Possums are protected native wildlife in Australia. That means they cannot legally be relocated to a new property. If possums are damaging your garden plants, physical deterrents and barriers are the only safe and lawful options.
Possums eating your garden plants
Why You Cannot Relocate Possums
Possums Are Protected by Law
Under Australian wildlife regulations, only licensed catchers can trap a possum—and only to release it within 25 metres of the capture point.
Relocation Causes Harm
- Possums are territorial. New areas already contain resident possums that may attack the newcomer.
- A relocated possum will struggle to find shelter or food.
- This leads to injury or starvation, often ending in death.
Can Possum Removal Services Help with Garden Problems?
No, garden possums cannot be removed.
Peter the Possum Man specialises in:
- Evicting possums from inside buildings
- Sealing access holes
- Releasing possums near the point of capture
Outdoor garden activity does not qualify for legal relocation, and the possum must remain in its territory.
Why Possums Are Attracted to Your Garden
Possums are omnivores and explore any area that offers food or shelter.
Common Plants Possums Eat
- Herbs
- Rose flowers
- Tender new growth
- Fruit and vegetables
They often target favourite or fertilised plants, as these are most palatable.
How to Deter Possums from Eating Your Garden Plants
1. Build Floppy Fences (With Limitations)
- Attach a flexible flap to the top of a fence
- Flap bends when possums climb, preventing access
- Limitations: Possums can jump from trees, making fences alone ineffective unless trees are pruned
2. Avoid Relying on Commercial Sprays
- Powders and sprays marketed as deterrents are often ineffective
- Most are washed away by rain
- Peter Possum has not found any proven repellents
How to Physically Protect Garden Beds from Possums
1. Use Bird Netting Over Herb Gardens
- Install short stakes at garden corners
- Drape thick-twine bird netting over the area
- Ensure netting touches the ground fully
- Use heavy-duty material to avoid trapping bats or birds
- Netting is usually enough unless possum habits are well-established
2. Build a Possum-Proof Barrier
- Construct a lockable enclosure using:
- Metal stakes or timber frames
- Metal mesh with hole size no larger than 1 inch
- Metal stakes or timber frames
- Create a secured entry door for personal access
- Design it so possums cannot force it open
Once access is blocked, possums usually move on to easier food sources elsewhere.
Have Possums Moved Indoors? Call for Safe Possum Eviction
While garden damage by possums can only be managed with barriers, possums that move into your roof or wall cavities require licensed removal.
Our expert team at Peter the Possum Man locates all entry points, performs legal trapping, and ensures permanent eviction by sealing your home against re-entry.
Contact us today and stop possums from taking over your home.
