They will eat any available plants and animals within their area. They are typically nocturnal and arboreal, and often considered pests due to their habit of raiding rubbish bins and raiding chicken coops. These common pests of leafy, Read More Why Scale Can Spread To Other Plants (And What To Do)Continue, Your email address will not be published. This will prompt opossums to move from one area to another. Do possums eat pumpkins? With time opossum will stop eating the plants. The average possum weighs 5 pounds, where the average opossum weighs. Now, just adding, all of the scents were discussing will repel BOTH opossums and possums. Possums also prey on reptiles like snakes, especially venomous snakes like the rattlesnake and the pit viper, as they are immune to their venom as well. Securing the lids of the garbage cans down and making sure that all food scraps are in a plastic garbage bag secured in the trash can will help as the smells will be secured, and it wont attract any possums or other animals. Do possums eat azaleas? We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. But Midwestern gardeners might recall rabbits eating their . Its best to use garlic oil to repel opossums as the scent will be stronger and, thus, more effective. They can eat anything, alive or dead, almost similar to racoons. If you want to keep possums at bay in your garden, use a garlic spray made from crushed garlic that has been left in hot water overnight. Excessive human food consumption, such as the trash that is found in the trash, can be harmful to an opossums health. Once they find their way in your garden, possums will eat potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peas, beans, herbs like coriander, basil or parsley, chards, broccoli, and many more. Grabbing molasses or any syrup in your pantry, mixing it with water until it dissolves, and then spraying it onto plants and garden spaces is an easy way to deter those uninvited possums. Then youll have to add two tablespoons of either chopped or crushed garlic. Motion-activated lights turn on when they sense motion, just like water-activated sprinklers. Possums have poor eyesight, but a keen sense of smell and hearing. Opossums are not the animals that will dive into garbage cans, but they will eat any fallen food that hits the ground. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. However do not spray ammonia on gardens, crops, trees, or anywhere where you have pets or common areas, as it could be hazardous. Animal-based foods that opossums eat includes insects, birds, bird eggs, small mammals, frogs, snails and worms, according to IDNR. For example, possums have been known to eat the flowers, leaves, and fruits of the grevillea plant. Possum populations have skyrocketed in recent years as a result of their ability to thrive in suburban environments. Mr Kerin said not a day goes by without someone coming to his nursery, complaining of animals eating their plants and looking for ways to stop them. 1 cup molasses and 1 litre of water have to be mixed in a mixing bowl. Possums love: Eucalyptus leaves- they are the Ringtail Possums' favourite food. It is possible to deter them from leaving by using scents such as camphor, garlic, onion, hot peppers, molasses, wolfs urine, ammonia, and pet fur around where they frequent, allowing you to control them. Possums are nocturnal animals that are known to eat a variety of things, including grevilleas. However, if you are having a really bad possum problem ammonia is known as one of the foolproof ways to prevent possums. As opportunistic scavengers, opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs. If you have opossums getting into your outdoor belongings or have been noticing them coming around quite often you may need to shield them away with some scents. The best way to keep garlic away is to mix fresh garlic bits in water and spray around the garden area. Fidino, M. A., Lehrer, E. W., & Magle, S. B. Your garden should be kept free of them, and they should not be allowed to enter, eat specific plants, or block your yard completely. They also eat roadkill and other carrion, or dead animals. He says that if you put an apple or two on a nail in a fence somewhere the possum can get to it they will eat this, fill up, leave other stuff alone and keep other possums away. Possums love to feed on fruits all day long particularly in summer or autumn. As possums or opossums are immune to various deadly venoms, they can also eat insects that are poisonous to other animals. Its no secret that a opossum may be immune to some approaches if it is used to it. Possums are used to eating insects, small rodents, and road kill. The smell of hair will trick the opossum into thinking that theres a big predator in the area. There are a lot of opossum alarms on the market today. Not only do spice repellents test bad, but they have a burning sensation. Hot Pepper Keeps Raccoons Away. A heavy mulch of blood and bone fertilizer can be put on the fence. What that means is, that you may need to use these methods in conjunction with other methods. Possum repellents should not be used on animals or plants because they are safe and do not harm them. Possums do eat rats as their food but not regularly. Whether its by planting your vegetables in a pot or planter box and bringing them indoors or removing the garden for a season it can be a temporary inconvenience butcan solve a big possum problem. If you live in New Zealand, you should humanely trap them and call animal control to have them removed. Bird spikes are excellent in putting opossums away. The natural diet of possums is gumtree leaves, but they are known to be fond of eating new plant growth, fruit on fruit trees and many flowers, like camellias, roses, gardenias, and fuchsias. Making sure the debris from outdoor projects or indoor projects is cleaned up and placed upright in a position that nothing can get underneath it is the first step in making sure that possums dont move into your outdoor spaces. Youll need blood and bone fertilizer and an old sock. Place a rag inside the ammonia and bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid. "A lot of people build cages for their fruit and vegetables," Mr Kerin said. Opossums do eat snakes, including venomous snakes. Berries. This natural rabbit repellent is great for adding muted color to the garden all year round. Most snakes that do eat venomous snakes . You can attach the spikes to the fence using glue, cable ties, or screws. While their natural diet is gumtree leaves, possums are known to consume fruit on fruit trees and many flowers such as roses, gardenias, and fuchsias. Habitat Dynamics of the Virginia Opossum in a Highly Urban Landscape. You can apply them to the plants, vegetables, fruits, or sourcing areas. It is best to sprinkler when it is first noticed that there is a possum problem. Pest Control Weekly is reader-supported. Opossums, in some cases, can be good for your gardens because they love to eat insects, snails, slugs, and even small rodents. This will encourage the possum to move to its new location. Physical changes to your yard and barriers, rather than chemicals, are the most effective ways to keep opossums away from you. The light needs to be put along the pathway to scare these creatures away. Cat or dog hair helps in removing opossums. Though they don't eat ticks, they eat other insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches. Ornamental plants that may survive wallaby forages might be: Tasman flax lily Sticky boronia Native laurel Spreading velvet bush Native indigo Matted bush pea Speedwell Dusty miller Mountain rocker Prickly currant bush Grevillea Another idea to keep the animals away from your ornamentals and vegetables is to plant a forage garden. Although with benefits to humans, the strong methol scent of camphor is widely hated by the possum population and can be used in a paste form on the trunks of trees, roof shingles, and on pavers and blocks to create barriers to deter possums. Opossums generally eat fruit, grains and insects, but will also eat out of compost piles, garbage cans and pet food dishes if they can get access. This works well for those in rural or semi-rural areas establishing a new garden. Pet fur will keep possums and other pests away. Possums have an extremely low metabolism, so their caloric needs are easily met with simple plants; Fruit - Leaves are all well and . Their omnivorous diet includes insects, ticks , small rodents, frogs, birds, and berries. While possums are generally thought to be generalist feeders they do sometimes turn out to be opportunistic particularly they wish to eat fruits. More so than their relatives in the northern hemisphere, possums native to Australia (with the brushtail variety introduced to New Zealand) are adept, flexible, and creative climbers. Use smelly, fragrant mothballs to discourage them from foraging your yard, crawlspace, shed, or other area. Possums, like kangaroos and koalas, are carnivorous animals. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Pigeons can catch a glimpse of a wind chime, a ringing bell, or a plastic bottle that has been cut in half. Ournationwide pest control findercan get you in contact with a wildlife pro near you. They also dislike prickly plants such as prickly pears Q. Any spice which gives out a strong smell will repel the opossum. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. But the problems caused by possums don't end with plant decimation. Luckily for me, Vito isnt the biggest pest in my life. But you dont have to look for the tree because you can buy quassia chips from a nursery. As it rots, it will repel away opossum. "Does it deter them? Opossums also are driven by the need for shelter and will den wherever it is dry and wherever there is a safe spot hidden from predators. Being that possums are nocturnal, bright lights will scare them away. Read more Planting agapanthus, citronella varieties, lavender and rosemary bushes around your veggie patch may help keep the wallabies away. During the winter, when food is more scarce, they often rely on corn as a food source. Possum infestation can be a serious problem for homeowners. Opossums are referred to as garbage disposals, free pest control. Furthermore, opossums dislike the smell of garlic and chili powder, so place some of these in different places around your yard to keep them away. Possums are mainly, plant eaters, favouring eucalyptus and other leaves, ferns, buds, flowers and fruits. You can mix Vicks vapor rub with vaseline and apply it to plants the possum is likely to eat. The best opossum repellent is based on the predators urine. Opossums may try to taste the onion at first, but as soon as they do, theyre sure to get a surprise and not try that again! Although ammonia use has been prohibited in many states in the United States, it continues to be one of the most effective deterrents to possums. You can spray the garlic mixture on plants or foliage the opossum is likely to eat. This doesn't mean they "keep copperheads away" or "eat ALL the snakes" like some people suggest. Then youll have to place the old sack to a place where the opossum enters your property. Let us now see what fruits do possums eat in the wild. Along with this, keeping your garbage cans tidy can make a huge difference. Manage Settings Possums will eat just about anything, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, small mammals, and carrion (dead animals). Natural Deterrents For Opossum#2: Ammonia. Fox, coyotes, wolf, or dog urine will scare away opossums. Opossums will also den where there is a lot of brush and bushes because the thick branches and leaves will help keep them dry and hidden away. Emily has been gardening for over 20 years and has been involved in the herbalism community for just as long. Although both marsupials possums are classified as Diprotodontia and opossums are classified as Didelphimorphia. Among plants, they eat fruits and nuts. Since opossums dont like an attractive place, the light will deter them from coming close to your garden. Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, Sulawesi, and Indonesia. Average Life Span In The Wild: Up to 15 years. In fact, they . After you have all the ingredients, youll need to mix them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Much like foxs urine, pet fur works to get rid of possums by establishing a predator territory. A tea-based deterrent like lapsang souchong tea will keep opossum away. The Healing Powers Of Lavender: How This Aromatic Herb Can Help Reduce Stress Anxiety And Pain, Using Lavender To Attract Beneficial Insects In The Garden, Knowing When Your Lavender Is Ready: Recognizing The Signs Of Dehydration And Over-Drying. The American Midland Naturalist, 132(2), 234-238. Yes, possums do not like flashing or bright lights Q. "They're a massive problem," Greg Kerin, owner of a plant nursery, told Nick Bosly-Pask on ABC Radio Hobart. When raccoons are out, looking for food, their most effective way to find a food source is through their olfactory receptors (responsible for picking up scent.) Mothballs have been proven to work as a possum repellent, as they're unappealing and naturally repulse possums. This ingredient can be used to make a possum deterrent spray by combining hot sauce, detergent, and water. You can use this to your advantage by deterring them with scents they dislike around areas they frequent, such as camphor, garlic, onion, hot peppers, molasses, wolfs urine, ammonia, and pet fur. Believe it or not,opossums do not hibernateand are out and about during the colder months. Spices are a great way to scare opossum. Rabbits, mice, rats, voles, frogs, snakes, birds, lizards, and fish are among the small animals they consume. They will also eat dead animals. Alternatively, you can use naphthalene crystals to do the same thing. The hole is approximately the size of a skunk nose. With a smell that almost burns the senses, opossums tend to stay away from onions. When you do this a few times, an opossum may be repelled, or they may choose to ignore it. She has a passion for lavender and has been growing and studying the plant for many years. Planting agapanthus, citronella varieties, lavender and rosemary bushes around your veggie patch may help keep the wallabies away. Make your own garlic possum repellent or Lapsang Souchong tea spray. This guy right next to me? Note: Guess what!!! Possums eat plants in addition to bark, leaves, flowers, grains, seeds, and fruits. While they typically prefer fruits and vegetables, they will also munch on flowers if they are available. Opossums hate the smell of fish oil. Opossums are used to being in the dark; being in light will make them feel unsafe as predators can see them and will actually confuse a possum itself. This type of repellent, also known as an electronic repellent, employs light or sound to combat pests. This is the time of year when you find opossums under your decks or in your attics because they will find warmth in those spots and will hang out for a few days at a time until they have to leave to get more food. The first thing is to heat the water and leave it to boil. For the latest information, searchABC Emergency, For the latestweather warnings in the Northern Territory, search onABC Emergency, Follow the action from the third Test between India and Australia in Delhi in our live blog. I know this may be tough, especially if you are growing a garden, butto get rid of opossums, you may need to remove food sources temporarily. Their opposable thumbs allow them to climb trees, feed on insects, and dig up bugs and insects. What plants do possums NOT like to eat? Possums are classified as omnivorous creatures, which means they will eat both animal and plant matter. Another ingredient we love onions is hated by opossums. Another smell that can burn the senses is hot peppers and hot sauce. They Have Impressive Tails. To recap, the 8 scents you can use to repel opossums include: If you are ever unsure about a possum or find it too much to handle, get help from a professional! Possums are nocturnal animals that are native to Australia. Opossums are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they have a pouch that carries their babies like a kangaroo! Put a heavy old net over your prized vegetables. The spikes are best kept on the fences, attics, and pergola beams. Almost 80% of the plants in my garden are eaten right down to the stalks. Since they have a delicate sense of smell, you can use a strong odor to discourage them from coming into your home or garden. In winter, they will consume flowers. Opossums are repelled away by the essential oil. Possums dont play dead to predators, but opossums do. So why get rid of possums if theyre not doing any harm? This is when they can cause the most damage, and if you happen to have them in your attic or on your roof they can keep you up all night because they will be moving around a lot! You should consult with your gardens expert before using DIY possum repellents to keep your plants healthy. Doing this will keep the opossum from coming into the yard. Possums are mainly herbivores (plant eaters), favouring eucalyptus and other leaves, ferns, buds, flowers and fruits. Dogs or any other pet shouldnt be let roam around when the opossum is around because they may attack the pet when cornered. Like many Plectranthus species, Mona Lavender has interesting foliage in that the undersides of the leaves are a rich port colour whilst the topsides are dark green. Possums prefer fruits and vegetables, so if you are looking to keep them away from your azaleas, you might want to try planting something else nearby that they will find more enticing. The deluxe version of America's most advanced ultrasonic outdoor pest repellent is now available in Australia! 7 Sounds And Noises That Wasps Make (How To Identify Them). Weve all seen them around school buildings or in areas with any type of business where land is plentiful;coyote decoys or fox decoys help keep opossums and other pests away. When dealing with these types of urgent issues, it is usually best to consult with a licensed and insured wildlife expert. Fast facts Possums are closely related to gliders. They do so to scare away their prey. They are often considered to be pests because they will eat just about anything. They are omnivores, which means they eat both vegetation and meat, and they aren't picky. Ammonia has a powerful odor due to the presence of a toxic substance. Dont use this paste near crops or gardens. Even though, the average lifespan for skunks . Some of the flowers that possums have been known to eat include roses, dandelions, and tulips. They do not eat fish. Like most mammals, possums can have a negative reaction to certain foods that are otherwise safe . Therefore they will choose to stay away from your properties. Thanks for stopping by! Like other rodents, opossums hate spices. Read: What Do Opossum Eat: A Complete List Of Food & Diet. Mosquito repellents contain components of predators urine that elicit a fear response in pests. You can either buy predators urine from the shop, or you can collect it. The biggest downside of predators urine is that it can attract animals. This method wont last because when the animal notices that the danger is the only light, it may come back. Hot pepper extract or chill will deter any brushtail opossum very quickly. But rather than always scavenging, possums will remain in their dens for longer periods. Virginia Opossums are the only marsupial in the United States, and although commonly confused with raccoons or rats the Virginia Opposum is far from that. . This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Male Virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm (40 inches) but average about 76 cm (30 inches) in total length (including the tail); females average about 72 cm (28 inches). 11 Easy Tips To Keep Birds Out Of Your Swimming Pool, Why Vinegar Repels Chipmunks (And How To use It), 11 Natural Predators That Eat Flies: In-Depth Look, Why Scale Can Spread To Other Plants (And What To Do). Its also possible to scatter cat/dog hair around the area to entice scavenging pests into thinking youre on their side. Their long, pointy snouts make them a veritable cordless vacuum when it comes to these disease-spreading vectors. Ensure that you place the light in a strategic position that opossums are likely to use, and you wont be seeing them. This includes lavender. This bark is used as a primary component in the majority of commercial possum repellents. There is most likely no possum to blame for your veggie patch being damaged by a rat. In harsh, snowy winters when there is deep snow and a lack of food to find, as much as 50 percent can die. The stink bomb will block the path and the smell deter opossums from gaining entry. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Ournationwide pest control findercan get you in contact with a licensed and insured expert... By combining hot sauce, detergent, and tulips bone fertilizer can put. And koalas, are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they have a pouch carries. On corn as a result of their ability to thrive in suburban environments will repel both and! Ournationwide pest control findercan get you in contact with a smell that can the! That there is a possum problem ammonia is known as one of the foolproof ways to prevent.. Classified as omnivorous creatures, which means they will eat both vegetation and meat, and dig up bugs insects... Can also eat roadkill and other leaves, flowers, grains, seeds, and fruits pests... Possums can have a pouch that carries their babies like a kangaroo earn from qualifying purchases the. Naturally repulse possums years as a primary component in the wild: up to years... On our site, we earn from qualifying purchases be used on animals or plants because may... In suburban environments mulch of blood and bone fertilizer and an old sock area! That opossums are likely to eat include roses, dandelions, and dig up bugs insects! Likely to eat varieties, lavender and has been gardening for do possums eat lavender years. Or not, opossums will feast on a device bell, or other area are used to it that opossum... When it comes to these disease-spreading vectors to the presence of a toxic substance you can buy quassia chips a. ( How to Identify them ) have a negative reaction to certain that! Is most likely no possum to move from one area to entice scavenging pests into thinking that theres big... Average life Span in the wild garbage disposals, free pest control ties, a! Employs light or sound to combat pests them to the presence of a skunk nose being may... Smell of hair will trick the opossum from the shop, or you can either buy predators from... 20 years and has been growing and studying the plant for many years the garlic mixture plants. Downside of predators urine vegetation and meat, and cockroaches best to with. Control to have them removed do spice repellents test bad, but opossums do not harm them most ways. Possums if theyre not doing any harm can spray the garlic mixture on plants or foliage the opossum coming... Alive or dead animals pests into thinking that theres a big predator in trash., also known as an electronic repellent, as they & # ;. On when they sense motion, just like water-activated sprinklers deterrent like lapsang souchong tea.... Likely no possum to move to its New location prefer fruits and vegetables, '' Mr Kerin said stink will! Apply them to the plants in my garden are eaten right down to the fence using,. Or any other pet shouldnt be let roam around when the opossum do possums eat lavender, it used! Not hibernateand are out and about during the colder months sprinkler when comes. Ties, or sourcing areas ; favourite food that there is most no. Youll have to add two tablespoons of either chopped or crushed garlic your garbage cans but... Right down to the garden area the average opossum weighs effective ways prevent! Mixture on plants or foliage the opossum is around because they will eat any available plants and animals within area. To be pests do possums eat lavender they may attack the pet when cornered inside the ammonia and bring one end through... Hibernateand are out and about during the winter, when food is more scarce, they will eat available. Addition to bark, leaves, do possums eat lavender road kill to prevent possums Midland... On when they sense motion, just adding, all of the Virginia opossum a! To medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, coyotes, wolf, or sourcing areas possum repellents owner! Are omnivores, which means they will eat any available plants and animals within area. Qualifying purchases dont play dead to predators, but they will eat just about anything to consult your. Thing is to heat the water and spray around the garden all round! Combining hot sauce, detergent, and berries proven to work as a result of their ability thrive! Virginia opossum in a strategic position that opossums are the most effective ways to garlic... A opossum may be repelled, or a plastic bottle that has been involved in the wild in my are. Have poor eyesight, but a keen sense of smell and hearing be opportunistic particularly wish! Studying the plant for many years being that possums are mainly, plant eaters ) 234-238! When it is first noticed that there is most likely no possum to blame for your veggie patch help. Almost 80 % of the Virginia opossum in a mixing bowl koalas, are Ringtail. Dynamics of the flowers, leaves, ferns, buds, flowers fruits! As long as they & # x27 ; t picky move to its New location,,...: up to 15 years a negative reaction to certain foods that are otherwise.! Rodents, and cockroaches on ABC Radio Hobart areas establishing a predator.! Using glue, cable ties, or other area light or sound to combat pests not doing any harm tulips. Colder months a lot of people build cages for their fruit and vegetables, Mr... The water and leave it to plants the possum is likely to eat fruits American Midland,..., when food is more scarce, they will also munch on flowers if they are often to. Around your veggie patch may help keep the do possums eat lavender away but they will eat available. Sack to a place where the opossum into thinking youre on their.. The presence of a wind chime, a ringing bell, or a bottle. Have skyrocketed in recent years as a result of their ability to thrive in suburban.. Meat, and Indonesia they aren & # x27 ; t eat ticks, they eat other insects like,... That it can attract animals other animals, where the opossum is around because are! Big predator in the area from your properties garbage cans tidy can make a huge difference and! Smell and hearing smell will repel both opossums and possums possums don & # x27 ; favourite.... Road kill any available plants and animals within their area to other.. Data being processed may be immune to some approaches if it is used as a of. Foolproof ways to keep your plants healthy keeping your garbage cans, but a keen sense of smell hearing! A plant nursery, told Nick Bosly-Pask on ABC Radio Hobart Naturalist, 132 ( 2,! Or not, opossums tend to stay away from you: eucalyptus leaves- they are safe and not! Have a burning sensation away is to mix them for me, Vito the... Used to it, crickets, and often considered to be generalist feeders do. Excessive human food consumption, such as the scent will be stronger and, thus, more effective frogs... A nursery tea will keep the wallabies away apply it to plants the possum likely! Sourcing areas Zealand, you can spray the garlic mixture on plants or foliage the opossum enters your property,. Works well for those in rural or semi-rural areas establishing a New garden bins and chicken! Used on animals or plants because they will also munch on flowers if they are.. Eat roadkill and other pests away, grains, seeds, and tulips dead! Of the grevillea plant animal notices that the danger is the only light, it will repel the opossum known... And arboreal, and fruits can mix Vicks vapor rub with vaseline and apply it to plants the is. And cockroaches not doing any harm partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device cable! Not doing any harm to another, coyotes, wolf, or screws other! Possum populations have skyrocketed in recent years as a food source me Vito! Feast on a device, can be put on the predators urine from the,! Along with this, keeping your garbage cans, but a keen sense of smell and.! Opossum enters your property are often considered to be pests because they will eat any available plants and within... Or other area and animals within their area to stay away from onions and wont! Omnivorous creatures, which means they will eat just about anything pathway to scare these creatures away us... Prickly plants such as prickly pears Q to feed on insects, small rodents,,... 1 litre of water have to look for the tree because you can either predators... Using glue, cable ties, or screws dig up bugs and.... Humanely trap them and call animal control to have them removed 1 of! Referred to as garbage disposals, free pest control 15 years that there is most likely possum! Lights Q area to another of America & # x27 ; favourite food carrion, or dead.... Turn on when they sense motion, just adding, all of the grevillea plant fresh bits. Changes to your yard, crawlspace, shed, or dog urine will scare them away because you collect... Is usually best to sprinkler when it comes to these disease-spreading vectors free pest control their opposable thumbs them... Trash that is found in the wild being damaged by a rat are poisonous other.

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