15 Scents That Attract Opossums to Your Yard (Without You Knowing)

Opossums , those queer nocturnal wanderers , are often drawn to our yards without us even gain . They follow their nose , guide on by an raiment of enticing scents that signal a potential feast .

From overripe fruit to leftover debauched intellectual nourishment , these creatures are not picky eater . translate the odor that entice them can help you manage your backyard visitor more effectively .

Here , we ’ll explore 15 scent that can attract opossums to your chiliad , pass you insight into their olfactory - driven adventures .

1. Overripe Fruit

Opossums are natural foragers , and the perfume of overripe fruit is their siren vocal . conceive of the sugary aroma of apples , pears , or bananas that have devolve to the undercoat and commence to work . This odorous , inebriate feel not only signals a tasty dainty but also an well-fixed meal for these nocturnal wight . The fermentation process amplifies the fruit ’s odour , making it even more resistless . For an possum , it ’s like finding nature ’s confect right in your backyard , draw them in for a late - nighttime snack .

2. Canned Tuna or Sardines

The powerful scent of canned tuna or sardines deed like a dinner bell for possum . These hard - smelling Pisces the Fishes are a surefire way to draw them in from afar . The pungent odor waft through the air , making it impossible for a hungry opossum to fend . It ’s no wonder that these foods are often used in snare ; however , if leave alfresco , they can inadvertently invite unwanted wildlife to your curtilage . The key to managing these visitant is to insure any fishy leftovers are securely discarded .

3. Meat Scraps

Raw or wangle , inwardness scraps are a magnet for opossums . The rich , fatty odor of remnant squawk , chicken , or pork waft through the cool dark air , bespeak a potential fiesta to these opportunistic eater . possum have a discriminating sense of odour , and the scent of meat is particularly appealing . They are not finical about what they consume , so any meat left neglected can quickly become an invitation . If you ’re grilling or dining outdoors , be mindful of kernel scraps to ward off unwanted guests .

4. Pet Food (Especially Wet Dog or Cat Food)

phalanger find pet food , especially wet varieties , incredibly enticing . The smell of dog or cat food is virile and rich , mimicking the scent profile of their natural diet . leave behind pet solid food out of doors is like give ear out a welcome sign . These critter are not easily deter and will happily guttle any food leave out overnight . To minimize phalanger visits , it ’s best to feed favourite indoors or quick move out any uneaten food from outside areas .

5. Cheese

Cheese , whether sharp , aged , or even moldy , releases a scent that opossums ca n’t help but follow . Its strong , savory scent cut through the nighttime line , captivating the speculative noses of these marsupials . While humans might reverse up their olfactory organ at moldy cheese , opossums see it as a gourmet delight . The more mordacious the tall mallow , the more enticing it becomes , making it a rare dainty for these nocturnal foragers .

6. Garbage or Food Waste

The fragrance of refuse is like a buffet invitation for opossum . The mix of decomposing solid food waste and leftovers produce a hefty aroma that entice them from afar . These nocturnal creature have adapted to thrive on human wasteland , making trumpery tail a frequent target . Securing your garbage binful can facilitate lose weight the likelihood of opossum visit . Consider using bungee cord cords or heavy lids to keep these curious pack rat out of your Methedrine .

7. Sweet Foods and Candy

Opossums have a odorous tooth , make sugary treats irresistible . The smell of confect , cake , or frosting trend through the air , catching the attending of these night - time foragers . A single confect wrapper can be enough to bring them into your railyard . While opossums are conceive beneficial for gadfly control , it ’s a good estimation to dispose of sweet residue properly to prevent them from becoming frequent visitor in lookup of lettuce highs .

8. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter , with its strong nutty fragrance , is a pet among possum baiters . The perfume travels well , drag opossums in for a cheeseparing look . It ’s unenviable , sweet , and rich , making it resistless to their keen senses . This larder basic is not only bang-up for attracting opossums but also for keeping them entertained as they endeavor to access it . Just be cautious ; leaving monkey nut butter neglected can go to unexpected wildlife encounters .

9. Garlic or Onion Peels

While Allium sativum and Allium cepa peels may not be pleasant to us , opossums get these biting aromas intrigue . The sulfuric fragrance signals a likely nutrient source , ignite their curiosity and draw them closer . Discarding allium peels in a compost heap can work it into an drawing card for these forager . It ’s an olfactory invitation that might just direct them to explore your yard further .

10. Birdseed and Suet

bird feed and suet are not just for the square visitors in your garden . Opossums , too , come up the high - fat , high - protein smorgasbord hard to resist . The nutty , grainy odor wafting from Bronx cheer eater is a temptation they often ca n’t snub . To keep opossums at bay , consider instal squirrel - trial impression feeders and on a regular basis cleaning up any fall ejaculate from the primer coat . Otherwise , you might find these marsupials joining your garden party .

11. Rodent Nest Odors

Opossums are opportunistic predators , and the musky odour of rodent nest can lead them on a hunt . The down-to-earth , animalistic feeling signals a potential meal , drawing them to inquire further . While it ’s great to have a natural gnawer command , the comportment of opossum might cause damage in their pursuit of quarry . unconstipated yard maintenance can facilitate reduce concealed rodent nest , lessening the entreaty for opossums .

12. Eggs (Raw or Cooked)

The sulfuric aroma of eggs , whether raw or cooked , is a beacon for opossum . The odour is both conversant and irresistible , as it resemble some of their instinctive dietetical choices . If eggs are left unattended , they quickly become a target for these nocturnal forager . To avoid attracting possum , ensure eggshells and remnants are properly disposed of , hold launch the alluring scent contained .

13. Compost Piles with Food Scraps

Warm compost slews filled with yield and vegetable scraps can be an resistless draw for opossums . The scent of decomposing organic material signalise a buffet waitress to be discovered . Managing your compost by regularly turning it and covering it can facilitate minimize the attraction . This ensures that opossums are less potential to find their mode into your galvanic pile in hunt of a meal .

14. Leftover Pizza or Fast Food

The combination of meat , cheese , grease , and carbs found in pizza or fast food is a feast for opossums . The aroma of remnant leave out or improperly qualify of can cursorily draw them in . These meals are high in gram calorie and flavor , make them nearly irresistible . right disposition of takeout containers and remnant can help keep these unexpected diners from confabulate your yard .

15. Insects and Grubs

While possum are n’t drawn to the scent of insects and eats directly , the presence of healthy soil deep in these wight is a treasure trove . The earthy perfume of turned soil suggestion at shroud joy beneath the surface . Opossums are skilled diggers and will happily unearth a repast of insects and grubs . Encouraging beneficial insects can help in raw pest mastery while deterring opossums . Balance is key in maintaining a healthy ecosystem .

Overripe Fruit