I Have A Problem

Question

I live in a apt for 30 yrs. In the past 7 yrs I have been dealing with tree rats and opossums from coming on my patio and leaving behind there fleas and them eating my potted parsley. I have tried the snap traps but they are too smart for them. They eat the peanut butter from the opposite side and don’t get caught. I have also, tried putting many small shepherds hooks with Irish Spring soap in cheap nylons but they still come and I go out onto my patio in the morning to check my plants and my leg’s get bitten up with their fleas. Do you have any suggestions? I do have a Desert tortoise and I clean up any un-eaten lettuce or other food every afternoon.(she hides from them.)

Answer 1

You may want to keep the opossums, because they eat rats and ticks. It may help to plant some undesirable plants near the parsley, which may steer them away. Animals don't like plants with strong smells or plants with fuzzy leaves, etc. I included an article below with some plant ideas.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/benefits-of-opossums.ht

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/possum-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/camouflage-gardening.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/plants-mice-wont-eat.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/potted-plants-and-animals.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/eliminate-rats-in-gardens.htm