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The best deterrents for possums include securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, removing outdoor food sources like pet food or fallen fruit, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof or an open window. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle and discourage them from visiting. Additionally, you can take advantage of their strong sense of smell by using garlic, onion, or commercial possum repellents to keep them off your property.

As with anything ingested by animals, there is always a chance that mushrooms will be toxic. Clearing the tops of mushrooms from the soil to prevent them from being eaten by pets is always a good idea. Since poisonous mushrooms can be deadly, we recommended that any mushroom ingestion is treated as a veterinary emergency. Watch for signs of lethargy and digestive distress in any animal suspected to have eaten a mushroom and contact your vet immediately.

Possums are not aggressive toward people or pets. They are shy critters that prefer to avoid confrontations. When threatened, they may hiss, growl, or display their teeth but are more likely to play dead as a defense mechanism. Possums rarely attack unless cornered or provoked. They are not a significant threat to pets, though a curious dog or cat might provoke a defensive reaction.

Deer rely on scent to tell them what’s safe and unsafe, so effective deer repellents have to be pungent. Make your own natural repellent by combining a beaten egg, one tablespoon of cooking oil, one tablespoon of dish soap, and a half cup of milk. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray around your garden, avoiding anything you will want to eat later. This stinky repellent will ward off any deer that want to make your produce their next meal. But keep in mind that if your windows are nearby, the scent may waft over.