Possums like to live in enclosed, dry spaces like tree hollows. But if there is no tree hollow available, your roof is the next best thing. Unfortunately for you, having possums in the roof is disruptive and potentially dangerous. Besides the noise and mess that they make, they can chew through electrical wiring, causing it to short-circuit and potentially start a fire.
If you think you have one of these critters in your roof, the best option is to find its entry point and get a licenced professional to safely remove it. Before the animal is released, you should seal up the entry point in the roof so it can’t return, then hang a nesting box or hollow log in a tree, so that it has a new home.
How to tell if you have possums in the roof
Many people think they have one (or more) of these native marsupials their roof, but often they end up being rats. If it’s a possum, you will hear a heavy thumping movement across the ceiling (and sometimes hissing noises), whereas if it’s rats you will hear a pitter-patter sound.
If you’re unsure whether the intruder is more of the rodent or marsupial variety, a pest control tech can easily tell you by locating their entry point and looking at the size of the hole.
Removing the possum
Licenced possum removal professionals can safely deal with the possum for you by placing a cage at the roof’s entry point to trap it. We know how to keep the animal calm and out of harm’s way while we block off their entry point so that they can’t return.
Australian law states possums need to be released within in 25 metres of where they were caught. Releasing them elsewhere could be putting them in another possum’s territory, which will be bad news for our newly released friend!
So, while the intruder might still be on your property, they won’t be able to get back in your roof. Leaving them an alternative home like a nesting box should keep them out of your hair (and roof).
Preventing more from entering your roof
To stop possums getting in your roof in the first place, there are a few preventative measures you can take:
- Stop them from gaining access to your roof by removing overhanging branches and foliage.
- Maintain your roofing and tiles, and check regularly for broken tiles or gaps that may have opened up.
- Check your roof after a storm or severe weather, as this can loosen tiles.
Licensed, hassle-free possum removal
If you find yourself with an unwanted tenant in your roof space, it’s easiest and safest to contact a licensed possum removal professional. It’s illegal for an unlicensed person to trap these native animals, so never attempt it yourself unless you have a licence.