Keep this guy out of my figs?
August 9th, 2025
So, a fellow gardener reached out with a common problem: a possum has taken a liking to their figs and is also making itself at home in their crawlspace. They’re looking for humane, non-lethal ways to persuade this furry visitor to find a new buffet. It’s a situation many of us who share our spaces with nature can relate to!
Wildlife encounters in the garden are part of the charm, but when our hard-earned produce becomes a nightly snack, we need solutions. Possums, or opossums as they’re also known, are fascinating marsupials native to the Americas. They’re often misunderstood but play a role in the ecosystem, including helping control insect populations. However, that doesn’t make them welcome dinner guests, especially when they’re eyeing your prize-winning figs.
When dealing with possums, the goal is to make your garden and home less appealing to them, rather than harming them. Here are a few humane strategies to consider:
Securing Your Garden and Home:
- Fencing: A physical barrier is often the most effective. If the possum is getting into your garden, consider a fence that’s at least 3 feet high. For critters that can climb, ensure the top is reinforced or has an inward-facing overhang. Mesh or chicken wire can be effective.
- Crawlspace Access: The priority for the crawlspace is to block entry points. Inspect the foundation of your home and seal any holes or gaps. Possums are quite adept at squeezing through small openings. Heavy-duty hardware cloth or metal sheeting can be used for more robust sealing.
- Cleanliness: Remove potential food sources. This means picking up fallen fruit (yes, those figs!) regularly and securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Pet food left outdoors overnight can also be a draw.
Deterrents:
- Scents: Possums have a strong sense of smell. Certain strong odors can be off-putting. Ammonia-soaked rags placed strategically around the garden or near entry points have been known to deter them. Another option is to use commercial predator urine scents available at garden supply stores.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A sudden burst of water can startle a possum and make it think twice about visiting. Place these in areas where the possum is most active.
- Lights and Sounds: While possums are generally nocturnal, sudden bright lights or startling noises might discourage them. Motion-activated lights can work similarly to sprinklers.
What to Avoid:
It’s important to remember that these are wild animals. The goal is coexistence, not conflict. Avoid any methods that could harm the animal. Poison or lethal traps are not only inhumane but can also be harmful to other wildlife, pets, and even the environment.
Dealing with garden visitors like possums is a dance between enjoying nature and protecting our harvest. By focusing on prevention and gentle deterrence, we can encourage them to find their meals elsewhere, keeping our figs safe and our crawlspaces uninvited-guest-free. Happy gardening!