Possum Terror: Protecting Strawberries
There’s nothing more disheartening than tending to your strawberry patch all spring, only to find that sneaky possums have helped themselves to your juicy red gems overnight. Possums, while generally harmless and even beneficial in some ecosystems, can become a nightmare when they decide your garden is their buffet. Luckily, there are smart and humane ways to deter these nighttime visitors and protect your beloved berries.
Understanding the Enemy: Possum Behavior
Possums are nocturnal creatures with a keen sense of smell. They’re opportunistic feeders that will eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, pet food, and garbage. Your ripe strawberries are like a five-star dessert to a possum, especially during the warmer months when food is plentiful.
Because they’re climbers and diggers, possums can bypass many simple barriers. They’re also relatively intelligent, meaning once they find a reliable food source, they’re likely to return night after night.
Step 1: Secure Your Garden
Start by fortifying your strawberry patch. A tall fence alone might not do the trick—possum-proofing requires a bit more strategy:
- Install a wire mesh fence around the strawberry beds, at least 4 feet high. Bury the bottom of the mesh 6 inches underground to prevent digging.
- Add an outward overhang at the top, bent about 12 inches away from the garden at a 45-degree angle. This deters climbing.
- Use netting or cloches over the plants themselves. Lightweight mesh garden netting can prevent possums from reaching the fruit.
Step 2: Remove Attractions
Possums are drawn not only to strawberries but also to anything else edible nearby. Keep the area clean and less inviting:
- Harvest ripe fruit daily to reduce temptation.
- Don’t leave pet food or trash outside overnight.
- Trim back overhanging branches that could allow access to the garden.
Step 3: Employ Natural Deterrents
There are several safe and effective deterrents that can help discourage possums:
- Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: These startle possums and make them think twice about returning.
- Scent repellents: Possums dislike strong odors. Spraying garlic, chili, or vinegar solutions around the garden border can be helpful. Reapply after rain.
- Predator urine products: Available at garden centers, these mimic the scent of natural predators and may deter curious possums.
Step 4: Consider Companion Planting
Some gardeners have found success with companion planting. Certain herbs and plants, like rosemary and lavender, emit strong scents that possums dislike. Planting these around the perimeter of your strawberry patch can act as a natural barrier.
Step 5: Use Humane Trapping (If Necessary)
If a particularly bold possum continues to visit despite your efforts, humane trapping might be a last resort. Always check local laws before attempting to trap wildlife. If allowed, use a baited possum trap and release the animal far from residential areas. Avoid harming the possum—remember, they’re part of the ecosystem too.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your strawberries from possum terror requires a bit of persistence and creativity. With a combination of physical barriers, scent deterrents, and garden hygiene, you can greatly reduce the chance of midnight raids. Your strawberries will thank you—and so will your sanity. After all, growing your own food should be a joy, not a battle against the night shift in fur coats.
