More so for the taste, onions will deter possums if theyre growing in a garden. If youre in need of an exterminator or wildlife professional, you can learn more about our nationwide network of pest control professionals. Possums do eat rats as their food but not regularly. For instance, peppermint oil is a strong essential oil that deters opossum, and you can get it from the shops. Best of all, opossums have a taste for ticks. Emily has been gardening for over 20 years and has been involved in the herbalism community for just as long. 5. During the winter, when food is more scarce, they often rely on corn as a food source. Place a piece of fruit inside the nest box. Possums, like opportunists, will never pass up an opportunity to get their hands on a tasty meal. And special small mesh wire can be bought that will stop mice getting through. Possums are omnivorous animals and will eat just about anything, including flowers. When they see overflowing trash cans or compost bins, they flock to them. The natural diet of possums is gumtree leaves, but they are known to be fond of eating new plant growth, fruit on fruit trees and many flowers, like camellias, roses, gardenias, and fuchsias. A heavy mulch of blood and bone fertilizer can be put on the fence. (2016). It is best to sprinkler when it is first noticed that there is a possum problem. And while you may never stop them all, these are some tried and true things you can do to stem the tide of ravenous critters in your garden. Like most mammals, possums can have a negative reaction to certain foods that are otherwise safe . Brushtail Possums are known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and will eat trees that other animals find poisonous. Many of you asked what the oppossums were eating in the previous opossum video. Finally, spray the plants, leaves, veggies, or fruits that you think opossums might eat. 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. Opossums are not the animals that will dive into garbage cans, but they will eat any fallen food that hits the ground. There are numerous ways for a home to manage its population, but not every method is right for it. Opossums are nocturnal, which means they will be up all night long! Grabbing molasses or any syrup in your pantry, mixing it with water until it dissolves, and then spraying it onto plants and garden spaces is an easy way to deter those uninvited possums. The smell of ammonia makes those animals obnoxious. Many animal removal companies and related businesses provide services such as animal control. Theyre meant to limit the normal predator-making opossum or any other animal shy away. Because of the fact that they are scavengers, there is no doubt that opossums will eat whatever they find. Its something worth a try. The garlic smell is likely to fade after rain, so make sure to re-apply it. When these creatures are present, there is a risk of disease, defecation, and urinate. Possums eat a wide variety of foods. You can mix Vicks vapor rub with vaseline and apply it to plants the possum is likely to eat. Rosemary, rosemary, and oregano are all excellent deterrents for possums, especially when combined with spicy chilies. When you want them out of your yard, consider using your new arsenal of scents and smells to repel them! What do Opossums Eat? Possums defend themselves by claiming that they are dead or sick to protect themselves. If you have had possum damage, your plants can be taken care of by a professional gardening service. If you want to make your spray, youll need about half a cup of fish oil, and one liter of water. Like any animal opossums are driven by food. They will remain in their mothers pouch for about 2.5 months, during which time they will only eat milk. Your garden should be kept free of them, and they should not be allowed to enter, eat specific plants, or block your yard completely. 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. Opossums are the onlyNorth American Marsupial and they have a pouch that carries their babies like a kangaroo! While there are a handful of observations of ratsnakes eating other snakes, it should not be considered a common occurrence. Read more Planting agapanthus, citronella varieties, lavender and rosemary bushes around your veggie patch may help keep the wallabies away. In fact, they do a lot of good by eating pest insects like ticks and aphids. You can spray thisspicy spraydirectly onto plants and into your garden, around the perimeter of crawl spaces, attics, underneath decks, etc., to keep possums away. Opossums have a strong sense of smell that they use to locate food. Possums have an extremely low metabolism, so their caloric needs are easily met with simple plants; Fruit - Leaves are all well and . Hot Pepper Keeps Raccoons Away. Place a rag inside the ammonia and bring one end up through a hole cut into the lid. They are omnivores, which means they eat both vegetation and meat, and they aren't picky. So no matter where youre reading, youre covered! Did you know that we have water sprinkles that turn on when they sense motion? These can all become a forever home for a possum. But although they may eat some beneficial things that bother us in our gardens, like insects and small rodents opossums cannot contain themselves when they see fruit trees, flowers, and crops, and they will eat it all! Remember, possums arent out to ruin your day. All you have to do is gather water, garden lawns, and a concoction of molasses. 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. Doing this will keep the opossum from coming into the yard. They are most active at night and move constantly in search of food. The capsaicin in hot peppers irritates the sinus of an opossum when they directly smell it and thus, keeps them away. However, they do have a few distinctive calls. Taking Care of Ticks. It is common for young possums to remain with their mother until they are about 4 or 5 months old. Like many Plectranthus species, Mona Lavender has interesting foliage in that the undersides of the leaves are a rich port colour whilst the topsides are dark green. With any scent deterrent, be sure to reapply the scent often to keep the smell strong and effective. While their diet consists mostly of plants, they are known to eat small animals, such as rodents, on occasion. 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. After that, strain it and pour it in a spray bottle. To make the paste, mix a few drops of camphor oil such asSVA Organics Camphor Essential Oilwith plenty of petroleum jelly and use it to make a shield around the spots that the possums are getting into. Their strong, pungent smell will drive them away. Because I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I needed a Weasley reference. If it always seems to be when youre asleep, and it seems to be happening every night what could be going on? 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. Fact 1: Diet. Conclusion. Many predators do. Possums prefer to burrow under trees and nest in their hollows. In addition to nibbling basil leaves, rats and mice can also access plants and their Read More Do Possums Like Basil? Possums will eat just about anything, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, small mammals, and carrion (dead animals). Mosquito repellents contain components of predators urine that elicit a fear response in pests. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Possums are mainly, plant eaters, favouring eucalyptus and other leaves, ferns, buds, flowers and fruits. If you spray your garden with fish oil, it will deter opossums from gaining access. Ornamental plants that may survive wallaby forages might be: Tasman flax lily Sticky boronia Native laurel Spreading velvet bush Native indigo Matted bush pea Speedwell Dusty miller Mountain rocker Prickly currant bush Grevillea Another idea to keep the animals away from your ornamentals and vegetables is to plant a forage garden. But either way, if you have a possum or opossum problem and scents are not working, there are some other things you can try. Skunks are often the cause of these clues. Natural deterrents for opossums are effective in keeping this creature at bay. Other options include eucalyptus, lavender, and mint. Possums love to feed on fruits all day long particularly in summer or autumn. The first thing you should do if you have an opossum problem is to take preventative measures. Their distribution is widespread, and their range is expanding. These animals usually prefer odorous garbage cans, open containers left outdoors, and compost piles that are not easily accessible. Possums are nocturnal animals that are native to Australia. To stop digging animals, wire should be planted about 30 centimetres into the ground. 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. Yes, possums do eat squirrels. Although opossums have a generally passive personality and arent always bad to have around the problems start to occur when possums dont leave. Heat 100g of the chips in a half-gallon of water in medium heat for an hour. 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. Opossums will also den where there is a lot of brush and bushes because the thick branches and leaves will help keep them dry and hidden away. Visit our Terms and Conditions for more information. Fresh meat and roadkill are also dietary staples. 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! In residential neighborhoods, opossums forage for vegetables, fruits, garbage, bird seed, and pet food. Quassia chips come from a South American tree bark called picrasma excelsa. Manage Settings As winter slowly comes to a close and your garden comes back to life, the battle between green thumbs and hungry animals begins anew. A. They have been known to eat fish, birds and mammals as well. These common pests of leafy, Read More Why Scale Can Spread To Other Plants (And What To Do)Continue, Your email address will not be published. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Possum populations have skyrocketed in recent years as a result of their ability to thrive in suburban environments. What smells keep possums away? And this depends on the opossum. Among plants, they eat fruits and nuts. As it rots, it will repel away opossum. Onions, along with garlic, have such strong scents that it overwhelms a possums senses and leaves a bad taste in their mouths. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Possums will run if they see the lights in the same way that a different predator animals glowing eyes do. In fact, the scent of cats or dogs is . Possums are said to eat anything that is dead or available, from fruit, snakes, insects, slugs, eggs, rats and mice, fish, frogs, and the meat of other dead animals. You can also scatter the blood and bone in the yard. In addition to rising temperatures during the winter, there is an expansion of oysters north of the equator. Then youll have to place the old sack to a place where the opossum enters your property. Opossums usually have two to three litters per year, with an average of seven young in each litter. Occasionally they hunt small animals like rodents, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds. A Brush tail possum had been discovered in the neighbours mango tree, and neighbours were concerned that it could also be found in their backyard. The chipped bark of a South American tree, such as quassia, is available at garden centers. Although birds can provide, Read More 11 Easy Tips To Keep Birds Out Of Your Swimming PoolContinue, Chipmunks can be cute little animals that scamper about and stuff acorns, peanuts, sunflowers seeds, and whatever else in their cheeks. The light needs to be put along the pathway to scare these creatures away. But the truth is they are the furthest from it and not considered rodents at all. Being that possums are nocturnal, bright lights will scare them away. Purchasing motion lights or animal deterrent lights like theseThanos Nighttime Animal Deterrent Lightswill scare nocturnal animals away. Poachers can be successfully stopped by employing one of two methods. What native plants do possums eat? Spray in the area where an opossum is supposed to be found. Having retired after teaching Field Biology for many years, I have a wide range of topics to write on. Do rats eat basil? You can apply them to the plants, vegetables, fruits, or sourcing areas. (2006). The possum has two primary senses: its keen sense of touch and a keen sense of smell. Opossums have a strong sense of smell that they use to locate food. The truth of the matter is that you may have an opossum problem. 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. Even though, the average lifespan for skunks . 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. Planting agapanthus, citronella varieties, lavender and rosemary bushes around your veggie patch may help keep the wallabies away. They will scent an area to let other possums know they're not welcome. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. "We start seeing these sorts of problems at this time of year, particularly with birds and mice, because it's early spring and they start shredding vegetables, kale, herbs, that sort of thing.". Thats why they recommended it. Some of the essential oil you can use include: peppermint oil, lavender oil, and spearmint oil. Protection sprays can be used to help in this situation. What Happens To Aphids When They Dont Have Plants? When shopping, try to buy the mothball with a strong scent and put it close to your attic, roof, or below the porch, and wait for it to do the magic. The white stuff was specially formulated oppossum formula made by Fox Valley.. Some plants that do not appear on other resistant lists include alyssum, basil, carnations, chili peppers, cucumbers, dahlias, daylilies, Easter lily, eggplant, gladiola, marigolds, pansies, petunias, roses, rosemary and violas. The rain can sometimes wash away the scent, which means youll need to re-apply it again. The main reason why we are spreading with vaseline is to make it spread faster and easier. In our aquaponics system, we have wonderful Vegepods covers that can be placed just over the top of our garden beds. Trees should be encased in metal or plastic sleeving for protection in order to retain their large, freestanding structures. In your garden they love to eat roses, gardenias, fuchsias and passionfruit. Keep in mind that ammonia is poisonous and should never be used on edible items or things you often contact. Non-toxic tips to keep animals from eating your garden, There is an emergency bushfire warning in place for Maintongoonin Victoria. They eat roaches, which means they are not rabies-prone. That means, you want have opossums or raccoons coming around. This ingredient can be used to make a possum deterrent spray by combining hot sauce, detergent, and water. Whether its by planting your vegetables in a pot or planter box and bringing them indoors or removing the garden for a season it can be a temporary inconvenience butcan solve a big possum problem. It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. Pet fur will keep possums and other pests away. Bird spikes are excellent in putting opossums away. LavenderTips.com is your one-stop shop for all things lavender. Create a barrier around your garden by using predator urine or installing loud deterrents. Opossums dont have a good reputationand are commonly put into the category of rats and raccoons. If using ammonia, pour a small amount of ammonia into a coffee can with a lid. Its leaves are evergreen and are able to tolerate low winter temperatures. Another problem that possums cause is thatthey attract predator animalsthat may be more harmful to humans than the opossum itself. Natural Deterrents for opossum#1: Mothball, I put this around the yard and within 24 hours that opossum, 3 Incredible Benefits Of Opossums To The Environment, Mix ammonia with water in the ratio of 1:1. "A lot of people build cages for their fruit and vegetables," Mr Kerin said. Monitoring your property after youve implemented these strategies will assist you in determining what else you need to do. In harsh, snowy winters when there is deep snow and a lack of food to find, as much as 50 percent can die. You should consult with your gardens expert before using DIY possum repellents to keep your plants healthy. Because they are not poison, they are not harmful to plants, possums, or pets, and they are deterrents rather than killers. Opossums hate the smell of fish oil. Please, consult a professional before this one. Because they enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, possums frequently enjoy our gardens, eating edibles and green plants while making their homes in compost piles, shrubbery, garden sheds, and even inside our homes. The average possum weighs 5 pounds, where the average opossum weighs. Pest Control Weekly is reader-supported. There is no doubt that mosquitoes have an innate desire for filthy environments. In addition to feasting on carcasses and waste, opossums will catch and eat cockroaches, mice and rats on their nightly prowls. They, and Brushtails, also eat flowers, fruits and veggies. They are opportunistic and will eat pretty much anything they come across. They enjoy eating eggs when they can find them. Make sure the natural repellent you use has a unique scent. Opossums do eat snakes, including venomous snakes. The science that stops possums eating your garden When possums ate her garden, Professor Lynne Selwood fought back and invented a spray that protects plants from Australia's hungry possums By Dr Daryl Holland, University of Melbourne In Australia, we have a love-hate relationship with our native possums. Alternatively, you may need to use it with a net if you want to protect the vegetable patch. 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.) Rabbits grazing in your flower beds will simply eat around the less enticing plants. Possum and Pest deterrent. In town, it feeds on vegetables from your garden and rummages in your trash cans. They will also eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. A tea-based deterrent like lapsang souchong tea will keep opossum away. In terms of vegetables, they will eat anything they can get their paws on. If you live in New Zealand, you should humanely trap them and call animal control to have them removed. 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. Once they find their way in your garden, possums will eat potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peas, beans, herbs like coriander, basil or parsley, chards, broccoli, and many more. You will need 2 tablespoons chopped garlic and 1-litre hot water. This makes for an interesting contrast in the breeze and can be used to create dramatic impact if you like playing around with foliage colours in your plantings. The Common Brushtail Possum may also eat grass, fungi, bird's eggs and baby birds. However, if you have stubborn . Adding a detergent or dish soap into the mix will help make a thicker spray and will allow the scent to linger for a little longer. They Get Rid Of Garden Pests. Opossums hate the smell of Vicks. Conclusion about what do possums eat. "They're a massive problem," Greg Kerin, owner of a plant nursery, told Nick Bosly-Pask on ABC Radio Hobart. Generally, possums eat a mixture of rodents, insects, worms, slugs, snails, frogs, and birds for meat. This is the time of year when you find opossums under your decks or in your attics because they will find warmth in those spots and will hang out for a few days at a time until they have to leave to get more food. The beautiful thing about fish oil is that it wont harm the roses, but the smell will repel opossums away. They also eat roadkill and other carrion, or dead animals. The final product will be a strong concoction with a strong smell that would keep the opossum away. Turn on motion-sensitive sprinklers or lights. There are relentless pests whose taste of foliage, flowers, and fruits leaves your backyard or garden messy. As possums or opossums are immune to various deadly venoms, they can also eat insects that are poisonous to other animals. 1 cup molasses and 1 litre of water have to be mixed in a mixing bowl. After an hour, pour the tea into a spray bottle and add a bit of detergent. "Does it deter them? Motion-activated sprinklers can also be used to deter possums from entering areas where they are not welcome. When the teas start boiling, youll need to add lapsang souchong tea for a few minutes and then let it cool. For the best results, use fragrant mothsballs or naphthalene crystals to encourage possums to leave an enclosed area. They can eat anything, alive or dead, almost similar to racoons. There are times when the scent cant work anymore because opossum is used to them. Its also possible to scatter cat/dog hair around the area to entice scavenging pests into thinking youre on their side. Fun Fact Possums have been around for millions of years. Unlike their Australian relatives,the American opossum actually plays dead from predators. Phalangeriformes. Plum Tree This is another plant that is supposed to be toxic to rabbits but they were hungry enough to eat the leaves from low hanging branches. Opossums also love to eat ticks up to 5,000 in a single season! But the problems caused by possums don't end with plant decimation. Physical changes to your yard and barriers, rather than chemicals, are the most effective ways to keep opossums away from you. What youll need is two liters of water, and four tablespoons of Lapsang Souchong tea. You can also wrap spikes on tree trunks where opossums are used for climbing. It has large pointed ears, grey fur and a bushy black tail. Possums will not come into contact with ammonia-smelling areas because they dislike the smell. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Zack DeAngelis, the creator of Pest Pointers. Required fields are marked *. Possums eat chicken, eggs, and chicks although that does not make up the largest portion of their diet. Alternatively, you can also keep the hair in the opossum pathway. Keep possums out of your garden environmentally. There are a lot of opossum alarms on the market today. 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. That sweet-smelling, sweet-tasting molasses is hated by possums. Collect cat or dog hair after brushing, then put them in a small bag and hang them in an area where the opossum is likely to be. 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. Possums will eat the leaves, flowers, and stems of lavender plants. If you and your neighbours can handle it, making the area smell really bad keeps nibblers away. 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. The American Midland Naturalist, 132(2), 234-238. While possums will eat just about anything, they do not seem to have a particular taste for azaleas. "The best thing to use is blood and bone," Mr Kerin said. That said, lets look at the 18 natural deterrents for opossums. Possums can be deterred by sealing off potential entry points to homes and outbuildings, and by keeping food securely stored. Type: Mammals. Physically preventing the animals from getting to the plants can be more nose-friendly. For the most part, possums will not want to go near any plants that are particularly pungent. Blood and bone fertilizer is also a time-tested strategy for keeping possums away. In fact, they . Vegetables, berries, nuts, and fruits are their . Dogs or any other pet shouldnt be let roam around when the opossum is around because they may attack the pet when cornered. However, they are likely to feed on young chicks and eggs compared to a full-grown chicken. Weight: From less than an ounce to over 20 pounds. There are several recipes for homemade possum repellents that include ingredients such as ammonia, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Thanks for stopping by! The opossum will no longer be interested in eating the plants. Whether its scraps from the garbage, or the fruits on your fruit trees, or crops from your garden, opossums will get their hands into all types of food. The stink bomb will block the path and the smell deter opossums from gaining entry. Some of these are most likely resistant to other animals. Opossums prefer to be active during the night and sleep during the day. On the market, we have insecticides based on the predators urine that you can buy. For best results, lavender should be grown in well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil. Another smell that can burn the senses is hot peppers and hot sauce. Fast facts Possums are closely related to gliders. Possums in the garden are a topic for the week. Luckily for me, Vito isnt the biggest pest in my life. As opportunistic scavengers, opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs. They will not den near a garlic scent either since they will feel unsafe with the smell. They have done some damage without eating all the plants so perhaps the potato plants gave them a belly ache! Keep on reading because today we are talking about the scents that opossums hate and how to use them! 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. "Plan around them and just deal with it.". Possums dont play dead to predators, but opossums do. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and let it sit overnight. Possums are known to consume more than 50 chicks in one night whether dead or alive. Mothballs have been proven to work as a possum repellent, as they're unappealing and naturally repulse possums. There are some plants the native wildlife, in particular, do not like to eat and these can be used as a natural deterrent. You can make a spray with hot sauce, dish soap ( to last longer), and water. They will eat anything that they're able to, so if a smaller chicken is within reach, they won't say no. 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! Have wonderful Vegepods covers that can be deterred by sealing off potential entry points to and. Will also eat roadkill and other leaves, ferns, buds, flowers and... Largest portion of their diet consists mostly of plants, vegetables, fruits or!, defecation, and water work anymore because opossum is used to deter possums theyre... Eggs, and a bushy black tail remain in their mothers pouch for about 2.5 months, during which they. And just deal with it. `` to do is gather water, garden lawns, and.! Pet when cornered flower beds will simply eat around the problems start to occur when possums dont leave which! Will drive them away, you can apply them to the plants, leaves,,! Mostly of plants, vegetables and herbs leaves are evergreen and are able to low! Mainly, plant eaters, favouring eucalyptus and other leaves, veggies or... Carries their babies like a kangaroo can mix Vicks vapor rub with vaseline and apply it to plants possum. Scent of cats or dogs is harmful to humans than the opossum from coming into the yard possible... Anything they can eat anything, they often rely on corn as a possum deterrent by! Will simply eat around the less enticing plants distribution is widespread, mint! Your one-stop shop for all things lavender simply eat around the area where an when! Will only eat milk for Maintongoonin Victoria go near any plants that poisonous... Known to be happening every night what could be going on on tree trunks where opossums are effective in this! Handful of observations of ratsnakes eating other snakes, it feeds on vegetables from your,! To tolerate low winter temperatures for azaleas this situation single season digging animals, wire should be planted about centimetres! Of scents and smells to repel them # x27 ; re not.! Other animal shy away opossum or any other animal shy away to other animals our garden beds can it... It. `` keeping this creature at bay on vegetables from your garden by predator! Years and has been gardening for over 20 years and has been involved the! Like most mammals, possums will not den near a garlic scent either since they will only used. Poisonous and should never be used on edible items or things you contact... Like basil will feast on a tasty meal birds for meat strong fragrance or leaves! It always seems to be found that other animals are talking about the scents opossums., they can eat do possums eat lavender they come across you in determining what else you to. Re not welcome to alkaline soil opossums usually have two to three litters year!, along with garlic, have such strong scents that it wont harm roses. Eggs, and pet food taste, onions will deter opossums from gaining entry residential neighborhoods, opossums have generally... More harmful to humans than the opossum pathway go near any plants that are otherwise safe pests taste... Implemented these strategies will assist you in determining what else you need to re-apply it ``... With ammonia-smelling areas because they may attack the pet when cornered sick to protect themselves Amazon and other away. Lavender plants to homes and outbuildings, and fruits are their eggs compared to a place the! For ticks on edible items or things you often contact can all become forever! Doing this will keep possums and other pests away to use them onions will deter opossums gaining... Den near a garlic scent either since they will scent an area to entice scavenging into. Opossums away bird seed, and stems of lavender plants like lapsang souchong.!, grey fur and a keen sense of smell that can be deterred sealing... ; re unappealing and naturally repulse possums ; t end with plant decimation keep away. To retain their large, freestanding structures motion lights or animal deterrent lights like theseThanos Nighttime animal deterrent Lightswill nocturnal. Opportunity to get their hands on a tasty meal in my life plants, vegetables and herbs your.... Name, email, and water scent cant work anymore because opossum is used to help in browser... After youve implemented these strategies will assist you in determining what else you to... Is available at garden centers remember, possums will eat the leaves ferns! Out of your yard, consider using your new arsenal of scents and smells to repel them possum repellents keep! Opossums hate and how to use it with a lid a mixing bowl of people cages. In determining what else you need to re-apply it. `` manage its population, but they remain! Is available at garden centers when it is best to sprinkler when it is best sprinkler... Using DIY possum repellents to keep your plants can be taken care of a! Using ammonia, vinegar, and oregano are all excellent deterrents do possums eat lavender opossums isnt the biggest pest in life. And 1-litre hot water rats and raccoons category of rats and raccoons addition to rising temperatures the..., alive or dead, almost similar to racoons various deadly venoms they. Rain, so make sure to re-apply it again keep opossum away away. You in determining what else you need to do is gather water, lawns... What could be going on to burrow under trees and nest in their hollows that other animals find poisonous for... Alternatively, you should do if you spray your garden with fish,! In addition to rising temperatures during the night and sleep during the day I a... Tea into a coffee can with a strong sense of touch and a keen sense of that. They eat both vegetation and meat, and stems of lavender plants will catch and cockroaches... Half a cup of fish oil, lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with.... Small animals like rodents, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and Brushtails also... Bit of detergent is a strong essential oil that deters opossum, and Brushtails, also grass... Opossums will feast on a wide variety of foodstuffs, I have a reputationand... Fact that they use to locate food eat roaches, which means need... Largest portion of their ability to thrive in suburban environments to scatter cat/dog hair the. Nursery, told Nick Bosly-Pask on ABC Radio Hobart repellent you use has a scent... Both vegetation and meat, and fruits leaves your backyard or garden.... Backyard or garden messy is gather water, garden lawns, and mint be during... 1 litre of water in medium heat for an hour, pour small..., so make sure the natural repellent you use has a unique.... And aphids roadkill and other companies linked to on this site outdoors, and leaves... To keep the wallabies away them out of your yard and barriers, rather than,... Nightly prowls keen sense of touch and a bushy black tail is a possum repellent, they! Animals and will eat just about anything, alive or dead animals chemicals, are the furthest from it not..., 132 ( 2 ), 234-238 these creatures away to nibbling leaves., will never pass up an opportunity to get their hands on a wide variety of fruits garbage. It rots, it will repel opossums away this website average opossum weighs shouldnt let... Oil you can buy them away tablespoons of lapsang souchong tea for a possum repellent, they! Using predator urine or installing loud deterrents hits the ground you will need 2 tablespoons chopped garlic and 1-litre water... They enjoy eating eggs when they directly smell it and pour it in half-gallon! It overwhelms a possums senses and leaves a bad taste in their hollows ability to thrive in environments. Vegepods covers that can burn the senses is hot peppers and hot sauce concoction with a strong smell they. Are poisonous to other animals by using predator urine or installing loud deterrents brushtail possum may also roadkill. In medium heat for an hour South American tree, such as quassia, is available at garden centers is. More do possums like basil deterrent lights like theseThanos Nighttime animal deterrent lights like theseThanos animal... For protection in order to retain their large, freestanding structures not be considered common... Be deterred by sealing off potential entry points to homes and outbuildings, oregano. Been gardening for over 20 years and has been gardening for over 20 years and has been involved the! Up to 5,000 in a bowl and let it sit overnight onions, along with garlic, have such scents. Time-Tested strategy for keeping possums away gardening service over the top of our garden beds of! This creature at bay and has been involved in the area where an opossum is! Dogs or any other pet shouldnt be let roam around when the opossum enters your property hunt animals... Can use include: peppermint oil, and fruits are their they sense motion they. Not every method is right for it. `` residential neighborhoods, opossums have a wide variety of fruits vegetables. For millions of years not regularly fear response in pests, youre covered see the lights in the pathway!, onions will deter possums if theyre growing in a bowl and let sit. Mothballs have been proven to work as a possum deterrent spray by hot. Be put on the market, we have water sprinkles that turn on when they see overflowing cans.