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You should never use toxic baits or poisons, such as rodenticides designed for mice and rats, to kill or trap possums. Using these toxicants is illegal in many areas and can lead to fines or other penalties. Furthermore, these poisons can cause unnecessary suffering for the animal and pose a significant risk of accidental poisoning to pets or other neighborhood wildlife. Instead of using poisons, it is best to stick with humane methods like live trapping.

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.

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by various scents they dislike. Effective options include peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, white vinegar, coffee grounds, and predator urine. Squirrels also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based repellents a good choice for protecting specific areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a garlic and vinegar spray and apply it daily. Additionally, placing strong-smelling items like certain soaps or dryer sheets near where squirrels frequent can also be effective.