How To Keep Possums Out Of Your Vegetable Garden In 2023
What are Possums?
Possums are marsupials native to Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, possums are considered pests and are the cause of considerable damage to gardens and crops. Possums are small, nocturnal animals, with furry bodies, long tails, and large eyes. They have sharp claws and sharp teeth, and are excellent climbers. In some countries, possums are kept as pets, but in Australia, they are generally considered to be a nuisance.
Why Do Possums Visit Gardens?
Possums are attracted to gardens because they provide a source of food and shelter. Possums are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In gardens, possums may eat fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even insects. They may also shelter in trees, bushes, and other vegetation. In addition to food and shelter, possums are also drawn to gardens because they offer a certain amount of safety from predators.
How to Prevent Possum Damage in Your Garden
The best way to prevent possums from damaging your garden is to make it less attractive to them. This can be done by removing potential food sources, such as fallen fruit, and ensuring that your garden is well-maintained. If there is no food available, or if the possums feel unsafe due to a lack of cover, they will be less likely to visit your garden.
Fencing
Installing a fence around your garden is one of the most effective ways of keeping possums away. A fence should be at least 2 metres high and should extend at least 30 cm below ground level. It should also be made of a material that possums cannot climb, such as steel mesh or rigid plastic. If you are unable to build a fence, you can purchase an off-the-shelf fence from a garden centre or hardware store.
Repellents
Repellents are chemicals or devices that are designed to discourage possums from visiting your garden. Common types of repellents include chemical sprays, sonic repellers, and motion-activated sprinklers. Repellents should be used in conjunction with other possum-proofing methods, as they are not always 100% effective. Additionally, some repellents may be harmful to other animals, so they should be used with caution.
Trapping
Trapping is an effective way of removing possums from your garden. Traps should be designed to capture possums without harming them, and should be checked regularly to ensure that any captured animals are not left to suffer. It is important to remember that trapping is a temporary solution, as new possums may enter the garden if the other possum-proofing methods are not put in place.
Conclusion
Keeping possums out of your garden is not always easy, but it can be done. By removing potential food sources, installing a fence, using repellents, and trapping, you can make your garden less attractive to possums and reduce the damage they can cause. It is important to remember that possums are protected by law in Australia, so any trapping or killing of possums should be done in accordance with local laws.
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