Possums are a cherished part of Australia’s unique wildlife, but their love for fresh plants, fruits, and flowers can spell trouble for gardeners. If you’ve noticed nibbled leaves, stripped fruit trees, or chewed vegetables, it’s likely a possum is the culprit. While professional possum removal can help in extreme cases, there are several humane ways to protect your plants and keep these native marsupials at bay.
Why Do Possums Eat Your Plants?
Possums are herbivorous and opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat whatever is easily accessible. Your garden may attract possums due to:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Possums are particularly fond of apples, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
- Flowering Plants: Blossoms with strong fragrances or bright colours often catch their attention.
- Convenient Access: Overhanging tree branches or low garden fences make it easy for possums to enter your garden.
Understanding what draws possums to your plants is the first step in preventing damage.
Effective Ways to Protect Your Plants
1. Use Possum-Resistant Plants
One of the easiest ways to deter possums is by planting species they dislike. Possums tend to avoid:
- Aromatic Herbs: Lavender, rosemary, and sage are unappealing to possums.
- Spiky Plants: Holly and grevillea provide natural protection.
- Native Species: Many native Australian plants are less attractive to possums due to their tougher leaves.
Integrating these plants into your garden can act as a natural barrier and reduce damage.
2. Install Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are an effective way to keep possums away from your plants.
- Netting: Use wildlife-safe netting to cover fruit trees, vegetable patches, and flowering plants. Ensure the netting is taut to prevent possums from becoming entangled.
- Fencing: Build a fence at least 1.5 metres high with a floppy or curved top to make climbing difficult.
- Tree Guards: Wrap tree trunks with smooth plastic or metal sheeting to stop possums from climbing.
These measures create a secure boundary between possums and your plants.
3. Apply Natural Deterrents
Possums are sensitive to certain smells and tastes, making natural repellents an excellent choice.
- Chilli Spray: Combine chilli flakes, water, and a drop of dish soap to create a spicy deterrent.
- Camphor or Eucalyptus Oil: Dilute the oil in water and spray it around the garden.
Reapply these deterrents after rain or every few days for the best results.
4. Use Motion-Activated Devices
Possums prefer quiet and undisturbed environments, making motion-activated devices effective.
- Lights: Install motion-activated floodlights to scare away possums at night.
- Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a harmless but surprising spray of water, deterring possums from returning.
These devices are eco-friendly and humane, making them a popular choice among homeowners.
5. Provide Alternative Food Sources
Offering possums an alternative food source away from your garden can help redirect their attention.
- Place scraps of fruit or vegetables in a designated area far from your plants.
- Install a possum box in a nearby tree to provide shelter and encourage them to stay away from your garden.
While this method doesn’t work for everyone, it can reduce damage by diverting possums to another area.
When to Consider Professional Possum Removal
If your efforts to protect your plants aren’t successful, it might be time to call in professionals. Licensed possum removal experts can:
- Safely and humanely relocate possums according to Australian wildlife laws.
- Identify entry points and recommend long-term deterrent solutions.
Professional removal ensures compliance with legal requirements, protecting both your garden and the possums.
FAQs
Q1: Can possums eat all types of plants?
Possums tend to favour fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants. However, they usually avoid aromatic, spiky, or tough-leaved species like rosemary, lavender, or grevillea.
Q2: Is it legal to remove possums from my property?
Yes, but possum removal is regulated under Australian wildlife laws.Possums that are captured must be released no further than 50 metres from where they were trapped. Always seek assistance from licensed professionals to ensure possum removal is both humane and compliant with the law.
Call Us for Expert Possum Removal
Whether you need advice on plant protection or possum removal from roof, our licensed experts provide safe, effective, and humane solutions to protect your property while respecting Australia’s wildlife laws. Contact us today for professional assistance!
Conclusion
Protecting your plants from possums doesn’t have to be complicated. By using possum-resistant plants, installing physical barriers, and applying natural deterrents, you can safeguard your garden while coexisting peacefully with these native creatures.
If possums persist despite your efforts, professional possum removal services can provide the support you need. Take action today to enjoy a flourishing garden free from possum troubles!
Published on: January 20, 2025