How To Keep Possums Away From Fruit Trees

Possums are a familiar sight across Australian suburbs and rural areas, often scuttling across rooftops or darting through backyard trees under the cover of night. While they’re a charming part of the local wildlife, these nocturnal marsupials can become a gardener’s nightmare—especially when fruit trees are involved.

Many homeowners wake up to find apples, plums, or apricots half-eaten, thanks to hungry possums looking for an easy meal. Because possums are protected under Australian law, it’s important to manage the problem humanely while still safeguarding your precious fruit trees.

In this guide, we’ll explore effective ways to keep possums away from your fruit trees, from physical barriers and repellents to habitat management and professional solutions, helping you protect your harvest without harming Australia’s iconic wildlife.

Understanding Possum Behaviour

To protect your fruit trees effectively, it helps to understand how and why possums get into them.

Nocturnal Activity

Possums are primarily active at night, which is when they do most of their foraging. This explains why you might wake up to half-eaten fruit or see evidence of damage in the morning.

Diet Preferences

While possums are generalist feeders, they have a sweet tooth for fruit. Common favourites include:

• Apples


• Plums


• Apricots


• Grapes


• Figs

They’ll also nibble on flowers, vegetables, and even garden plants if fruit is scarce.

Climbers and Jumpers

Possums are excellent climbers and jumpers, allowing them to access fruit trees easily. They can:

• Climb fences and walls


• Jump from one tree to another


• Use rooftops and eaves as launching points

Understanding these habits is key to designing strategies that keep possums away without harming them.

Legal Considerations in Australia

Before taking any action to deter possums, it’s important to understand their protected status under Australian wildlife laws. Possums cannot be harmed, killed, or trapped without proper licensing, and violating these laws can lead to significant fines.

Key Points:

• Protected Species: Most possum species, including brushtails and ringtails, are legally protected.


• No Harmful Traps: Avoid using poisons, lethal traps, or methods that could injure or kill possums.


• Humane Deterrents Only: Only non-lethal methods—like netting, repellents, or habitat modification—are legally acceptable for keeping possums away.


• Licensed Professionals: If a possum repeatedly causes damage, seek advice or removal from a licensed wildlife handler.

Following these legal guidelines ensures that you protect your fruit trees responsibly while complying with Australian wildlife protection laws.

How To Keep Possums Away From Fruit Trees

Physical Barriers

Creating a physical barrier is one of the most reliable ways to keep possums away from your fruit trees. These methods prevent them from climbing, jumping, or accessing your harvest.

Tree Guards and Wraps

• Wrap the trunks of your fruit trees with plastic or metal guards.


• This prevents possums from climbing up the tree.


• Make sure the guard is smooth and tall enough (at least 60–90 cm) so they can’t bypass it.

Netting Fruit Trees

• Fruit tree netting acts as a cage around your fruit, keeping possums and other animals out.


• Use a strong, fine mesh that they can’t tear through.


• Secure the net at the base to prevent possums from crawling underneath.

Pruning Strategies

• Trim branches that touch fences, roofs, or neighbouring trees to stop possums from jumping onto your fruit trees.


• Maintain a clear gap of at least 2–3 meters between trees and potential access points.

Physical barriers are a safe and legal way to protect your fruit while allowing possums to continue roaming safely in other areas of your garden.

Repellents and Deterrents

If physical barriers aren’t enough—or you want extra protection—there are several humane repellents and deterrents you can use to keep possums away from fruit trees.

Natural Repellents

• Garlic, chilli, or pepper sprays can make fruit and foliage less appealing.


• Commercial possum repellents are also available; always choose non-toxic, wildlife-friendly products.

Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

• Possums are nocturnal and shy, so sudden light or bursts of water can scare them away.


• Motion-activated devices are particularly useful for gardens that are regularly raided.

Ultrasonic Devices

• Emit high-frequency sounds intended to deter nocturnal animals.


• Effectiveness can vary—some possums may habituate over time, so use as part of a broader strategy.

Using a combination of these deterrents along with physical barriers usually yields the best results, keeping possums away while remaining fully humane and legal. Explore more ideas in our guide to DIY possum deterrents.

Habitat Management

Managing your garden and surrounding environment can help discourage possums from visiting your fruit trees without harming them.

Remove Nearby Shelter Options

• Dense shrubs, thick hedges, or piles of timber can serve as hiding spots for possums.


• Keep the area around your fruit trees clear to make possums feel exposed and less likely to approach.

Trim Overhanging Branches

• Possums can jump from one tree to another or from rooftops onto your fruit trees.


• Maintain a gap of 2–3 meters between your trees and potential launch points.

Keep the Ground Tidy

• Regularly collect fallen fruit, leaves, or garden waste that could attract possums.


• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors at night, as this can draw possums closer.

By combining habitat management with physical barriers and deterrents, you create a multi-layered defence that significantly reduces the risk of possums raiding your fruit trees.

Coexistence Tips

While it’s natural to want to protect your fruit, it’s also important to remember that possums are a protected part of Australia’s wildlife. Sometimes, complete exclusion isn’t possible, and a bit of compromise can go a long way.

Accept Some Fruit Loss

• Possums may take a few pieces of fruit despite your best efforts.


• Treat this as part of coexisting with local wildlife rather than a total failure.

Create Alternative Food Sources

• Plant native shrubs or fruiting trees away from your main fruit trees to divert possums.


• This keeps them satisfied without damaging your harvest.

Encourage Wildlife-Friendly Strategies

• Use humane deterrents rather than lethal methods.


• Promote natural habitats in other parts of your garden, so possums are less likely to target your fruit.

By combining protection measures with tolerance and wildlife-friendly strategies, you can safeguard your fruit trees while still supporting Australia’s iconic marsupials.

When to Call a Possum Catcher

Sometimes, despite your best efforts with barriers, repellents, and habitat management, possums keep returning to your fruit trees. In these cases, it’s best to seek help from a licensed possum expert.

Signs You May Need Professional Help

• Repeated visits and ongoing fruit damage despite deterrents.


• Multiple possums are targeting your garden.


• Evidence of nesting close to your fruit trees or house.

Benefits of Using a Licensed Expert

• Humane removal: Professionals know how to safely relocate possums without harming them.


• Legal compliance: Ensures you follow Australian wildlife protection laws.


• Advice & prevention: Experts can recommend long-term strategies to reduce possum visits.

Calling a professional early can save you time, prevent damage, and ensure that both your fruit trees and the possums remain safe.

Conclusion

Possums are a beloved part of Australia’s wildlife, but they can be a frustrating problem for fruit tree owners. By understanding their behaviour, using physical barriers, applying humane repellents, and managing your garden environment, you can significantly reduce possum damage while staying legal and ethical.

Remember, some fruit loss may be inevitable, and creating a wildlife-friendly garden helps possums thrive elsewhere without raiding your harvest. If possums continue to return despite your efforts, contact a licensed wildlife professional for safe and humane assistance.

Protect your fruit trees, respect local wildlife, and enjoy a harvest that benefits both you and Australia’s iconic possums.