Welcome to the wild and whimsical world of opossums! If you’ve ever wanted to see these nocturnal creatures up close, you’re in the right place.
With the right scents, your yard can become a delightful opossum haven. Let’s explore 11 irresistible aromas that will have opossums visiting your backyard in no time!
1. Rotten Fruit
Rotten fruit might sound unpleasant to us, but for opossums, it’s a feast! Their keen noses are drawn to the sweet, fermented scent of decomposing fruit.
An apple forgotten under a tree can be a beacon. So, if you spot some overripe peaches or bananas, leave them out and watch the magic happen. Opossums will thank you!
2. Pet Food
Pet food left outside can entice opossums with its rich aroma. They enjoy kibble and wet food alike, making your pet’s dinner a delightful treat.
Just ensure it’s not their regular habit! If you’re aiming to attract opossums, try setting out a small, nightly feast. They’ll come back for more! Opossums simply can’t resist it.
3. Compost Pile
Compost piles are opossum magnets! As food scraps break down, the earthy scent invites these critters to explore.
Vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds create an irresistible buffet. Keep your compost accessible, and you might spot an opossum turning over the pile. Their scavenging is beneficial, helping break down organic matter naturally.
4. Fish Scraps
The smell of fish scraps can waft through the night, calling opossums for dinner. Whether it’s leftover fillets or fish bones, their noses can sense it from afar. Place these remnants in your yard, and watch the opossum’s curiosity grow. However, beware of other critters who might join in this fishy attraction!
5. Overripe Vegetables
Opossums have a soft spot for overripe vegetables. The richer the smell, the more appealing it is. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers past their prime can lure them in.
Leave some extras behind in your vegetable patch. Soon enough, you’ll have a nocturnal visitor enjoying the garden’s leftovers, thanks to these tempting veggie treats.
6. Marshmallows
Sweet, fluffy marshmallows are a favorite among opossums! The sugary scent carries through the air effortlessly, drawing in these creatures with ease.
Scatter some around your yard, and watch as opossums come to investigate. Their love for marshmallows is undeniable, making it a simple yet effective way to attract them.
7. Bacon Grease
Bacon grease is a savory delight for opossums. The smoky aroma is impossible to resist, leading them straight to the source. If you’ve cooked bacon, pour the grease into a dish and place it outside. Not only will opossums relish it, but this scent can also deter pests that might otherwise trouble your plants.
8. Meat Scraps
Meat scraps left in the open can become a siren call for opossums. Chicken bones or bits of beef are highly tempting. The smell of cooked meat will lure them in for a closer look. Set out these scraps thoughtfully, and you’ll have opossums visiting. This is a tasty treat they just can’t pass up.
9. Berries
Berries are a delightful treat for opossums. Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries all emit a sweet fragrance they can’t ignore.
Plant these bushes in your yard, and opossums will soon discover your berry-filled haven. They’ll munch happily, enjoying nature’s candy. This fruity lure is both delicious and nutritious for our furry friends.
10. Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another draw for opossums. Walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds spread across the yard can invite them to forage.
Their penchant for these snacks makes it easy to entice them. By providing a variety of nuts and seeds, you can ensure repeat visits from these fascinating creatures seeking a crunchy nibble.
11. Cheese
Cheese, with its rich and varied aromas, can captivate opossums. Whether it’s cheddar or brie, these scents can travel far, leading them to your yard.
If you have leftovers, consider placing them outside to attract opossums. They’re sure to appreciate this luxurious snack, making your backyard visits all the more frequent and enjoyable.