Do Possums Eat Garden Vegetables?
Possums are curious and quite adaptable animals, native to Australia and New Zealand and now living around the world in urban and rural areas. They do have surprisingly varied diets, and that includes garden vegetables. So do possums really eat garden vegetables?
What Do Possums Eat?
Possums are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant matter as well as animals which means they have a varied diet. Possums commonly eat:
- Fruits: apples, pears, bananas, tomatoes
- Vegetables: corn, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, peas
- Insects: grubs, earthworms, beetles, flies
- Small animals: mice, birds, reptiles
- Human food: bread, pet food, birdseed, cereal
In some areas, urban possums may also eat garbage, leftover food and pet food.
Do Possums Eat Garden Vegetables?
Yes, possums have been known to feed on quite a few garden vegetables. Some of the most common vegetables they like to eat include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, beans and spinach.
The best way to prevent or minimise possums from eating your vegetables is to install fences around your garden or use a mesh or netting to protect vegetables. You can also make the possum’s environment less appealing. Clean up any junk, pet food or other foods that might be attracting them.
