Do Possums Eat Garden Vegetables?
Possums are omnivorous marsupials found in Australia, New Guinea, and the neighboring islands. They are also found in parts of North America, and certain populations of possums have invaded other parts of the world such as New Zealand, where they are considered an invasive species. Possums can survive on a wide range of foods, including garden vegetables.
What Do Possums Eat?
Possums are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is available, including plants and vegetables. Possums will eat vegetables from gardens, as well as from their natural environment, such as berries or succulents. They also eat insects, snails, small mammals, eggs, and carrion.
How Do Possums Affect Gardens?
Possums can potentially do a lot of damage to a garden. They can eat the vegetables, leaving your garden ravaged. They can also cause structural damage, such as gnawing on wooden beams or fences. Possums may also urinate or defecate in the garden, damaging the soil and potentially introducing parasites and diseases.
What Can You Do to Discourage Possums from Eating Your Vegetables?
There are a few steps you can take to prevent possums from getting into your garden and eating your vegetables.
- Security: Make sure your garden is secure by putting up wire mesh or fencing. This will stop possums from climbing into the garden and eating the vegetables.
- Attractants: Possums are drawn to the smell of kitchen scraps. Make sure that you dispose of your kitchen scraps in an appropriate way, and make sure to put a secure lid on your compost bin.
- Plants: Plant native plants in your garden that possums won’t eat. Possums will tend to avoid certain plants such as native grasses, wattles, banksias, and more.
Conclusion
Possums can potentially be a nuisance to gardener, but by following these simple steps you can make sure that your vegetables are safe from these marsupials.
