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Do possums eat plants?

Author

Christopher Duran

Updated on February 24, 2026

Do possums eat plants?

They are true omnivores, feasting on fruits, nuts, plants, insects and small animals such as mice and rats. Although they may look frightening, they generally freeze or run away rather than attack an approaching human or pet.

In respect to this, how do I stop possums eating my plants?

  1. Net affected plants with shade cloth or white bird netting at night time.
  2. Sprinkling blood and bone fertiliser around the base of ornamental plants and fruit trees can act as a significant possum deterrent.

Beside above, do possums ruin gardens? Opossum, or simply possums, are generally considered a nuisance in and around the garden, particularly when this mammal feeds on or tramples your plants. They can also attack the trash can and can steal your pet's food as well. They can destroy your backyard and garden.

Also Know, what garden plants do possums eat?

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.

Do possums eat flowering plants?

Possums are known to be fond of eating new plant growth, fruit on fruit trees and many flowers, like camellias and roses.

What smell do possums hate?

To keep raccoons, possums, skunks, or other critters out of your garbage, regularly spray the side of your cans with a mixture of half ammonia, and half water. They hate the smell (as we all do) and will stay away.

What do possums hate most?

Natural possum deterrents affect differently their senses, and the most effective ones repel because of their smell, taste or both.

Possums hate the taste of:

  • Garlic.
  • Onion.
  • Hot peppers.
  • Hot sauce.
  • Mustard.
  • Quassia chips.
  • Black tea.
  • Fish oil.

Will vinegar keep possums away?

Vinegar or Fox urine will help you get rid of Opossums. They move around at night so sprinkle, spray, or drop your vinegar when your Opossum is out for his/her dinner, of course on the spot she or he was seen last.

How do I possum proof my garden?

Possum-Proof Gardens
  1. Menthol Rubs - Try smearing something 'stinky' around the boundaries of your garden like menthol chest rub.
  2. Moth Balls - You can also try hanging moth balls in citrus trees to deter possums from taking fruit.

What is the best possum deterrent?

How to deter possums the easy way
  1. Molasses. Otherwise known as black treacle, a simple cup of molasses can work wonders on a bunch of pesky possums that is munching on your delicious garden wonders every night.
  2. Spicy Mix. If molasses didn't work, try some spicier stuff!
  3. Quassia Chips.
  4. Mothballs.
  5. Sprinkler.

What plants will possums not eat?

Natural possum deterrents

Planting agapanthus, citronella varieties, lavender and rosemary bushes around your veggie patch may help keep the wallabies away.

What is a possums favorite food?

What is a possum's favorite food? Possums like to munch on vegetables and fruits. They like sweet things but should not eat them in excess. They eat almost anything.

Do possums eat cats?

Opossums do not prey on cats or other larger mammals but will attack them if cornered, or if competing for food. Opossums cause loss to home gardens by eating nuts, berries, fruits, and grapes. They eat pet food left outside and may raid compost bins.

How do you scare a possum away?

Simple Scare Tactics
  1. Tie helium balloons around your yard to sway in the wind and startle the possums away.
  2. Place pinwheels, found in party supply stores, in the soil around your plants.
  3. Set up an oscillating fan in your garden with an extension cord.
  4. Play a portable radio in your yard.

Is possum poo good for the garden?

Those with bush properties often encounter droppings from a variety of animals. If you have sufficient quantities, droppings from native herbivores, such as kangaroos, wombats and possums, can be described as 'the good poo', although they're generally slow to decompose.

Do possums eat apples?

Can baby possums eat apples, bananas, and other fruit? Yes. Possums eat fruit of all kinds.

Is it bad to have possums around your house?

As a homeowner, you may see opossums as unwanted pests, but they can also be helpful critters. On one hand, having opossums around can be beneficial because they are known to eat harmful insects and annoying pests such as cockroaches, rats and snakes.

Are possums OK to have around?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Compared to other types of wildlife, they are very helpful. Opossums not only play an essential role in the ecosystem, but they can also be a valuable asset to your garden, in spite of the fact that most people are quick to control their numbers.

What brings possums to your yard?

In most cases, these animals get attracted by odorous and overflowing garbage cans, any containers left outdoors, or uncovered compost heaps. Since opossums are scavengers, they can feed on anything they find. They like moist areas, that is why they prefer inhabiting near water areas.

How do you tell if you have a possum in your yard?

5 Signs of an Opossum Infestation in Your Home or Business
  1. Loud scratching noises – Opossums make ripping, scratching, and scuttling noises as they build their nest.
  2. Constant animal vocalizations – If you hear noises such as hissing, shrieking, clicking, or lip smacking, you could have multiple opossums living inside.

What does a possum poop look like?

What Do Opossum Droppings Look Like? Opossum feces are roughly one to two inches in length, smooth on the sides, and may have white or yellowish mold growing on the outer casings. Otherwise, opossum droppings are brown in color.

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