The possum is a marsupial that is native to Australia and New Guinea, and it has become a common invasive species in many other parts of the world. The possum is known for its small size and large ears, as well as its tendency to eat vegetables.
Possums are omnivores, meaning that they will eat a variety of both plant and animal foods. The possum’s diet consists of many types of plants, including wild berries, fruits, leaves, stems, bark, flowers, roots, fungi, eggs, insects, and worms. Possums will eat a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers and tomatoes.
When in the wild, possums will eat whatever they can find in their natural habitat such as plants and invertebrates like snails and slugs. They also like decaying carcasses and the bones of dead animals. The possum can survive on a diet of insects alone if necessary. Possums have been known to eat the larvae of insects such as bees and wasps.
Vegetables That Possums Eat
Possums will also eat certain vegetables if by chance they invade a garden; they typically prefer to eat the leaves of plants rather than their roots. Here are certain types of vegetables that possums enjoy eating:
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Tomato
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Alfalfa
- Beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn (maize)
- Dandelions
- Zucchini
- Apple
- Beets
How To Keep Possums Away From the Garden
Possums are an invasive species that can do a lot of damage to your garden; hence, it’s important to keep them away. Here are some tips on how to keep them away from your garden:
- Get rid of their food source.
- Use a motion-sensing sprinkler.
- Use pepper spray or citrus oil.
- Use a dog to protect your garden.
- Put up bird netting.
End Notes
Typically, possums will consume the leafy part of the vegetables and fruits found in garden spaces. In winter, they will feed on rodents and insects. Besides vegetables, possums will also eat decaying plants and weeds. However, Possums cannot eat almonds, cheese, onions, dairy products, green potatoes, and junk food. These foods can cause gastrointestinal problems when possums eat any of them.