Possums are a protected species in Australia but not in New Zealand.
They can really limit the kinds of plants you grow in your garden and
this can be frustrating but possums need human help to survive.
If you live in Australia, you can offset the destruction of their
natural environment by creating a good location for them to live. You
can do this by using nesting boxes and attractive vegetation whilst
deterring them from areas where they create damage.
In New Zealand, possums are considered invasive. Contact the
Department of conservation for assistance in removing them.
1. Place netting or cloth bags over your plants, fruit and vegetables.
Netting can cover the entire plant and cloth bags can cover individual
fruit.
2. Deter Climbing. The use of the Bird Shock Tape system running across the top of fences or ledges will stop them coming back. It gives the possum a harmless shock and scares them off. They will remember that it is there and not return.
3. Install ultrasonic devices. The Yard Sentinel 131 , Yard Sentinel
RC and Solar Yard Guard are fantastic possum deterrents due to the high pitched sound they
make. The Yard Sentinel RC also has a flashing night light. This sound is inaudible to most humans. Use them in conjunction with some Dynamic Lifter in the base of the plants. It will change their whole environment!
4. Use a Motion Activated Sprinkler
Pointed in the direction where the pest possum will run across its path, it will spray a 5 second burst of water scaring the pest possum away. Not only will it scare pests such as
possums away, it will keep your lawns and plants looking lush!
As we know a habit is not broken in a day so keep the pressure on our
furry friends! Read our previous blog on how to keep possums off the
roof for more info and tips on safe relocation for them.
Here are the most common Q’s and A’s our staff at Bird Control Australia receive when it comes to possum control:
Q. If I relocate a possum a few kilometres away, will it make its way back?
A. Yes, possums are territorial and are quite likely and capable of returning.
Q. Do night lights deter possums?
A. Yes, possums do not like flashing or bright lights
Q. What plants do possums NOT like to eat?
A. Strong smelling plants such as tea tree, lavender and geraniums.
They also dislike prickly plants such as prickly pears
Q. Do possum traps work?
A. Although you can catch possums in a trap and relocate them, it’s
not particularly effective for deterring other possums. It is also illegal to relocate them in most states.
Q. How do I deal with possums if I have pets?
A .Possums are nocturnal, which means they only come out at night and
sleep during the day. 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.
Q. Possums are pooping under my clothesline. How do I prevent that?
A. They are coming for food, water or shelter. Eliminate the source
and place a deterrent there and they will not come anymore.