Actually, Opossums are the Good for the Garden

If you let them, they can play an important role in your garden by chowing down on snails, grubs, beetles, rats, mice and gophers that might otherwise chow down on your crops or lawn. ... They also eat ticks, preventing Lyme Disease.

Are possums beneficial to the garden?
Will possums eat my vegetable garden?
Are possums good for anything?
Are opossum good to have around?
What do possums hate?
What is so bad about opossums?
How do you possum proof a vegetable garden?
Are possums bad to have around your house?
How do I get rid of possums in my garden?
Should I kill a possum in my yard?
What attracts possums to my yard?
Do possums eat cats?

Are possums beneficial to the garden?

If there is an opossum in the backyard, don't worry. ... But far from being a nuisance, opossums can be beneficial for your garden, eating snails, slugs, insects and sometimes even small rodents. They'll even clean up spilled garbage and fruit that has fallen off trees.

Will possums eat my vegetable garden?

They may pose an occasional threat to garden fruits and vegetables, but they tend to prefer plant matter that is starting to rot, so chances are they will help clean up, rather than clean out, your garden.

Are possums good for anything?

Opossums, sometimes referred to just as possums, are a benefit to ecosystems and a healthy environment beyond eradicating ticks. They will catch and eat cockroaches, rats and mice – in addition to consuming dead animals of all types (also known as carrion).

Are opossum good to have around?

Opossums are so often misunderstood but they are great creatures to have around. They're docile, unlikely to threaten pets or carry disease, and they help keep pest populations under control. ... Among all the wildlife visitor to your back yard, opossums are one of the best to have around.

What do possums hate?

Natural possum deterrents affect differently their senses, and the most effective ones repel because of their smell, taste or both. Sometimes, but less often, they work because of how they feel (food texture).
...
Possums hate the taste of:

Molasses.
Garlic.
Onion.
Hot peppers.
Hot sauce.
Mustard.
Quassia chips.
Black tea.

What is so bad about opossums?

Although opossums are prone to carry parasites and diseases associated with rotten food, the risk of contracting rabies from these misunderstood critters is low. A low body temperature makes rabies extremely rare and even then, opossums are unlikely to attack or even defend themselves from humans or larger animals.

How do you possum proof a vegetable garden?

Possum-Proof Gardens

Menthol Rubs - Try smearing something 'stinky' around the boundaries of your garden like menthol chest rub. Place the smelly ointment on areas where there's an over-hanging hanging branch or structure. ...
Moth Balls - You can also try hanging moth balls in citrus trees to deter possums from taking fruit.

Are possums bad to have 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.

How do I get rid of possums in my garden?

Possums eating your plants?

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

Should I kill a possum in my yard?

Killing these animals should only be a last resort, and is often not permitted in most states. Nonetheless, trapping them in a box or cage-like trap is fairly easy. Traps should measure about 10 by 12 by 32 inches (25.5 by 30.5 by 81.5 cm.).

What attracts possums to my yard?

Opossums are scavengers and will eat just about anything. They are attracted to overflowing or odorous trash cans, uncovered compost heaps or other containers that you may have outside. They like to set up their habitat near water or moist areas.

Do possums eat cats?

The opossum will eat fresh meat or carrion and is often seen feeding on road kill. 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.