## How to Protect Your Vegetable Garden from Possums
Possums are nocturnal marsupials that are found in many parts of the world. They are often considered to be pests because they can damage crops and gardens. However, there are a number of things that you can do to protect your vegetable garden from possums.
### Exclusion
The most effective way to protect your vegetable garden from possums is to exclude them from the area. This can be done by installing a fence or by using other physical barriers.
Fencing
A fence is the most effective way to exclude possums from your vegetable garden. The fence should be at least 6 feet tall and should be made of a material that possums cannot climb over or dig under.
Other Physical Barriers
You can also use other physical barriers to exclude possums from your vegetable garden. These barriers can include:
Motion-activated sprinklers
Ultrasonic repellents
Ammonia-soaked rags
Cayenne pepper
### Habitat Modification
You can also make your vegetable garden less attractive to possums by modifying the habitat. This can include:
Removing potential hiding places
Trimming overhanging branches
Keeping your yard clean of debris
### Trapping and Removal
If you have a possum problem, you may need to trap and remove the animals. This should be done by a professional trapper.
Trapping
Possums can be trapped using a variety of methods, including:
Live traps
Cage traps
Foot-hold traps
Removal
Once you have trapped a possum, you should release it in a suitable habitat far from your home.
### Repellents
There are a number of repellents that can be used to deter possums from entering your vegetable garden. These repellents can include:
Commercial repellents
Homemade repellents
## Prevention Tips
In addition to the above methods, there are a number of things that you can do to prevent possums from entering your vegetable garden in the first place. These tips include:
Keep your garden clean. Possums are attracted to food and debris. By keeping your garden clean, you can make it less attractive to these animals.
Remove potential hiding places. Possums like to hide in dark, secluded areas. By removing potential hiding places, you can make your garden less appealing to these animals.
Trim overhanging branches. Possums can use overhanging branches to climb over fences. By trimming overhanging branches, you can make it more difficult for these animals to enter your garden.
Use motion-activated lights. Motion-activated lights can deter possums from entering your garden.
Install an ultrasonic repellent. Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that can deter possums.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your vegetable garden from possums.