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How to get rid of possums

Possums and gardens don’t mix well. With their taste for foliage, flowers and fruits, possums can wreak havoc on your backyard. Here are a few quick and effective remedies to help possum-proof your place.

1. D-Ter and Scat
These are powder preparations that are diluted in water to make a liquid spray (Scat is also available as a ready-to-use spray). They work on the possum’s sense of smell and taste, and can be applied to the plant itself, as well as the surrounding area.

READ: 5 tips for greener gardening

2. Spikes
These are an excellent way to impede possum access along fences and pergola beams, and can be wrapped around tree trunks. Pest-X spikes, which are made from clear polycarbonate, come in lengths of 600mm and can be attached to most surfaces using glue, cable ties, screws or nails.

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3. Poss Off protection
Made with chilli, garlic and citronella, Poss Off is a strong-smelling, bitter-tasting brew that possums don’t like. Spray it onto plants in the evening, so it’s fresh when the their foraging begins. If you need to spray large plants, invest in a quality pump-action garden sprayer, so you can achieve good coverage and reach.

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4. Netting
This offers fail-safe protection from possums, as long as you cover the entire plant. To cover small plants, such as lettuce or chillies, insert a few stakes into the pot or soil. Then drape the netting over the stakes. Pull back the netting each morning, so it doesn’t get in the way of pollination and watering.

5. Spotlights
Spotlights trained onto trees can often be effective in reducing possum attacks. To save electricity, it’s a good idea to try a spotlight with a motion detector – that way it will only flick on when the possum’s movements are detected.

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6. Strayban
This is a computerised device, that emits a rotating ultrasonic sound frequency. It’s inaudible to humans, but discomforting to possums, so they quickly move on from the area. The unit plugs into a power point, and is effective for up to 10m in front of the unit.

Homemade remedy- here’s how to make a quick possum-deterring mixture
Step 1| Mix equal quantities of Vaseline and Vicks VapoRub on a plastic container lid.
Step 2| Use a knife or a spoon to spread the mixture along known possum highways around your garden.

What is your secret to getting rid of possums?


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