4 Smells That Deter Possums Away

Possums may look harmless, but they can cause serious trouble when they invade your roof, attic, or garden. From damaging insulation and wires to raiding fruit trees and leaving foul-smelling droppings, these nocturnal visitors are far from welcome guests. One of the most effective and natural ways to keep them away is by using specific scents that they find unpleasant. That’s right—certain smells act as a possum repellent, discouraging these furry intruders from hanging around your property. In this guide, we’ll explore four powerful scents that help deter possums and show you how to use them effectively for a possum-free home.

Eucalyptus Oil – A Natural Way to Keep Possums at Bay

When it comes to how to get rid of possums, many homeowners prefer natural remedies before turning to professional pest control services. One such method is using eucalyptus oil. This strong, minty aroma, commonly found in Australian households, is known to overwhelm a possum’s sensitive sense of smell.

Possums are highly territorial and cautious creatures. When they encounter an area that smells unfamiliar or unpleasant, they are likely to steer clear. Eucalyptus oil can be sprayed on fences, garden beds, and even roof cavities to create a no-go zone for possums. Simply soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in areas where possum activity is noticed.

Make sure to refresh the cotton balls every few days to maintain the strong scent. This natural method is not only eco-friendly but also safe around pets and children—making it a preferred solution for families looking to protect their outdoor and indoor spaces.

Garlic – The Scent Possums Strongly Dislike

What smell do possums hate the most? Garlic is high on that list. Its pungent, lingering odour makes it one of the most effective deterrents for possums looking to turn your home into theirs. Whether it’s crushed raw garlic or garlic oil, the smell is enough to send most possums in the opposite direction.

You can use garlic in several ways. One method is to crush garlic cloves and spread them in problem areas such as near sheds, garbage bins, or entry points on your roof. For gardens, planting garlic can serve the dual purpose of deterring pests and flavouring your meals.

Alternatively, make a garlic spray by mixing crushed garlic with water and a small amount of vinegar. Spray this solution around entryways, fences, and along the perimeter of your home. The strong, unpleasant scent will keep possums second-guessing any attempt to invade your space.

Mothballs – Old-School But Effective

Mothballs may seem like a dated solution, but they are still one of the most powerful odour-based deterrents for possums. Their intense chemical scent is designed to keep insects like moths away, but it works just as well on larger intruders like possums.

To use mothballs effectively, place them in a sealed container with holes and place these containers near possum-prone areas. Never scatter mothballs openly in areas accessible to pets or children, as they can be toxic if ingested.

While mothballs can be a quick-fix solution, it's worth noting that they should be used with caution and ideally in outdoor settings or enclosed roof spaces. If used correctly, they can be a strong barrier that discourages possums from nesting nearby or exploring your garden at night.

Camphor – A Reliable Solution in Urban Areas

Residents living in city suburbs such as Mill Park often struggle with possums due to limited green spaces and more shared fences and rooftops. Camphor is a lesser-known but highly effective smell-based solution to this problem. Its potent medicinal scent is derived from the camphor tree and has long been used to repel insects and rodents.

For homeowners seeking Pest Control Mill Park solutions without using traps or poisons, camphor provides a great middle ground. You can use camphor blocks or oil near nesting sites, under the house, in the garage, or roof voids. Like eucalyptus, camphor should be replaced or refreshed weekly to remain effective.

It’s especially helpful when used in conjunction with physical barriers, like sealing off access points or trimming back overhanging tree branches. Combined, these methods create an environment that possums are much less likely to inhabit.

While these smell-based deterrents can be effective for mild possum issues, persistent or recurring infestations may need professional help. That’s where M&R Termite Solutions steps in. With a strong reputation for safe and humane possum control across Melbourne, our team provides tailored solutions to ensure your home stays pest-free.

Whether it’s your roof, attic, garden, or garage that’s under siege, we can identify entry points and install protective measures to keep possums away for good. Call us today at 0413 716 233 or email michael@mrtermitesolutions.com.au for a free quote or expert advice on dealing with possums effectively.

We offer pest control services in Pest Control Bundoora, Pest Control Watsonia, Pest Control Greensborough, Pest Control Eltham, Pest Control Epping, Pest Control Doncaster, Pest Control Mill Park, Pest Control Whittlesea and all other Suburbs.