Can a Possum Climb a Fence? Here’s How to Keep Them Away

Possums are a common sight in many neighborhoods, particularly in areas with ample food sources and shelter.

While they play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by controlling pests such as insects, snails, and rodents, they can also become a nuisance when they invade yards, rummage through garbage, or nest in attics and crawlspaces.

Understanding possum behavior and knowing how to deter them effectively can help you prevent damage to your home and property.

In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about possums, including their habits, what attracts them, and how to keep them away.

Do Possums Climb Well?

Possums are excellent climbers and surprisingly agile for their size. While they may not be the fastest runners—topping out at around 3.5 miles per hour—they make up for it with their ability to scale trees, fences, and even smooth surfaces with ease. These nocturnal creatures rely on their climbing skills to escape predators rather than fight back.

With an average weight of up to 14 pounds, possums can squeeze through small holes and create entry points into yards, sheds, and even homes. Their sharp claws and strong, human-like feet allow them to grip and maneuver up various surfaces, from wooden fences to concrete walls. In fact, possums are often more adept at climbing than rats and other small mammals.

Physically, possums are easy to recognize. They have a long, pointed snout, round hairless ears, and a rat-like tail that makes up nearly half their body length.

Their feet, which resemble a mix of human hands and animal paws, are designed for gripping, making them adept at hanging onto ropes, branches, and even thin wires. They leave behind distinctive tracks—each foot has five toes, which can often be seen imprinted on soft surfaces.

How Well Do Possums Climb?

Possums are natural-born climbers, thanks to one key feature: their prehensile tail. While they can’t hang from their tails like cartoons often depict, they do use them for balance, much like a tightrope walker using a long pole.

This tail helps them steady themselves as they jump and climb between branches, fences, and rooftops.

Baby possums may briefly hang from their tails while exploring, but adult possums are too heavy for their tails to support their full weight. Attempting to hang for too long could cause them to fall or even injure their tails.

Possums are drawn to treetops for more than just their climbing ability. Trees provide an abundant food source—fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, and insects—all of which make up a significant portion of their diet.

High branches also offer safety from ground-level predators like foxes, coyotes, and domestic pets. Possums have adapted to a life off the ground as a survival strategy.

Unfortunately for homeowners, their climbing skills aren’t reserved for trees. Possums will scale fences, walls, and even rooftops to find shelter or food.

They may climb into your yard looking for a way into your attic, or they might be escaping a dog they didn’t realize was on the other side of the fence.

Can Possums Climb Fences?

Yes, possums can easily climb fences, especially wooden or chain-link ones, thanks to their sharp claws and opposable thumbs. Their prehensile tails help stabilize them as they navigate fences, tree branches, and walls.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Prevent Mold on Your Vinyl Fence

Why Are Possums Climbing My Fence?

Possums are scavengers, always on the lookout for an easy meal. If they’re scaling your fence, chances are they’ve found something tempting on the other side. Their diet includes insects, plants, vegetables, and even small rodents, but one of their biggest attractions is garbage.

If your trash cans are overflowing or emitting strong odors, you might be unknowingly inviting possums into your yard. Compost heaps and unsecured food containers are also a major draw for these nocturnal foragers.

Possums prefer to build their nests in dark, damp areas near drainage ditches, sewers, ponds, and swamps. They sleep during the day and roam at night, making them elusive but potentially destructive guests in your yard.

If you’ve noticed a possum frequently climbing your fence, it’s likely searching for food or a safe place to rest.

What Attracts Possums to Your House?

Possums are opportunistic scavengers, always on the lookout for an easy meal and a safe place to nest. If you’ve noticed them lurking around your property, chances are you have something they find appealing.

Their biggest attractions include unsecured trash cans, compost heaps, and food scraps left outside. The strong scent of decaying food draws them in, making garbage bins a prime target.

These creatures also prefer nesting in damp, hidden areas. If your home is near a sewer, drainage system, or overgrown brush, you’re more likely to see possums exploring your yard.

They often build their dens in places like dustbins, hollow logs, or abandoned burrows, and they won’t hesitate to move in if they find a cozy, undisturbed spot near your house.

How to Know If You Have a Possum Problem

Possums are stealthy animals, often moving silently through your yard at night. However, they do leave behind clues that reveal their presence. If you suspect a possum has been visiting, look for these signs:

• Scratch marks on garbage bins, wooden fences, or the exterior of your house.
• Disheveled trash—if your cans are regularly knocked over and rummaged through, a possum might be to blame.
• Unusual noises at night—possums make screeching and hissing sounds when threatened but are otherwise quiet.
• Missing pet food or signs of small rodent activity—possums feed on mice, insects, snails, and even garden snakes, so an increase in these creatures might indicate a possum in the area.

Possum vs. Skunk: Who’s Climbing Your Fence?

If you hear scratching sounds at night or notice food scraps scattered around your yard, you might wonder whether a possum or a skunk is the culprit. Both animals are nocturnal scavengers and have a habit of invading yards in search of food, but there are a few ways to tell them apart.

Possums:

• Roughly the size of a house cat
• Climbers—will scale fences, trees, and even rooftops
• Make screeching or hissing noises when threatened
• Leave behind scratch marks on garbage bins and outdoor surfaces
• Build nests in attics, basements, or under porches

Skunks:

• Shorter, stockier body with a distinctive black-and-white coat
• Dig rather than climb—more likely to burrow under a fence than climb over it
• Emit a strong, unmistakable odor when threatened
• Often leave small holes in lawns from digging for grubs

If you notice foul smells around your outdoor storage areas, missing food, or nesting materials in tight spaces, it’s more likely that you have a possum rather than a skunk.

Common Possum Traits

Possums play an important role in nature, often referred to as “sanitation workers” because of their diet. They consume a wide variety of food, including:

• Roadkill and decaying animals
• Insects, reptiles, and small rodents
• Eggs, fruits, and plants
• Garbage and compost scraps

While their scavenging helps control pest populations, it also means they can make a mess of your yard, tearing through trash bags and leaving behind unwanted debris.

Possums are also marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch—similar to kangaroos. After a short 12- to 14-day gestation period, baby possums stay in the pouch for 70 to 125 days before venturing out on their own. With litters of up to 15 babies at a time, a single family can quickly become a problem for homeowners.

Interestingly, possums have lost much of their fear of humans and may even enter homes through pet doors or open windows in search of food. If one finds a way inside, it could end up nesting in your attic, basement, or crawl space.

Risks of Having Possums Around

Although possums generally avoid confrontation, they will hiss, growl, and bare their teeth if they feel threatened. In some cases, they may even bite or release a foul-smelling greenish fluid from their anal glands as a defense mechanism.

Possums are low on the food chain, so they instinctively seek out hiding spots to stay safe. One of their most famous defense strategies is “playing dead”—flopping over, shutting their eyes, and letting their tongue hang out to trick predators into thinking they’re lifeless.

While possums aren’t typically aggressive, confrontations with pets do happen, sometimes leading to injuries. Additionally, like other wild animals, they can carry diseases such as:

• Leptospirosis
• Coccidiosis
• Tularemia
• Tuberculosis
• Toxoplasmosis

Possums are also often infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which can spread to household pets or even humans. Because of these risks, it’s best to let trained wildlife professionals handle possum removal rather than trying to capture or relocate them yourself.

Where Do Possums Live?

Possums are highly adaptable creatures, capable of thriving in both natural and urban environments. Their preferred habitats include tree cavities, abandoned burrows, and dense brush, where they can take shelter and stay hidden from predators. Despite being solitary animals, they don’t mind sharing space with other creatures if it provides warmth and security.

In the wild, possums favor wooded areas near water sources, such as ponds, swamps, and drainage ditches. They often create nests from dry leaves, shredded paper, or sticks, tucking themselves away in hollow logs or dense vegetation.

However, in urban and suburban settings, possums have learned to take advantage of human-made structures. They commonly seek shelter:

• Under porches, decks, and garden tool sheds
• In attics, rooftops, and crawl spaces
• Beneath stairways and in garages

As long as food and water are readily available, possums will remain in a location, making them frequent visitors to homes with unprotected food sources.

How to Keep Possums Off Your Fence

If possums are climbing your fence and invading your yard, food is the primary reason. To prevent these nocturnal scavengers from returning, you need to eliminate their food sources and make your property less inviting.

1. Install Proper Fencing

Possums can jump about 3 feet high and climb rough surfaces, but they struggle with smooth, sheer walls. A 5-foot-tall (1.5m) metal fence can effectively keep them out. Adding a galvanized iron layer to wooden fences makes them even harder to climb.

2. Use Possum Repellents

While commercial repellents are available, they often provide limited relief. Instead, you can try natural deterrents with strong odors that possums dislike, such as:

• Mothballs
• Camphor
• Garlic and onions
• Rotting fish or ammonia-soaked rags

Additionally, motion-activated sprinklers can startle possums and discourage them from returning.

3. Keep Your Yard Clean

Possums are drawn to messy yards because they provide plenty of hiding spots and food sources. To make your yard less appealing:

• Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding spots.
• Remove brush piles and yard debris where possums might nest.
• Pick up fallen fruit and vegetables to prevent scavenging.
• Control insect and rodent populations—possums feed on snails, garden insects, and small rodents.

Learn More: How to Cover up Mud in Backyard (Creative Solutions)

4. Secure Your Garbage and Pet Food

Possums frequently rummage through trash in search of food. To prevent this:

• Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and keep them closed at all times.
• Store trash bins in a garage or enclosed area whenever possible.
• Never leave pet food outside overnight—possums will gladly help themselves.

5. Add Extra Yard Lighting

Possums are nocturnal, meaning they avoid bright, well-lit areas. Installing motion-activated lights near your garbage cans, compost bins, and fence can deter them from wandering into your yard.

How to Stop Possums from Climbing Your Fence

If possums are scaling your fence night after night, the best way to stop them is to cut off their access to food and shelter. Here’s what you can do:

• Store garbage cans indoors or in a sealed area.
• Keep all food—including pet food—in airtight plastic containers.
• Remove bird feeders—possums are drawn to seeds and suet.
• Secure birdhouses to prevent possums from scavenging bird food or spreading diseases.
• Avoid adding meat or dairy products to compost piles, as the smell attracts possums. Instead, keep compost locked in a sealed container.
• Clean up fallen fruits and vegetables—possums won’t pick produce off the vine, but they love overripe or fallen food.

By following these steps, you can effectively deter possums and prevent them from making your home their next nesting spot.

How to Get Rid of Possums

Possums can quickly become a nuisance in urban and suburban areas, rummaging through trash, disturbing pets, and even making their way into attics and crawl spaces.

By taking a few precautions, you can deter them from settling near your home and prevent future infestations.

Preventing Possum Infestations

The key to keeping possums away is to remove food sources and block access to shelter. Here’s how:

• Secure Your Trash – Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a garage or shed if possible.
• Remove Pet Food – Never leave pet food outside overnight. Possums are opportunistic feeders and will happily eat whatever is available.
• Close-Off Entry Points – Block openings under porches, decks, and sheds to prevent possums from nesting. Use sheet metal or wire mesh to seal gaps, as possums can tear through weaker materials.
• Protect Fruit Trees – Trim low-hanging branches and wrap tree trunks with plastic sheets or slick metal to prevent climbing.
• Stack Firewood Tightly – Gaps in firewood stacks provide perfect hiding spots for possums. Keeping logs stacked neatly can help eliminate potential dens.

If a possum is already inside your attic or crawl space, wait until nightfall when they leave to forage. You can sprinkle flour at the entrance to check for footprints before sealing the hole.

Using Repellents

There are several types of natural and chemical repellents that can discourage possums from coming near your home.

1. Smell-Based Repellents

Possums have a keen sense of smell and dislike strong, pungent odors. Effective deterrents include:

• Ammonia – Soak rags in ammonia and place them near entry points.
• Mothballs – Place them around areas where possums frequent (use with caution, as mothballs can be toxic to pets and children).
• Predator Urine – Fox or coyote urine can create the illusion of a predator nearby, scaring off possums.

2. Granular and Spray Repellents

Commercial granule-based repellents containing black pepper, piperine, and capsaicin (hot pepper extract) can be effective. These ingredients irritate the possum’s senses without harming pets or children.

3. Electronic Repellers

Possums can also be deterred with motion-activated deterrents, such as:

• Sprinklers – A sudden burst of water can startle them away.
• Lights and Sounds – Nocturnal animals like possums prefer dark, quiet areas. Motion-activated lights and ultrasonic devices can discourage them.

Trapping and Removal

Possums are not particularly trap-shy, making them relatively easy to catch using a cage-style trap. If trapping is necessary:

• Use the Right Bait – Possums are attracted to canned cat food, raw eggs, peanut butter, jam, overripe fruit, and bread.
• Place Traps Strategically – Set traps along known pathways or near garbage cans where possums have been spotted.

However, before trapping a possum, check local regulations, as some areas prohibit relocation of wildlife. If you successfully catch one, you’ll need to decide how to handle disposal or relocation.

When to Call a Professional

If you have a persistent possum problem or an infestation inside your home, contact a licensed wildlife control professional. They can legally and humanely remove the animals while ensuring compliance with local wildlife laws.

By taking these proactive steps, you can keep possums from becoming unwanted guests in your yard and home.

Can a Possums Climb a Fence? – Related Questions

Is it bad to have a possum in your yard?

Not necessarily. Possums aren’t typically a threat and will likely move on after a short stay. In fact, they can be beneficial for your garden by eating pests like snails, slugs, insects, and even small rodents. However, if they become a nuisance, it’s best to take preventive measures.

What do possums hate?

Possums dislike strong odors, particularly the smell of garlic. You can crush and spread garlic around your yard as a natural deterrent. They also dislike ammonia, but using it is not recommended due to potential health hazards.

Will possums attack you?

Possums are generally not aggressive. When confronted, they may growl, hiss, or bare their teeth to appear threatening, but they rarely attack or bite. Instead, they often rely on their defense mechanism—playing dead—to avoid confrontation.

What keeps possums away from your house?

Installing exterior lighting can help. Possums are nocturnal and prefer dark areas. Floodlights or motion-activated lights can discourage them from lingering in your yard.

Do possums kill chickens?

Yes, possums can be a threat to chickens. They may eat eggs, young chicks, and occasionally attack adult chickens, particularly smaller breeds like bantams.

Can possums climb houses?

Yes, possums are excellent climbers. If there are openings large enough, they may enter your attic, causing insulation damage and leaving behind droppings and odor.

Why would a possum be in my yard?

Possums are drawn to food sources. They eat garden pests such as snails and insects, as well as fallen fruit, garbage, and compost. They also help reduce tick populations, which can prevent the spread of Lyme disease.

Does vinegar keep possums away?

Yes, vinegar or fox urine can act as a deterrent. Applying vinegar to areas where possums frequent may discourage them from returning.

Read More: How to Clean Coffee Maker with Apple Cider Vinegar: The Natural Solution

What attracts possums to my yard?

Possums are attracted to overflowing trash cans, uncovered compost heaps, and moist areas near water sources like ponds, drainage ditches, and sewers.

Can a possum kill a cat?

Possums generally do not prey on cats or larger animals. However, if cornered or competing for food, they may defend themselves aggressively. Possums can also carry fleas, mites, and diseases that may affect pets.

What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?

Both terms refer to the Virginia opossum, the only marsupial found in North America. “Possum” is the common term, while “opossum” is the technical name. Both pronunciations of “opossum” (with or without the initial “o” sound) are correct.

Where do possums go during the day?

Being nocturnal, possums sleep during the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, brush piles, burrows, and under structures like sheds or decks.

Should I let a possum live under my house?

While possums may see crawlspaces as ideal dens, it’s best to discourage them from settling there. Their presence can lead to odor issues, property damage, and potential health risks.

Can you befriend a possum?

Possums can be tamed to some extent and even trained to respond to their name. However, they are wild animals and not suitable as pets.

What is a possum’s favorite food?

Possums are omnivores and enjoy a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, small rodents, eggs, and carrion. Some species, like the ringtail possum, favor eucalyptus leaves.

Is it safe to touch a possum?

While possums are not naturally aggressive, handling them is not recommended. If they feel threatened, they may scratch or bite. They can also carry parasites and diseases, so it’s best to avoid direct contact.

Can possums chew through walls?

Yes, if trapped inside an attic or crawlspace, possums may attempt to chew through drywall, insulation, and even electrical wiring to escape. This can lead to property damage and potential fire hazards.

How do you know if you have a possum in your yard?

Signs of possum activity include:

• Scratches on tree bark or fences
• Dug-up areas in the yard
• Displaced garbage
• Sounds of movement or screeching at night

What animals prey on possums?

Natural predators include owls, foxes, coyotes, wolves, and bobcats. Young possums are especially vulnerable to many predators.

What should you do if a possum gets into your house?

If a possum enters your home, contact a professional wildlife removal service. Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and tularemia, so handling them without proper protection is not advised.

How do you get rid of a possum humanely?

The best way to remove a possum is by using a live trap and then calling a wildlife control service to relocate it. Before trapping, check local laws, as relocation regulations vary.

What smells do possums hate?

Possums dislike strong odors such as:

• Garlic
• Ammonia (not recommended due to toxicity)
• Mothballs (also not recommended due to soil contamination)
• Predator urine (e.g., fox urine)

Safe commercial repellents often contain black pepper, capsaicin (hot pepper extract), or other natural deterrents.

How do you quickly and humanely kill a possum?

Lethal control methods should be a last resort. If removal is necessary, consult a professional wildlife expert to ensure humane euthanasia following legal guidelines.

Conclusion

Possums may not pose a direct threat to humans, but their presence around your home can lead to unwanted messes, structural damage, and potential health risks.

The key to managing possum activity is prevention—eliminating food sources, securing potential entry points, and using safe, humane deterrents. If possums become a persistent problem, professional wildlife control services can provide effective solutions.

By taking the right precautions, you can keep your home and yard possum-free while respecting the role these creatures play in the environment.