Possums (Common Brushtail, Ringtail)
Trichosurus vulpecula; Pseudocheirus peregrinus
Native marsupials that browse soft new growth, fruit, flower buds and leafy vegetables at night. Protected species.
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Identify from a photoBackground
Brushtail and ringtail possums are native Australian marsupials and are protected under state wildlife legislation. They are primarily leaf, flower and fruit feeders, and will happily strip a vegetable patch overnight. Because they are protected, control is limited to deterrents and exclusion; killing, trapping and relocating possums without a permit is illegal in every state.
How to identify
- Damage: whole shoots bitten off cleanly, fruit half-eaten, soft new growth grazed to the ground, tooth marks on fruit
- Scats: cylindrical, 20-30mm, found on garden beds and walkways under trees
- Noises at night: heavy footsteps on roof, growls and hisses
Life cycle
Nocturnal. Brushtails breed year-round in mild climates; one joey per female per year. Territorial. Defending a territory encourages unchanged local visitor pattern.
Weather triggers
- Temperature: -5-40°C
- Activity year-round. Warm dry weather may reduce wild food and drive possums into gardens.
Peak season (southern hemisphere)
Red = active season · Dark red outlined = this month
Affected vegetables & crops
Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.
Climate zones at risk
Organic & low-impact control
- Exclusion: netted cages over vegetable beds; tree guards of flexible plastic around trunks
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Smelly deterrents: blood-and-bone sprinkled around beds, garlic sprays (partial deterrent)
- White lights on sensors in the garden
Chemical control
- Poisoning is illegal. Trapping requires a permit from state wildlife authority.
Always read product labels. Registrations change.
Prevention
- Prune branches that overhang the garden from nearby trees and roofs
- Close off roof cavities with appropriate one-way doors (engage a professional)
- Provide a dedicated possum box elsewhere on the property as an alternative home
Companion planting
No planting reliably deters possums, though possums generally avoid strongly aromatic rosemary, chilli and lavender hedges.
Biosecurity
Possums are protected native wildlife. Harming them is illegal without a permit.
Sources
- NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Living with possums
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Possums
- Wildlife Victoria, Living with possums
Accuracy confidence: high. We update this library as new extension guidance is published.
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