how to keep possums away from fruit trees

"It's really simple, really cheap and non-toxic. This also requires ensuring that there are no trees or shrubs next to the structure that allow the possum to ease itself down from. We're going to try the greased PVC piping next. This article originally appeared on Starts at 60. I, "I was happy to read the info and find it was a possum eating my plants. Approved. I have heard that sprinkling chilli powder or some other spicy/hot powder on the fruit or vegies that they are eating will deter them. Pick up the fruit that fell from nearby trees. If the possum takes a fancy to your fruit crop or your favorite tree, the animal can completely decimate it. Possums damage the plants when they eat the new growth, so this needs to be prevented. People never want to have opossums on their yards mainly because they are ugly and also since they create a huge mess with the garbage, dog food, birdfeeders … Spray laundry detergent full strength onto foliage. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Also remove any fallen fruit below fruit trees or bushes. To keep netting taut, the first step is to build a frame over the tree to support the netting. More so than their relatives in the northern hemisphere, possums native to Australia (with the brushtail variety introduced to New Zealand) are adept, flexible, and creative climbers. Ms Witham said she leaves the mixture to infuse overnight. I love 'em. That's all four effective ways that will make those possums go away from your house. Apart from setting traps by the trees and night shoots, does anyone have any other tips or experience with this?? This could be a box-shaped frame of PVC pipe or timber, or a number of star pick… They are worse than ratus ratus that can be dealt with, terminally. Opossum prevention - how to keep opossums away from your house and yard Opossums have opposable thumbs and prehensile tails. Persistence is the key! possums can wreak havoc on a garden, backyard and lawn. For tips on how to keep possums out of your fruit trees, read on! This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. If you're not sure how the possums are getting in, patrol the area at dusk and watch for possums leaving their den. Thanks! He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Thanks. So, learn to live with them. [2] Use this full strength. We have recently planted 5 fruit trees on our land (pear, apple, apricots and a cherry) but they are being attacked by possums. Possums are considered invasive in New Zealand. I haven't personally used it but have heard it from many sources. Attach a large PVC pipe running horizontally across the top of all of the fencing. For it to be … You can also put up some wind chimes or bells to scare away the possums with loud noises. ", eating my plants. But I don't know how to protect the fruit on trees. Additionally, keep your grass mowed and the area around your house free of piles of wood, grass clippings, or other debris, which can provide cover for possums. Instead of eating all your plants, like the Australian possum, the opossum will clear slugs and snails out of your garden bed. Research source To start with, avoid planting deciduous trees in your garden that possums love to eat, but only provide seasonal food. Garlic is safe to use around your home and property. Yes, they do. Even though they can be territorial, your pets should be fine because they will most likely sleep during the night and come out during the day. When a possum now tries to get into your garden, you should find that it cannot get a secure grip or footing because of a the grease on the drum. Lapsang souchong tea has a strong smoky scent and possums don’t like it at all. Protect large, freestanding trees by encasing several metres of the lower trunk in metal or plastic sleeving. [1] They hate the smell (as we all do) and will stay away. They should be reapplied frequently anyway, for full effectiveness. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Possums almost always die when relocated. Use mothball flakes on beams, and around the base of plants. This will be hard for the possum to grip onto. Add in a smooth metal tree collar of at least 1 metre in length around the trunk of the tree you want to protect. Our dogs go crazy to get to them. Try intermittent fasting with expert advice. This may make tending your garden a little more difficult but it will assure that your plants survive. Possums are cute little animals aren’t they? Lilly Pillies: Lilly pillies provide them with leaves, flowers and fruit. Trustworthy Source To protect vulnerable trees, you can wrap the limbs in cling film and then smear the chest rub over the top. The easiest way to prevent possums from accessing your trees is to install a possum guard. Strong-smelling herbs such as sage, rosemary, or oregano may deter possums, especially when mixed with spicy chili pepper. % of people told us that this article helped them. Bird netting can be used to cover the entire fruit tree to keep the birds out. Gum Trees: Choose the miniature variety, and keep them snipped. This way they won't take over your garden, and they'll provide the possums with a constant supply of young gum tips. Possums are a protected native species in Australia. 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. If you do use a live trap, a small amount of honey works well as bait. Alternatively, try spraying the leaves of your plants with fish sauce, Tabasco sauce, or laundry detergent. Oecologia 164 349–356, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Deter-Possums-from-Your-Garden-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deter-Possums-from-Your-Garden-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Deter-Possums-from-Your-Garden-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid1229374-v4-728px-Deter-Possums-from-Your-Garden-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"