do possums eat vegetables

do possums eat vegetables

Do Possums Eat Vegetables?

Possums, or more properly known as the common brushtail possum, are becoming familiar animals in many urban areas across Australia. They are nocturnal and generally shy, however their voracious appetite for garden vegetation has given them notoriety. So the question is, do possums eat vegetables?

What Vegetables Do Possums Eat?

Possums will eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, with some favourites including:

  • Apples
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Pumpkins

In general, possums prefer soft and sweet fruits and vegetables over tougher and more fibrous vegetables, such as zucchini and carrots.

What Other Foods Do Possums Eat?

As mentioned, possums will eat plants and fruits, however they will also supplement their diet with animals and insects. Some sources suggest that they eat birds, eggs, frogs, lizards, and mice.

Keeping Your Garden Part Possum-Proof

Given the destruction that possums can cause to gardens owners and occupants, there are some steps to minimising your impact and keeping your gardens as possum-proof as possible.

  • Protecting Plants: Possums can climb trees and trunks, so a net fence should be installed around any fruit trees or vegetable gardens to keep them out.
  • Playing Music: It may sound strange, but playing music in your garden can repel possums. Reggae and classical music are both effective deterrents.
  • Removing Potential Food Sources: Fruits and vegetables should be collected and removed from the garden each evening before it gets dark.

Final Thoughts

It is clear that possums do eat vegetables, however, there are strategies which can be implemented to minimise the impact of possums on your garden. Installing a net fence or simply removing potential food sources can be effective deterrents.

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