In the blend of garden and nature, plants often face a variety of animals “patronize”, possum is one of them. These nocturnal creatures have a unique ecological role, but when they cause damage to our carefully cultivated plants, we need to take measures to prevent them. Understanding the habits of possums and using effective removal methods can help us protect the growth and beauty of plants and achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
The Habits And Plant Preferences Of Possums
1. Life habits of possums
Possums are adaptable mammals, mostly nocturnal. They usually rest in tree holes, rock crevices, underground burrows or dense vegetation during the day, and come out to feed after night falls. Possums are slower, but they have excellent climbing abilities and can easily climb trees, fences, etc., which allows them to reach locations where many plants are located. And the opossum’s diet is more varied, which also sets the stage for conflict with human-grown plants.\
2. Opossums’ preference for plants
Possums are not very picky in their food choices, and will eat fruits, flowers, young leaves, and roots from a variety of plants. For example, during the fruit ripening season, possums show a strong interest in berry fruits such as blueberries and strawberries, and often sneak into orchards or gardens at night to feast on them. The young leaves of vegetables such as broccoli and lettuce are also targeted. In addition, flowers and buds of flowers such as roses can also be eaten by possums, causing damage to the ornamental value of the plant.
Physical Removal Method
1. Fence setting
Fence height and material
Proper fencing is an effective physical means to prevent possums from entering the planting area. The height of the fence should be at least 1.2-1.5 meters, as possums have strong climbing ability. In terms of material, you can choose wire mesh or strong wooden fence. The mesh size of the wire mesh fence should be moderate to prevent possums from passing through, and it is generally recommended that the mesh diameter not exceed 5 cm. Wooden fences need to be smooth and have no points of contact for possums to climb, for example, the top of the fence can be made into an outward sloping shape, or some smooth protective devices such as plastic baffles can be installed on the outside of the fence.
The integrity and depth of the fence
Not only should the fence be high enough and made of the right material, it also needs to ensure its integrity. Check the fence for breaks, leaks, or gaps, and repair them in time to prevent possums from entering through these weak points. In addition, the bottom of the fence should be buried at least 30 cm into the ground to prevent possums from digging into the planting area from the ground. For some areas with soft soil, the depth of the fence can be deepened appropriately.
2. Protective net coverage
For small plants and crops
For some small plants or vegetable crops, protective nets can be used to cover them. Choose a fine protective net, such as a nylon net or metal net with a aperture of 1-2 cm, to completely cover the plant or crop. When mulching, make sure the net is tightly attached to the ground. Use dirt, rocks, or other heavy objects to hold down the edges of the net to prevent possums from burrying through the bottom. Protective nets can not only effectively block possums, but also resist some birds, insects and other damage to plants.
Protection of fruit trees and tall plants
For fruit trees and some tall plants, larger protective net frames can be built. The height of the frame should be higher than the crown of the plant in order to be able to completely cover the plant. The material of the protective net should also be strong and durable, and attention should be paid to fixing it firmly when installing it to avoid being blown down by the wind or damaged by possums. Some auxiliary supports can be set up around the trunk of the fruit tree to fix the protective net on the trunk and enhance the stability of the protective net.
3. Use of repellent devices
Ultrasonic rat repellent
An ultrasonic mouse repeller is a common repellent device that works by emitting high-frequency ultrasonic waves that are beyond the range of human hearing, but can irritate animals such as possums, causing them to feel uncomfortable and stay away. When using the ultrasonic mouse repeller, it is necessary to arrange it reasonably according to the size and shape of the planting area. In general, every 50-100 square meters of area needs to be placed a mouse repellent, installed about 30-50 cm high from the ground, and to avoid surrounding obstacles to block the spread of ultrasonic waves.
Induction sprinkler
The induction water spray is also an effective physical device to repel possums. When the possum enters its sensing range, the device automatically ejects a stream of water to scare the possum away. The device can be installed around or inside the plant growing area, adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor and the range of water spraying. For example, the sensing range can be set in a radius of about 3-5 meters, and the pressure of the water spray is moderate, which can frighten the possum and will not cause damage to the plant.
Chemical Removal Method
1. Use of repellents
Ingredients and effects of natural repellents
Some natural repellents can be used to repel possums. For example, repellents containing capsaicin, peppermint oil, allicin and other ingredients have better effects. Capsaicin stimulates the smell and taste systems of possums, causing them to develop an aversion to capsaicin-scented areas. Peppermint oil and allicin have a similar effect, and their strong smell will keep possums away. These natural repellents can be diluted in a certain proportion and sprayed on the leaves, stems and surrounding ground of the plant. In general, add 10-20 milliliters of capsaicin extract, 20-30 milliliters of peppermint oil or 30-50 milliliters of allicin solution per liter of water and spray it 2-3 times a week.
Selection and application of chemical synthetic repellents
Chemically synthesized repellents are also available on the market, such as some containing ammonia compounds or sulfides. These repellents have a strong odor and are effective in repelling possums. When using chemical synthetic repellents, it is necessary to operate in strict accordance with the requirements on the product manual. Usually, after diluting the repellent, spray it evenly in the environment around the plant with a sprayer, taking care not to spray it directly on the flowers and fruits of the plant, so as not to affect the growth and quality of the plant.
2. Odor interference
Using predator scent
Possums have some natural enemies in nature, such as foxes, wolves and so on. Using the scent of these predators can have a deterrent effect on possums. Buy commercial products that contain ingredients such as fox or Wolf urine and sprinkle them around the edges of plant areas or around highly protected plants. These odors can trick possums into thinking there is danger nearby and avoid approaching. Generally, a small packet containing the predator odor is placed every 3-5 meters and replaced every 1-2 weeks to maintain the effectiveness of the odor.
Pungent odor emission
In addition to predator odors, some other pungent odors can also be used to repel possums. For example, if cotton balls soaked in ammonia are placed around plants, the strong smell of ammonia will keep possums away. Or put some rotten fish, meat, etc., away from plants but near where possums might hang out, and the stench will cause the possums to change their route. However, when using these methods, it is necessary to pay attention to the odor not to cause too much impact on the human living environment, and to regularly replace the odor of the substance.
Biological Control Methods
1. Introduction of natural enemies
Role of natural enemies and risk of introduction
In nature, some animals are natural enemies of possums, such as birds of prey such as owls and eagles, and certain large snakes. The introduction of these predators can control the possum population to some extent. However, the introduction of natural enemies also carries certain risks, which may cause damage to the local ecological balance. For example, introduced birds of prey may prey on other beneficial birds or small mammals, and snakes may pose a threat to humans or pets. Therefore, before the introduction of natural enemies, it is necessary to fully assess the local ecological environment and possible impacts, and to follow relevant laws and regulations and wildlife management regulations.
The auxiliary role of artificial breeding of natural enemies
If it is legal and fully evaluated, it is possible to consider breeding some natural enemies of possums in captivity to help control the possum population. For example, some wildlife conservation agencies or farms breed owls in captivity for controlled release in areas where possums are more dangerous. But this approach requires specialized knowledge and skill, and monitoring and management of natural enemies after release to ensure that they do not cause adverse effects on other organisms and humans.
2. Use of companion plants
Plant species having repellent effects
Certain plants have natural opossum repellent properties and can be planted in tandem with plants we want to protect. For example, herbs with strong odors such as lavender, rosemary, and sage emit odors that can make possums uncomfortable. In addition, some prickly plants, such as thorns and citrate bones, are generally avoided by possums due to their physical defense properties. You can plant these repellents around your garden or orchard to form a natural protective barrier.
Planting layout and effect of associated plants
When planting companion plants, the layout should be reasonable. Repellent plants can be planted at the edges of plant areas or interspersed between major plants. For example, plant a lavender or rosemary plant every 3-5 major plants. This can not only use the repellent effect of companion plants to protect the main plants, but also increase the diversity and beauty of the garden landscape. With the growth of associated plants and the dissemination of odor, it can gradually form a small environment that is not conducive to the survival of possums, and reduce the damage of possums to main plants.
Change Your Environment To Make It Less Attractive
1. Clean up food sources
Timely cleaning of fruits and seeds
Timely removal of fallen fruit and seeds from plants is an important measure to reduce the attraction of possums. In orchards, the fruit should be picked in time after ripening to avoid the fruit falling to the ground and being found by possums. For some naturally fallen fruits and seeds, it is necessary to collect them regularly and dispose of them properly, either by burying them deep or transporting them away from the planting area. For example, in strawberry plantations, after picking each day, check the ground for fallen strawberries and clean it up in time to prevent possums from coming to feed at night.
Waste and compost management
Possums are also attracted to food scraps in garbage and compost. Therefore, it is necessary to properly manage the waste and compost around the growing area. Waste should be stored in a sealed trash can and cleaned out regularly. Compost should be properly stacked and covered to prevent possums from entering the compost pile in search of food. The compost pile can be fenced or covered with a protective net to prevent possums from coming into contact with organic material in the compost.
2. Provide alternative habitat
Set up a dedicated possum habitat
If conditions permit, a dedicated possum habitat can be set up away from the area where the plants are grown. For example, build some simple wooden houses or use old boxes, and place some hay and leaves in them as bedding to provide a place for possums to roost. This will attract possums to designated areas and reduce their infestation of plant areas. When setting up a habitat, choose a place that is relatively quiet, secluded and away from areas of high human activity, while ensuring the safety and stability of the habitat.
Improve the surrounding natural environment
Around the planting area, the natural environment can be improved by planting some wild plants and retaining some natural vegetation communities, so as to provide more natural habitat choices for possums. For example, planting some wild bushes or trees at the edge of an orchard can become a habitat and activity area for possums, so that they will pay less attention to the plants in the orchard. At the same time, these natural vegetation can also provide habitat for other wildlife and promote the development of ecological balance.
Comprehensive Prevention And Control And Continuous Management
1. The combination of multiple methods
A single control method is often difficult to achieve long-term and desirable results, so it is necessary to use a combination of methods to repel possums. For example, methods such as physical fencing, chemical repellents and biological companion plants can be used simultaneously. The physical fence acts as the first line of defense, keeping out most possums; Chemical repellents can be sprayed around the fence and on the plants to enhance the repellent effect; Biological companion plants can create an environment that is not conducive to the survival of possums from a long-term and ecological perspective. Through the synergistic effect of various methods, the control effect of possum can be improved and the plant can be protected better.
2. Continuous monitoring and adjustment
After the implementation of control measures, it is necessary to continuously monitor the activity of possums and the growth of plants. Observe whether the possum still causes damage to the plant, and whether the plant returns to normal growth. If a prevention method is found to be ineffective, it should be adjusted in time. For example, if it is found that the ultrasonic repeller loses its effect on the possum after a period of time, it may be that the possum has adapted to the frequency of the ultrasonic wave, and the position of the repeller can be changed or the frequency of the ultrasonic wave can be adjusted, or other control measures can be added, such as strengthening the use of chemical repellents. Only through continuous monitoring and adjustment can we ensure the effectiveness of control measures and achieve long-term protection of plants.
Conclusion
Keeping possums away from plants requires a comprehensive consideration of possum habits, multiple control methods, and continuous management and monitoring. Through these efforts, we can not only protect plants, but also maintain the balance and harmony of the ecological environment, making our gardens and natural landscapes more beautiful and full of vitality.
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