Possums might be native Australian wildlife, but when they decide to make your roof, ceiling, or garden their home, they can quickly become a nuisance. From scratching noises at night to droppings and nesting mess, these furry visitors can cause damage and discomfort. Thankfully, there are humane ways to deter them — and one of the simplest involves using scents they dislike. Certain odours can encourage possums to move elsewhere without harming them or disrupting your household. If you’re facing a recurring issue, professional possum pest control in Eltham is the best long-term solution. But to start, let’s explore some of the smells possums hate most and how they can help protect your home.
Understanding Possum Behaviour and Sensitivity to Smell
Possums are nocturnal creatures with a highly developed sense of smell, which helps them locate food, detect predators, and identify safe nesting sites. This sharp sense can also work against them when confronted with strong, unpleasant odours.
Professional pest control services in Eltham often combine scent-based deterrents with exclusion techniques to keep possums out of homes and roofs. While these natural scents can discourage possums temporarily, they work best when used alongside preventive measures such as sealing entry points, trimming trees that provide access to roofs, and removing potential food sources like fallen fruit or pet food.
By understanding their behaviour and sensitivity to smell, homeowners can use harmless yet effective deterrents to make their property less appealing to possums.
Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil
Eucalyptus and tea tree oils are two of the most powerful natural deterrents against possums. Their sharp aroma overwhelms the animal’s senses, making them less likely to settle in the area.
To use these oils effectively, mix a few drops with water and spray the solution around common entry points such as roof gaps, decks, and garden areas. Alternatively, soak cotton balls or cloths in the oil and place them strategically in problem zones.
These scents are safe for the environment and your family, providing a humane way to discourage possums without causing harm. However, they need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their strength and effectiveness.
Ammonia, Garlic, and Mothballs
Ammonia, garlic, and mothballs are three of the most commonly used repellents to drive possums away. Each of these substances emits a strong odour that possums find irritating or threatening.
Ammonia has a scent similar to the urine of predators, which triggers a fear response in possums and convinces them the area isn’t safe. Place small containers of diluted ammonia in roof cavities or under decks — just ensure they’re out of reach of pets and children.
Garlic also works well because of its pungent and lingering smell. Crush several cloves and mix them with water to create a spray for fences, walls, or garden beds where possums are active. This natural approach is non-toxic and easy to apply.
Mothballs can be placed in roof spaces or sheds, as their strong chemical smell discourages possums from nesting. However, use them carefully — they can be toxic if ingested, so it’s best to contain them in mesh bags and keep them away from pets and food storage areas.
When combined, these three deterrents form a strong scent barrier that keeps possums from returning.
Predator Scents and Commercial Repellents
Possums are naturally wary of predators, so scents that mimic the presence of larger animals can be highly effective. Commercial repellents often include ingredients that replicate predator urine, creating an environment that feels unsafe to possums.
These products come in sprays, granules, and diffusers, offering flexible solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces. When applied strategically, they help to keep possums away from roofs, gardens, and other potential nesting sites.
For an eco-friendly alternative, many pest control specialists also use non-toxic deterrents with natural oils that work just as effectively but are safer for pets and children.
The Benefits of Professional Possum Control
While smell-based methods can help in the short term, possums are smart and adaptable. Once they grow accustomed to a scent or the odour fades, they may return. That’s why professional pest control remains the most reliable solution.
Experienced technicians can identify access points, safely relocate possums according to Australian wildlife laws, and implement exclusion barriers that stop them from coming back. Regular follow-ups and maintenance treatments ensure the problem doesn’t reoccur. Combining natural repellents with professional strategies gives you the best long-term protection.
If possums are keeping you awake at night or damaging your roof, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. M&R Termite Solutions provides humane, safe, and effective possum control tailored to Australian homes. Our experts combine modern techniques with eco-friendly repellents to keep your property pest-free year-round.
Call us today on 0413 716 233 to book your inspection or request a free quote. Let M&R Termite Solutions help you enjoy peace of mind — and a possum-free home.
