on its own can backfire. If they decide your attic or crawl space is safe, they may nest, chew, and soil the area, leaving you with costly repairs.
There’s also the health angle to consider. Possums can carry fleas and ticks that spread to pets, and their droppings create sanitation concerns if left unchecked. Ignoring the problem doesn’t just prolong it, it often makes it worse.
When to call the pros? and why AAAC is your always-right bet?
If you’ve tried all the tricks and the possum still refuses to leave, it’s time to bring in experts. Professional wildlife control ensures the animal is removed humanely, legally, and without damage to your property.
AAAC Wildlife Removal doesn’t just handle the eviction; they seal entry points, clean up the mess, and put prevention measures in place so you won’t face the same issue again. Think of it as turning your property from “possum paradise” back into your peaceful, critter-free home.
Will that possum ever leave? Here’s the bottom line
Possums are natural drifters, and in many cases, they’ll move along once your property no longer offers food or shelter. Still, ignoring the problem can invite damage, health risks, and repeat visits.
A little prevention goes a long way; remove temptations, block access, and make your home less inviting. And if one possum overstays its welcome, AAAC Wildlife Removal is ready to step in and handle the job the right way.
Take back your home from unwanted possum guests!
Don’t wait around hoping a possum will leave on its own. The longer it stays, the greater the chance of property damage, mess, and unwanted pests tagging along.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal today and let our team handle the problem quickly, humanely, and effectively. We’ll remove the possum, secure your home, and give you peace of mind knowing it won’t be back.
