How to deter possums from your veggie patch (humane methods)

Possums are determined night raiders and will happily help themselves to your veggies and fruit. They are also protected under Australian law, so the goal is to keep them out humanely, not to harm them.

What works:

1. Net or cover the bed. Possum-proof netting or a simple frame is the most reliable fix. Secure it firmly at the base so they cannot push underneath. A raised bed makes a neat frame easy to fit.
2. Remove the temptations. Pick up fallen fruit, clean up spilt birdseed, and keep the compost covered.
3. Fit a motion-activated sprinkler. A sudden burst of water startles possums and teaches them to keep away, without any harm.
4. Try a motion-activated light. A sensor light in a dark corner can be enough to move them on.
5. Give them somewhere else to be. A possum box high in a tree can draw them away from the veggies.

What to avoid: possums are protected, so trapping and relocating them yourself is not allowed in most cases, and it rarely works anyway, as another possum simply moves in. Netting and deterrents are the humane, legal and effective route. If a possum is living in your roof or you cannot move it on, speak to a licensed wildlife service.

For more on keeping your patch pest-free, see our guide to managing pests safely.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.