Alright, so lemme tell you about my recent escapade – how I managed to get rid of a freakin’ possum that decided my backyard was its new home.
It all started about a week ago. I kept noticing my trash cans were getting knocked over, even though I had those fancy lids. Figured it was just the wind at first, ya know? But then, my dog started going absolutely bonkers every night, barking like there was a burglar outside.
So, naturally, I had to investigate. Grabbed my flashlight, cautiously opened the back door, and BAM! There it was. A friggin’ possum, hissing at me from on top of the trash can. Thing was HUGE, too! Scared the living daylights outta me!
Okay, so step one: I needed to ID the culprit. I knew it was a possum, but, hey, gotta be sure, right? Google confirmed it. Big, pointy face, beady eyes, and that nasty, rat-like tail. Yep, definitely a possum.
Next up: Research time. I ain’t about to go wrestling with a wild animal. I wanted to figure out the best way to scare it off without hurting it (or myself!). I did a bunch of searching online, and the general consensus was: make noise, use light, and remove their food source.
Here’s what I actually did:
- Trash Can Lockdown: First thing’s first, I bought some bungee cords and secured those trash can lids down tight. No more midnight buffets for this critter!
- Light Show: I grabbed an old work light and set it up in the backyard, aimed at the area where I usually saw the possum. The idea was to make the area less appealing.
- Noise Patrol: This is where it got a little silly. Every night, when my dog started barking, I’d go out there with a metal pot and a wooden spoon and bang on it like a maniac. I felt ridiculous, but hey, gotta try something!
- Sprinkler Surprise: This was my last resort. I have a motion-activated sprinkler system, so I adjusted the sensitivity and aimed it at the trash can area. The idea was to give the possum a sudden, unwanted shower.
Did it work? Well, the bungee cords definitely kept the trash cans closed. The light seemed to deter the possum a little bit, but it still came around. The banging on the pot? I think it just annoyed my neighbors (sorry, neighbors!).
The real winner was the sprinkler! The first night I set it up, I heard a shriek and then nothing. The next few nights? Silence. No more barking dog, no more overturned trash cans. I think the possum finally got the message and moved on to greener (and drier) pastures.
So, that’s how I scared a possum off my property. It took some effort, a little bit of noise pollution, and a whole lot of water, but it worked! Now, hopefully, it won’t come back.
My advice? Start with the simple things – secure your trash, use light, and then escalate if needed. And maybe warn your neighbors before you start banging on pots at 2 AM. Good luck!
