Do you have a possum problem in your garden? If so, you’re not alone. Possums are becoming increasingly common in urban areas, and they can cause a lot of damage to gardens and plants. In this article, we will discuss what possums eat in the garden, as well as some tips for deterring them from your property. We’ll also cover some information about the habits and behavior of possums so that you can better understand these animals.
Possums and Their Behavior
Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials that look similar to a large rat. They have pointy noses, long tails, and furry bodies. Possums are nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night. Possums are nocturnal animals, so they are most likely to be active at night while during the day, they sleep in trees or burrows.. If you see one during the day, it is probably because it has been disturbed or is sick. Possums are very shy animals and will usually try to avoid humans.
They have sharp claws that help them grip onto surfaces. Possums use their tails for balance when they are climbing.
Possums are omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything. Possums are not picky eaters and will often eat things that other animals would not touch, such as rotten fruit, garbage, and even dead animals. Unfortunately, when possums find their way into our gardens, they don’t discriminate between what’s good for them and what’s not. This can result in some serious damage to your plants and vegetables. This makes them a nuisance to many homeowners who find them rummaging through their trash cans or raiding their fruit trees.
What do possums eat in the garden? The answer is: a lot of things! Possums will eat just about any type of plant or vegetable. Possums will also eat insects, grubs, slugs, and snails. If you have a garden, it is likely that a possum has visited at some point and helped themselves to your crops!
While possums can be a nuisance, they are actually beneficial to have around. Possums help control the population of harmful pests such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. They also help spread seeds from the fruit and vegetables they eat, which helps to keep gardens healthy and thriving.
If you do find a possum in your garden or trash can, there is no need to be alarmed. These animals are not aggressive and will usually go away on their own after a few minutes. However, if you find a possum inside your home, it is best to call a professional to have it removed. Possums can carry diseases such as rabies, which can be harmful to humans and pets. [1],[2]
Why are Possums Attracted to Gardens?
Possums are attracted to gardens for a variety of reasons. One reason is that gardens provide an abundance of food. Possums are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals. Some of the plants that possums enjoy include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and leaves. In addition to plants, possums will also eat insects, snails, slugs, and even small rodents. Another reason possums are attracted to gardens is for shelter. Possums are nocturnal creatures and during the day they like to find a safe place to sleep. Gardens offer plenty of places for possums to hide such as under decks, in bushes, or in sheds. Finally, gardens offer a source of water for possums. Possums need to drink water daily and will often visit gardens to find a water source.
What Possums Eat?
Now that you have a surface-level understanding of what possums are, as well as what attracts them to gardens, it is time to dive into the topic of what possums eat. As we stated before, possums will eat both plants and animals.
Possums are not picky eaters and will often eat things that other animals would not touch. This includes rotten fruit, garbage, and even dead animals. In large urban areas you will see possums rummaging through trash cans or raiding fruit trees. While this might be annoying to some homeowners, it is important to remember that possums are just trying to find food.
Of course, not all possums will eat the same things. The type of food a possum eats depends on the region it lives in, as well as the time of year. For example, a possum living in Australia will have a different diet than a possum living in North America.
Tomatoes
When it comes to garden vegetables, possums enjoy eating tomatoes the most. Possums are attracted to the sweet taste of ripe tomatoes and will often eat them right off the vine.
Carrots
Possums are opportunistic eaters and will generally eat whatever they can find. This means that they are just as likely to eat carrots as any other type of food. However, possums prefer foods that are high in fat and protein, so they may not eat as many carrots as other types of food.
Zucchini
One of the most common vegetables that possums eat is zucchini. Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is typically green or yellow in color. Possums enjoy eating both the flesh and the seeds of zucchini. If you have a garden, it is likely that a possum has helped themselves to your crops at some point!
Strawberries
Sometimes possums will eat strawberries that are still on the plant. However, they are more likely to eat strawberries that have already fallen to the ground. Possums are attracted to the sweet taste of strawberries and will often eat them right off the vine. So if you are concerned about possums eating your strawberries, it is best to pick them as soon as they are ripe!
Cucumbers
One of the most common vegetables that possums eat are cucumbers. Cucumbers are a type of gourd that belongs to the same family as squash and pumpkins. Possums enjoy eating cucumbers because they are crunchy and have a high water content. Cucumbers are also relatively easy for possums to find since they often grow in gardens or on vines near the ground.
Bell peppers
Possums are not afraid to try new foods and will often eat things that other animals would not touch. Possums are also known to eat bell peppers. Bell peppers are a type of vegetable that is commonly found in gardens. Possums enjoy eating bell peppers because they are sweet and juicy.
Tree fruits
One of the most common things possums eat are tree fruits. Possums love to eat apples, bananas, oranges, and other types of tree fruit. If you have a fruit tree in your garden, it is likely that a possum has helped themselves to your crops at some point!
Possums will also eat the leaves and stems of plants. While this might not seem like a lot, over time it can really add up! If you have a garden with leafy greens or other plants, it is important to keep an eye out for possums.
Lettuce
One of the most common things possums eat is lettuce. Lettuce is a type of leafy green vegetable that is often found in gardens. Possums enjoy eating lettuce because it is soft and easy to chew. Lettuce is also a good source of nutrients for possums. Possums will often eat the entire head of lettuce, stem and all. This can be problematic for gardeners who are trying to grow their own food. Besides lettuce, possums can also feed on other types of leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collards.
Cabbage
Another similar plant that possums enjoy eating is cabbage. Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is often found in gardens. Possums will eat both the leaves and the stem of the cabbage plant.
Possums are attracted to cabbage because it is an easy food source. Cabbage plants are usually found close to the ground, which makes them easy for possums to reach. Cabbage is also a nutrient-rich food that helps possums stay healthy.
If you have a cabbage plant in your garden, it is likely that a possum has eaten some of it. While this can be frustrating, it is important to remember that possums are just trying to find food. If you do not want possums eating your cabbage, there are a few things you can do. [1],[2],[3],[4]
Are There Any Benefits to Possums in the Garden?
As you can see, there’s a lot of debate on whether possums are a friend or foe to the average gardener. However, some people believe that possums are actually misunderstood creatures that can actually be beneficial to gardens. Possums are actually quite timid animals and are more likely to flee than to fight when they encounter humans but as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect your plants, you can use possums to your benefit!
They don’t dig holes in the ground
One of the benefits of having possums in your garden is that they don’t dig holes in the ground like other animals such as rabbits or rodents. This means that your plants are safe from being uprooted and damaged.
They help you get rid of small pests and insects
One of the main benefits of possums in the garden is that they help you get rid of small pests and insects. Possums are known to eat a wide variety of small pests and insects, including snails, slugs, cockroaches, beetles, ants, and even rats! By eating these pests and insects, possums can actually help to protect your plants from damage.
The remove harmful pathogens from the environment
Possums are actually known to be able to clean up gardens by removing harmful pathogens from the soil. For example, they have no problem consuming bones and carcasses that may be infected with harmful bacteria. This helps to clean up the environment and make it safer for other animals and humans alike.
However, there are some disadvantages. [5]
How to Prevent Possum Issue in Your Garden
Overall, possums can actually be beneficial to gardens if they are managed properly. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your plants from being harmed by possums.
Sometimes however, you might not be able to prevent them from causing damage and you will need to get rid of them. If this is the case, there are a few things you can do to get rid of possums in your garden.
Seal the potential entryways
The first thing you need to do is figure out how the possums are getting into your garden in the first place. Once you have determined this, you can take steps to seal off these entryways. Possums are small animals and can squeeze through tiny spaces, so it is important to make sure that all potential entry points are sealed shut. This might include repairing holes in fences, sealing gaps under doors, or installing screens over vents.
Use moth balls
Moth balls are a great way to keep possums away from your garden. All you have to do is spread them around the perimeter of your garden and they will keep the possums out. Moth balls are also effective at keeping other animals away, so it’s a good idea to use them even if you don’t have a possum problem.
Another thing you can do is to make sure that there is nothing for the possums to eat in your garden. This means keeping your garbage cans sealed tight and not leaving any food out. If there is nothing for the possums to eat, they will likely move on to another area.
Spray natural deterrents
Some possums are repelled by certain smells, so you can try spraying your plants with a natural deterrent. You can make a homemade spray using water and either garlic or peppermint oil. Simply add a few drops of the oil to a cup of water and mix well. Then, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz it on your plants.
You can also purchase commercial possum repellents that contain natural ingredients like capsaicin (pepper) extract, citronella oil, and clove oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label when using these products.
If you have pets, be sure to keep them away from any areas that have been sprayed with possum repellent.
Saturate towels in ammonia and place them around your garden
Possums dislike the smell of ammonia and will stay away from areas that are saturated in the substance. You can make your own possum repellent by soaking towels in ammonia and placing them around your garden. Be sure to reapply the towels every few days or as needed.
You can also use commercial possum repellents that contain ammonia. These products are available at most hardware stores and can be applied directly to plants or around the perimeter of your garden.
Install traps
One of the most effective ways to get rid of possums is to install traps. There are a variety of different types of traps available, so be sure to choose one that is best suited for your particular situation.
One kind of trap you can use is a live trap. These work by luring the possum into the trap with food and then closing the door behind them, preventing them from getting out. These traps can be baited with a variety of different foods, but some of the most effective include:
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, or watermelons
- Vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, or potatoes
- Meat such as chicken, fish, or beef
You will need to check the trap regularly to see if there is a possum inside and if so, release it far away from your property. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the trap and possum to avoid getting bitten.
Another option is to hire a professional pest control company to get rid of the possums for you. This is often the most effective way to deal with possums, but it can also be the most expensive.
After taking these precautions, you should start seeing a reduction in the number of possums in your garden. [6]
FAQ
Do possums bite humans?
Possums are generally shy animals and will try to avoid confrontation with humans. However, if they feel threatened, they may bite in self-defense. Possums have sharp teeth that can cause serious wounds, so it’s important to be careful around them.
If you encounter a possum in your garden, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If you need to remove a possum from your property, contact your local wildlife authorities for assistance.
Do possums keep rats away?
Possums are known to eat rats, so having them in your garden may help to keep the rat population down. However, they will also eat other small animals such as mice and birds, so you may not want them around if you have pets that spend time outside.
What do possums eat the most?
Possums are omnivores, so they eat both plants and animals. However, they seem to prefer eating meat over vegetables. Their diet consists mainly of insects, small mammals (such as rodents), birds, eggs, and carrion (dead animals). Fruits and vegetables make up a smaller part of their diet but possums will still eat them if given the chance.
What kind of fruit do possums eat?
Possums are drawn to gardens because of the fruit. Ripe fruits such as apples, pears, plums, and grapes are all possum favorites. If you have a garden with fruit trees, it’s likely that a possum has visited at some point.
While possums will eat almost any type of fruit, they seem to prefer soft fruits like berries. This is because their teeth are not well-suited for crunching through hard surfaces. So if you find that your berries are disappearing faster than usual, there’s a good chance a possum is to blame.
How can I feed a possum?
A possum’s diet consists of mostly vegetation, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and leaves. Possums are also known to eat insects, snails, and small vertebrates. If you’re wondering what to feed a possum in your garden, consider offering them a variety of these foods.
Are possums good to have around?
Most people think possums are a nuisance, but they can actually be quite beneficial to have around. Possums are known to eat rodents and other small animals, so they can help keep your garden free of pests. They are also proficient at climbing, so they can help remove any fruit that is out of reach.
Possums are nocturnal animals, so you’re unlikely to see them during the day. If you do happen to see one during the day, it’s probably because it’s sick or injured. Healthy possums should be left alone, as they pose no threat to humans or pets. However, if you have a sick or injured possum on your property, it’s best to call a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Do possums eat vegetable gardens?
Yes, possums can cause damage to vegetable gardens by consuming the vegetables or fruits. They may also eat flowers and dig up turf looking for grubs, insects, worms and other delicacies they find in the soil. Possums are nocturnal animals so it’s best to limit their access to your garden at night when they are most active. You can do this by using fencing or barriers around your vegetable garden. It is also important to remove any food sources that might attract them, such as pet food and fruit dropped from trees.
What do possums eat to trap?
Possums are omnivorous animals, meaning they enjoy eating plants and animals. In the garden, possums will feed on fruits, vegetables, flowers, insects and even small mammals that may be living in the area. Fruits like apples, pears, plums and peaches are some of their favorites as well as veggies such as carrots, lettuce and tomatoes. Possums also eat tender shoots of plants like grasses and clover. When it comes to insects, possums prefer grubs but will also snack on caterpillars or other bugs found in the garden. While these are the primary foods that possums look for in the garden, they will also take advantage of any easy target such as bird eggs or nestlings if given the opportunity.
To avoid unwanted possum visitors in your garden, it is important to keep any sources of food out of their reach. Make sure all fruits and vegetables are picked from the plant or harvested as soon as they are ripe. Cover compost bins securely and make sure garbage cans have tight fitting lids. Finally, if you notice a possum snacking on bird eggs or nestlings in your yard, try setting up some barriers such as chicken wire around the affected area so that the possums can no longer access them. Doing these things will help protect your garden from unwelcome guests while still allowing the possums to find their own food sources elsewhere.
How to keep possums out of the garden?
Possums can have an appetite for fruits and vegetables in the garden, so it’s only natural that they are drawn to our gardens. Unfortunately, they can cause extensive damage to plants and crops if left unchecked.
Possums mainly feed on insects, grubs, slugs, snails, bird eggs and small rodents such as mice or rats. However, they will also eat anything else they can find including pet food scraps, decayed fruit and even some foliage from trees or shrubs. The most commonly eaten plants by possums include roses, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and other soft fruits.
In order to keep possums from eating your garden produce or damaging plants, there are a few deterrents you can use. A good way to start is by ensuring that all possible food sources are removed from the area, such as pet food and fallen fruit. If possible, avoid leaving any type of compost around the garden which may be attractive for possums looking for a meal.
You can also try to make your property less inviting by trimming overhanging branches or trees that could give them access to the roof or upper levels of your home. Possums prefer dark and secluded locations so if they cannot find such a spot in your backyard then they will likely move on. You can also use motion activated lights and noise makers, such as a radio playing at night, to scare possums away from the area.
Do possums eat onions?
Yes, possums will happily munch on onions and other vegetables from your garden. Possums are omnivorous animals, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are particularly fond of fruit such as apples, pears, and peeled tomatoes. They also feed on insects, flowers, grains, nuts, grasses, fungi, bird eggs and carrion.
In order to prevent possums from eating your crops or stealing pet food from the yard it is important to take some preventative measures. Make sure that all garbage cans are securely covered with a lid or netting so the possums cannot get in them. Remove any fallen fruits or vegetables on the ground as soon as possible as this could attract them to your garden.
Do possums eat tomatoes?
Possums are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Tomato plants are a food source for possums, as they can feed on the fruits of the plant. Possums have also been known to eat tomatoes directly off the vine, making them a part of their diet in gardens that contain tomato plants. It is important to note though that while they may eat tomatoes, this should not be relied upon as their primary food source as it is not nutritionally balanced and could cause health problems if consumed in large quantities.
In addition to tomatoes, possums may feed on any other fruit or vegetable growing in your garden such as berries, apples, potatoes, squash and lettuce. They also enjoy snacking on insects, worms and slugs. In some cases, possums may even eat birdseed or pet food that has been left out in the garden.
Do possums eat cucumbers?
While possums might occasionally eat cucumbers, they mainly feed on fruits, nuts, flowers, insects, and other small creatures. They may also scavenge for leftovers such as fallen birdseed or pet food. Possums can also cause damage in a garden if they start feeding on young seedlings or consuming ripening fruit before it can be harvested. To reduce the chances of this occurring, homeowners can take certain preventive measures such as fencing off their gardens to keep possums away or removing any debris that could serve as a potential food source. Additionally, traps can be placed near known possum pathways to humanely capture and relocate them away from your garden.
Do possums eat bell peppers?
The short answer is: yes, possums can and do eat bell peppers that are in the garden. Possums are omnivores, meaning they will consume both plants and animals as food. As such, they have been known to feed on different fruits and vegetables found in gardens throughout Australia. Besides bell peppers, other fruits and vegetables commonly eaten by possums include apples, pears, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach leaves, corn husks, alfalfa sprouts and leafy greens such as cabbage and lettuce. Possums also enjoy consuming insects like caterpillars and snails as a source of protein.
Do possums keep snakes away?
Contrary to popular belief, possums do not actually keep snakes away. While they may occasionally eat snakes, their diets mainly consist of invertebrates and vegetation. In the garden, possums feed on leaves and flowers, as well as insects and even small mammals. They can also be attracted to pet food left out in the open or fruit from trees nearby. Additionally, possums will often come into gardens looking for shelter and water, so proper sanitation is important in keeping them away from your property. To protect your garden from possum damage you should consider fencing it off or using motion-activated lights near potential entry points.
It’s also important to remember that possums are protected animals under Australian law which means it is illegal to harm or disturb them in any way. If you find a possum in your garden, you should immediately contact your local wildlife rescue organization for advice on how to safely remove it from your property.
What purpose do possums serve?
Possums are an important part of the ecology of many gardens. They are a source of food for other wildlife such as owls, foxes and hawks and they also help to keep some pests under control by eating insects, slugs, snails and rodents. Possums also disperse seeds around the garden, contributing to plant diversity.
The diet of possums will depend on what is available in their habitat. Commonly eaten items include flowers and fruits such as berries, apples and plums; grasses; leaves; bark and stems; lichens; fungi; insect larvae; bird eggs and nestlings; small birds, mice and rats.
Useful Video: Possums! Gardener’s Friend or Foe? What Possums Eat.
Conclusion
Possums are interesting creatures that can be beneficial to have around. But they also can eat your fruits and vegetables, which can be frustrating. By knowing what possums eat in the garden, you can take steps to keep them away from your plants or even attract them to another area of your property.
There are a variety of things that possums eat in the wild, but they seem to prefer soft fruits and vegetables when given the chance. If you have possums eating your garden plants, try taking some preventive measures like fencing off the area or using netting. You can also try attracting them to another part of your yard with a food source that they prefer. Whatever method you choose, make sure it is safe for both you and the possum! Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://blog.nwf.org/2014/07/opossums-and-gardening-a-few-things-to-know/
- https://www.hortmag.com/headline/all-about-opossums-in-the-yard-and-garden
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/what-do-opossums-eat.htm
- https://kidadl.com/facts/what-do-possums-eat-surprising-facts-you-won-t-believe
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/benefits-of-opossums.htm
- https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/opossum-deterrents/5459.html