Finding a possum in your garage isn’t unusual across Australian suburbs — garages offer shelter, warmth and dark corners that make an appealing spot for a den. But before you reach for a trap or a broom, it’s worth knowing that possums are protected native wildlife, so how you deal with one matters just as much as getting it out.
This guide walks through what’s actually allowed, how to safely encourage a possum to leave on its own, and how to stop it (or another possum) from moving back in.
Why Possums End Up in Garages?
A garage can look a lot like a hollow tree to a possum searching for a den. Common attractions include:
- Dark, sheltered corners, shelving or roof cavities within the garage
- Gaps around the roofline, eaves, vents or an ill-fitting garage door
- Easy access to food, such as pet food left out overnight, compost or fallen fruit nearby
- Overhanging branches that give a possum a direct route from a tree onto the roof
If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a possum or something else entirely, our guide on how to tell if it’s a rat or a possum can help you confirm before you plan your next step.
Is It Legal to Remove a Possum Yourself?
Possums are protected under wildlife legislation in every Australian state and territory. In practice, this means trapping, handling or relocating a possum without a permit is generally not allowed, and where a permit is granted, a trapped possum usually needs to be released within a short distance of where it was caught — moving it further away can leave it without a territory and struggling to survive.
This is why the safest and most reliable approach is encouragement and exclusion — getting the possum to leave under its own steam, then sealing the entry point — rather than trapping it yourself. If you’d like a wider comparison of what’s reasonable to handle on your own versus what to leave to a professional, see our breakdown of DIY vs professional possum removal.
How to Get a Possum Out of Your Garage Safely?
1. Give it a clear way out
If the possum only wandered in looking for food or shelter for the night, leaving the garage door or a window open in the evening is often enough for it to find its own way back out once it feels safe to move.
2. Remove food sources
Take away anything that might be drawing the possum in, including pet food bowls, open bins, fallen fruit, or stored produce. Without a reason to stay, a possum is far more likely to move on.
3. Use gentle deterrents
A light left on, a battery-operated radio, or mild scent deterrents can make a garage feel less appealing to a possum without harming it. These work best in the early evening, when possums are naturally becoming more active and looking to head out to forage.
4. Avoid cornering the possum
Possums generally try to avoid confrontation, but a cornered possum that feels threatened can act defensively. Keep pets and children away from the area, and give the possum plenty of space and a clear path to an exit rather than approaching it directly.
5. Check for young possums first
During breeding season, a possum in your garage may have young in tow or nearby. Sealing an entry point before confirming the garage is empty can separate a mother from her joey, so it’s worth checking carefully — or arranging a professional inspection — before closing anything up.
Sealing the Garage So Possums Don’t Return
Once you’re confident the garage is empty, the next step is closing off however it got in. Effective options include:
- Fitting sturdy mesh or sheet metal over roof vents, eave gaps and other openings
- Repairing or weatherproofing the garage door so there are no gaps along the base or sides
- Trimming back tree branches that overhang the roofline
- Keeping the garage door closed overnight once you know the possum has moved on
Note that an open carport or a garage with permanent gaps can’t be fully sealed, so ongoing food removal and deterrents may be needed to keep it from becoming an appealing spot again. For a broader look at recognising a developing problem before it escalates, see our guide on the signs of a possum problem.
What If the Possum Has Died in the Garage?
Occasionally a possum that’s moved into a garage, wall cavity or nearby roof space won’t make it back out, and the resulting odour can be difficult to trace and unpleasant to deal with. If you’re noticing a smell but can’t locate the source, our articles on dealing with dead possum smell and what to do if a possum dies in your roof cover how to approach it safely.
When to Call a Professional?
Encouragement and exclusion work well for a possum that’s just passing through, but there are situations where professional assistance makes sense — if the possum is nesting rather than visiting, if young possums are involved, if the entry point is hard to locate or access safely, or if the possum keeps returning despite your efforts. For a fuller picture of what’s involved either way, our guide to signs of a possum infestation and how to handle it is a useful next read, alongside general guidance on possum removal costs if you’re weighing up your options.
Why Choose True Pest Control?
- Experienced professionals who understand possum behaviour and Australian wildlife regulations
- Humane, careful methods that prioritise the animal’s welfare as well as your property
- Reliable service focused on sealing entry points properly so the problem doesn’t recur
- Customer-focused approach, with clear explanations of what’s found and what’s recommended
Conclusion
A possum in your garage is usually more of a nuisance than a genuine threat, but because possums are protected wildlife, the right response is encouragement and exclusion rather than trapping or harming the animal. Remove food sources, give it a clear way out, and once it’s gone, seal the entry point properly so it doesn’t become a repeat visitor. If the possum keeps coming back or you’re not confident handling it yourself, get in touch with True Pest Control for an inspection and advice suited to your property.
FAQs
Ques 1: Can I trap and move a possum out of my garage myself?
Ans. In most Australian states, trapping or handling a possum without a permit is against wildlife protection laws, and possums that are trapped must generally be released within a very short distance of where they were caught. It’s best to check your state’s rules or arrange professional assistance rather than trap and relocate a possum yourself.
Ques 2: Is it illegal to harm or kill a possum in Australia?
Ans. Yes. Possums are protected native wildlife under state and territory legislation, and harming, killing or improperly relocating one can result in penalties.
Ques 3: How do I get a possum out of my garage without trapping it?
Ans. Leaving a clear exit path open, removing food sources like pet food or fallen fruit, and using gentle deterrents such as light or noise in the evening can encourage a possum to leave on its own. Once it’s gone, seal the entry point so it can’t return.
Ques 4: Why do possums go into garages?
Ans. Garages often provide shelter, warmth, dark corners and easy access to food sources such as pet food, compost or stored rubbish, all of which make them appealing to a possum looking for a den site.
Ques 5: How do I stop a possum coming back to my garage?
Ans. Once the possum has left, seal gaps, vents and roofline access points with sturdy materials such as mesh or sheet metal, remove food sources, and keep the garage door closed when it’s not in use.
Ques 6: Should I call a professional for a possum in my garage?
Ans. If the possum keeps returning, is nesting rather than passing through, or you’re unsure how to safely and legally manage the situation, a professional pest and wildlife service can carry out an inspection and handle the process correctly.
