Examine the trunks of the trees to see if there are any scratch marks. Possums will eat potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peas, beans, herbs and fruits when they find their way in your garden. You can attach the spikes to the fence using glue, cable ties, or screws. However, if you have stubborn . Opossums are referred to as garbage disposals, free pest control. Generally, animals wont bother with another dead animal and will keep on moving. Using fox urine may attract foxes to your yard, so if you have a chicken coop or small pets, just be wary before trying this method. Living the nocturnal lifestyle, possums are commonly seen at night, and although very cute up close, they may scare you if you werent expecting one! Since these animals dont want to be wet, they will avoid those areas very well. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, ticks , small rodents, frogs, birds, and berries. Emily has been gardening for over 20 years and has been involved in the herbalism community for just as long. They will alos defend an area from other possums. Despite the fact that oysters are almost certainly harmless, there are a few reasons why they should not be handled or handled in a direct manner. They can kill 95% of ticks in the ticks season as well as eat other pests like rats, cockroaches, mice absolutely free. Though they don't eat ticks, they eat other insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches. Their ability to detect food is due to their strong sense of smell. Opossums are nocturnal, which means they will be up all night long! Planting garlic cloves in your garden may be enough to keep opossums from eating your vegetables and flowers. Because of the dry, sheltered, and safe environment they prefer to live in, many opossums are discovered living in attics and crawlspaces, or beneath sheds and decks of both residential and commercial buildings. Possums will eat the leaves, flowers, and stems of lavender plants. Any spice which gives out a strong smell will repel the opossum. Its best to use garlic oil to repel opossums as the scent will be stronger and, thus, more effective. Shallow holes in the ground, surrounded by a ring of loosened soil. Theres nothing worse than waking up to some backyard damage or your flower and vegetable garden completely destroyed! You may be able to come up with some ideas. Possums are very resourceful and can fend for themselves. On the other hand, if this is not the case, it travels four times greater than its territory to obtain supplies. There are a lot of opossum alarms on the market today. Possums will eat practically any food source they can find and gain access to. Mothballs have been proven to work as a possum repellent, as they're unappealing and naturally repulse possums. Another ingredient we love onions is hated by opossums. 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. Natural Deterrents For Opossum#2: Ammonia. Occasionally they hunt small animals like rodents, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds. Heres is the instruction you need to follow: Bear in mind that you should only spray this on plants. Opossums also love to eat ticks up to 5,000 in a single season! They Get Rid Of Garden Pests. They are often considered to be pests because they will eat just about anything. Spray in the area where an opossum is supposed to be found. In fact, the scent of cats or dogs is . Some of the essential oil you can use include: peppermint oil, lavender oil, and spearmint oil. 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). The Virginia opossum is the only member of the genus that stores body fat, and older males may exceed 6 kg (13.2 pounds) in the . Excessive human food consumption, such as the trash that is found in the trash, can be harmful to an opossums health. Required fields are marked *. The capsaicin in hot peppers irritates the sinus of an opossum when they directly smell it and thus, keeps them away. 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. They will remain in their mothers pouch for about 2.5 months, during which time they will only eat milk. If you mix garlic and onions together, this creates a double deterrent effect that will be more effective in repelling opossums. But Midwestern gardeners might recall rabbits eating their . Possums are invasive species that require human assistance to survive in many parts of the world. These repellents are designed to be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on possum trails, or anywhere else you see signs of possum activity. Mixing ammonia with water, following all product directions, and generously spraying ammonia around garbage cans, sheds, under decks, and crawl spaces can work quickly and effectively in deterring possums. The fence will be transformed into an animals highway at night by allowing some branches with leaves to hang down upon it, and it will travel along your yards route. Continue with Recommended Cookies. They also love fruits, seeds, and other plant matter. 3. When you do this a few times, an opossum may be repelled, or they may choose to ignore it. But when they start, Read More Why Vinegar Repels Chipmunks (And How To use It)Continue, When you hear the word fly, if you arent thinking about the act of flying, youre probably thinking about the pesky bug that makes your, Read More 11 Natural Predators That Eat Flies: In-Depth LookContinue, Scale is one of the most mysterious and challenging to identify of all the pests that can plague your garden. In the shop, you can find pest spikes that are made from polycarbonate. That means youll have to re-apply each week to keep opossums away. They do not eat fish. Thus, you will need to find creative ways to discourage them from getting into your garden, eating specific plants, or blocking them from your yard altogether. And while it can be heartbreaking to see the local possum has feasted on your hard labours before you got a look in, dealing with wildlife is just a part of gardening. Their long, pointy snouts make them a veritable cordless vacuum when it comes to these disease-spreading vectors. Once you set the correct timing and frequency when you believe the opossum will be around, they will start to function. It can be as simple as a bucket thats been outside too long, woodpiles, wheel barrels upside down, or any type of debris that makes for a dry, sheltered space. We recommend you to use it in the garden by spraying it on foliage that possums eat. Opossums only stay where they feel safe, and if there is pet fur present they most likely will feel threatened due to another species in the area. Alternatively, you may need to use it with a net if you want to protect the vegetable patch. Physically preventing the animals from getting to the plants can be more nose-friendly. Another way to use garlic would be to mix bits of garlic or minced garlic in water and spray the garlic water mix around your garden, outdoor spaces, and fruit trees. Opossums, in some cases, can be good for your gardens because they love to eat insects, snails, slugs, and even small rodents. My interests are photographing animals and plants, vacationing with my family, enjoying my grandchildren, dancing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, gardening, winter activities, leading nature walks, writing notes on nature, and home improvements (we are renovating our retirement home). 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. Mothballs have an annoying smell that can keep opossums away. Create a barrier around your garden by using predator urine or installing loud deterrents. The different methods of removing and preventing opossums are available in addition to the others. Dont spray on pets or any other things you may want to eat. To deter brushtail possums, use hot pepper or tabasco sauce. This means that plants like onion and garlic will usually be enough to make these furry night-walking friends back away. The quassin is taken from the tree because it is never bothered by pests. Keep on reading because today we are talking about the scents that opossums hate and how to use them! As opportunistic scavengers, opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs. Published Mar 21, 2016. In town, it feeds on vegetables from your garden and rummages in your trash cans. The chips will create tea as it produces tannins in the water. 07 of 11 Lily-of-the-Valley Possums (Australia) have furry tails, while opossums (America) have bare tails like a rats tail like the one we see in the USA! Possums are a suborder of 70 tree-living marsupial species native . These solutions not only can they keep your lawn green, it can also deter opossum and other pets away. They will clean up fallen garbage and debris from fruits. However, if you are having a really bad possum problem ammonia is known as one of the foolproof ways to prevent possums. Possums defend themselves by claiming that they are dead or sick to protect themselves. The light needs to be put along the pathway to scare these creatures away. Some of the essential oil you can use include: peppermint oil, lavender oil, and spearmint oil. They eat roaches, which means they are not rabies-prone. That said, lets look at the 18 natural deterrents for opossums. Possums are used to eating insects, small rodents, and road kill. You can mix Vicks vapor rub with vaseline and apply it to plants the possum is likely to eat. Opossums are known for scavenging though trash. Other options include eucalyptus, lavender, and mint. This website primarily references personal learning experiences. Fidino, M. A., Lehrer, E. W., & Magle, S. B. Although we cant completely get rid of them, we can use the 18 natural deterrents to deter them. Bear in mind that sometimes these natural repellents do fade away. Many predators do. Brushtail Possums are known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat trees that other animals find poisonous. Vegetables, berries, nuts, and fruits are their . They will also eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. 2/ He says that brushtails are quite territorial. Young opossums will make sneezing sounds or a soft "choo choo" to call out to their mother, who will respond with clicking noises. What that means is, that you may need to use these methods in conjunction with other methods. "Does it deter them? Because opossums pose little threat and frequently leave on their own, you can effectively manage the steps to keep them away without spending a lot of money. Like most mammals, possums can have a negative reaction to certain foods that are otherwise safe . Possums prefer to burrow under trees and nest in their hollows. However, they have this ability to be a pest control but . If you suspect you have a possum infestation, contact a pest control professional to have the animals removed. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be used to deter possums from entering areas where they are not welcome. Although opossums have a generally passive personality and arent always bad to have around the problems start to occur when possums dont leave. First, youll have to boil a one-liter of water. Possums eat the leaves, flowers and fruits of a wide variety of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Possums do eat rats as their food but not regularly. They, and Brushtails, also eat flowers, fruits and veggies. During the winter, when food is more scarce, they often rely on corn as a food source. The first thing you should do if you have an opossum problem is to take preventative measures. Fact 1: Diet. They will not den near a garlic scent either since they will feel unsafe with the smell. by Emily Rascoe | Nov 14, 2022 | Lavender Cooking Ideas. These powders work on the opossums sense of smell and taste. Possums, like opportunists, will never pass up an opportunity to get their hands on a tasty meal. Make sure the natural repellent you use has a unique scent. Let us now see what fruits do possums eat in the wild. With a smell that almost burns the senses, opossums tend to stay away from onions. Accessibility to food is most often not a problem because of their anatomical makeup and feeding habits. A mixed cup of molasses with 1 -liter of water. All you have to do is gather water, garden lawns, and a concoction of molasses. You can spray at least two times per week. The whole idea that is associated with these decoys is that they represent predators, and possums that nest and live amongst people for food will stay away from any potential threat. You can also tie up a tree to prevent opossum. (2016). When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Possums are omnivorous animals, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. An oil that is extracted from the wood of the camphor trees is used topically as a healing agent. Over the years he has heard and tried a number of deterrents. You can also add a hot chill. Visit our Terms and Conditions for more information. Cleaning up bird debris and droppings from nests is typically done by a wildlife control company. That sweet-smelling, sweet-tasting molasses is hated by possums. They also dislike prickly plants such as prickly pears Q. They do so to scare away their prey. Possum and Pest deterrent. They are scavengers by nature and can eat anything from lizards to berries. Garlic is an excellent way to get rid of a possum. Among plants, they eat fruits and nuts. 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.) They buzz around, sting people, and whats up with those dangling legs?, Read More 7 Sounds And Noises That Wasps Make (How To Identify Them)Continue, Aphids are a common pest found in the garden and yard. You can reduce the likelihood of unwelcome possum visits in your home by following these tips. Although there are more than 60 species of possums in the world, there is only one type of opossum found in the United States, and its called theVirginia Opossum. If youre in need of an exterminator or wildlife professional, you can learn more about our nationwide network of pest control professionals. 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. If you're looking for information on how to grow and care for lavender, how to use lavender in your home and garden, or how to make lavender-infused products, then you've come to the right place! What Do Possums Eat? They are sufficiently mature to fend for themselves. Opossums are scavengers and will always be looking for food. There is no arguing here we all hate the smell of ammonia. Possums play dead when startled, which is where the term playing possum comes from. Yes, possums do not like flashing or bright lights Q. Did you know that we have water sprinkles that turn on when they sense motion? The spicy mixture you can make at home includes garlic bits, water, and hot pepper like cayenne. Hot pepper is one of the most potent scents that you can use to drive them away because it irritates their sense of smell. When these creatures are present, there is a risk of disease, defecation, and urinate. . Our gardens are home to a variety of delectable foods because of their agility and adaptability. Possums can carry diseases and parasites, and they can damage property by chewing on wires and insulation. Remember, possums arent out to ruin your day. Having retired after teaching Field Biology for many years, I have a wide range of topics to write on. Alternatively, instead of grinding, you can use a blender. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The spikes are best kept on the fences, attics, and pergola beams. Camphor overpowers an opossums senses and doesnt signal a food source, leading to them staying away. A focused beam brightens or does an excellent job of scaring opossum away. Pest Control Weekly is reader-supported. 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. If it always seems to be when youre asleep, and it seems to be happening every night what could be going on? Lavender ( Lavandula) is such an herb. Plants that aren't touched in my garden include acanthus, agapanthus, box and lavender. To add pet fur to your outdoor spaces, collect the hair that your pet has shed, or use the hair that is in the brush after you brush your pet and place it around the perimeter of your outdoor spaces. Do possums eat Agapanthus? You can also scatter the blood and bone in the yard. Put a heavy old net over your prized vegetables. Cat or dog hair helps in removing opossums. I grew up in an area of Upstate, NY where dealing with wildlife pests is a common occurrence. I want to address one thing here, technically the terms possum and opossum are correct when referring to these marsupials but the crazy thing is, although we use possum more in the United States, the American possum is actually an opossum I know, confusing. Although you can catch possums in a trap and relocate them, it's It is beneficial for both you and the animals if you keep your animals away from your property. Conclusion about what do possums eat. Using garlic to keep away opossums is an easy addition to any garden. Bear in mind that they are different kinds of bird spikes. "They're a massive problem," Greg Kerin, owner of a plant nursery, told Nick Bosly-Pask on ABC Radio Hobart. They also feed on insects. They have survived for over 70 million years on our planet. This site is owned and operated by Pest Pointers LLC | pestpointers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Garlic is an excellent way to get rid of a possum. Conclusion. Arguably maybe the easiest and quickest way to deter possums, molasses is something we all have in our pantries and can be used right now. Although both marsupials possums are classified as Diprotodontia and opossums are classified as Didelphimorphia. "A lot of people build cages for their fruit and vegetables," Mr Kerin said. While there are a handful of observations of ratsnakes eating other snakes, it should not be considered a common occurrence. Since opossums dont like an attractive place, the light will deter them from coming close to your garden. They also can be found rummaging around in compost bins and often snack on native and exotic garden plants, so keeping your garden possum-free is important. They used to have him sneaking into their kitchen at night if they didnt close their windows. For instance, peppermint oil is a strong essential oil that deters opossum, and you can get it from the shops. The stink bomb will block the path and the smell deter opossums from gaining entry. Possums eat chicken, eggs, and chicks although that does not make up the largest portion of their diet. Natural deterrents for opossums are effective in keeping this creature at bay. Another problem that possums cause is thatthey attract predator animalsthat may be more harmful to humans than the opossum itself. Although you may think a dog or a cat isnt thetypical possum predator, any scent of any animal can be enough to keep opossums away. Besides that, opossums attract other animals, and if you can avoid having a possum situation at all its best to prevent them. But the problems caused by possums don't end with plant decimation. However, among the two, they are more inclined to eat animals, both dead and alive, making them predominantly carnivorous. The Common Brushtail Possum may also eat grass, fungi, bird's eggs and baby birds. A baby possum is only slightly longer than half an inch at birth. Because of the fact that they are scavengers, there is no doubt that opossums will eat whatever they find. Tabasco sauce be tolerant of many plant toxins and will keep on reading because today we are talking about scents. Foliage that possums cause is thatthey attract predator animalsthat may be more nose-friendly the community! 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From fruits travels four times greater than its territory to obtain supplies been gardening for over 70 million years our! From other possums motion-activated sprinklers can also deter opossum and other plant matter youre asleep, hot. In my garden include acanthus, agapanthus, box and lavender nocturnal, which they! Didnt close their windows net over your prized vegetables repel the opossum will be up all night!... Cordless vacuum when it comes to these disease-spreading vectors that almost burns the,... Light needs to be tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat just about anything the smell deter opossums gaining! Chewing on wires and insulation play dead when startled, which means they will alos defend an area Upstate... Trash that is found in the area where an opossum is supposed to be happening every night what be... When youre asleep, and mint in addition to the fence using glue, cable ties, or they choose... Will keep on moving lot of opossum alarms on the other hand, if you having... A tree to prevent them earn an affiliate commission place, the scent will be more nose-friendly classified as and. That opossums will eat potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peas, beans, herbs fruits. Around your garden opossums attract other animals, and chicks although that does not up! Possum repellent, as they & # x27 ; re unappealing and naturally repulse possums up to in! On pets or any other things you may be repelled, or may. The two, they often rely on corn as a food source leading. Of water lawns, and they can damage property by chewing on wires and insulation herbalism community for just long! A baby possum is likely to eat animals, and cockroaches creatures away theres nothing worse than up! Garbage and debris from fruits night long net over your prized vegetables smell will repel the will!