If you’re lying in bed and suddenly hear strange thumps or scratches above your head, chances are you’re not imagining things. You might be dealing with possums in the roof. While they may seem harmless or even a little cute, possums can cause significant damage and hygiene issues if they decide to make your home theirs.
This article will walk you through the most common signs of a possum infestation, what it actually looks like, and how to safely remove a possum from your home without breaching any local wildlife laws.
What Does a Possum Infestation Look Like?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re just hearing the house settle or if there’s a critter upstairs. But when it comes to possums, the signs are pretty clear once you know what to look for.
Here are the most common signs of a possum infestation:
- Scratching, thumping, or scampering sounds at night
- Unpleasant odours from urine or droppings in the ceiling
- Roof damage like broken tiles or eaves
- Insulation that’s been shredded or disturbed
- Leaves, twigs, or food scraps near the attic or entry points
- Visual sightings of possums climbing your fence, garage, or trees
Knowing what a possum infestation looks like is half the battle. Early detection helps prevent long-term damage.
Noises Possums Make in the Roof
So, what exactly are you hearing? Possums are nocturnal and not shy about making noise. Unlike rodents, they’re heavier, and their movements are louder.
You might hear:
- huds or bangs (as if something jumped)
- High-pitched screeches or growls
- Scratching or clawing, mostly at night
These unique noises possums make in the roof are a big giveaway that you’re not just dealing with rats or mice.
How to Know if There’s a Possum in Your Roof?
If you’re still unsure, here are some simple checks to confirm if you’ve got a possum problem:
- Are the sounds happening mostly after dark?
- Is the noise more of a slow, heavy movement than quick scratching?
- Have you noticed damage to roof tiles or found droppings?
- Have you seen a possum nearby on trees or fences?
- Do you notice leaves or scraps inside your roof space?
If you answered yes to most of these, it’s a solid sign you’re dealing with possums in the roof.
Dealing with Possums in the Attic
Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to handle the situation:
- Identify their entry and exit points (usually found in the roofline).
- Wait until nighttime when they leave to forage.
- Install a one-way exit flap so they can’t return.
- Seal all other access holes once you’re sure they’re out.
- Clean up any mess left behind.
Dealing with possums in the attic can get tricky if they don’t leave willingly, which brings us to the next point.
How to Get Rid of Possums Safely and Legally?
Possums are protected under Australian law, so you can’t just trap and relocate them yourself. But you do have options.
Here’s how to get rid of possums the right way:
- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare them off.
- Place strong-smelling deterrents like garlic or camphor near entry points.
- Block access to your roof using mesh or sealants.
- Call licenced possum removal services that can legally and humanely remove and release them nearby.
Knowing how to get rid of possums safely ensures you’re not violating any wildlife protection laws.
Things You Should NEVER Do
To stay on the right side of the law and protect the animal:
- Don’t attempt to poison or harm them.
- Don’t try to relocate them far from where they were found.
- Don’t block them inside the roof while they’re still nesting.
- Don’t ignore the issue—possums can multiply and cause serious damage.
Why Call Professional Possum Removal Services?
While DIY fixes might help in the short term, professionals bring expertise and compliance with wildlife regulations. Experienced possum handlers can:
- Identify the possum species.
- Use humane traps and release techniques.
- Seal up all potential entry points.
- Prevent future infestations with expert advice.
Reliable possum removal services will give you peace of mind and your home back.
Conclusion
If you’ve been hearing odd sounds or spotting damage around your home, don’t ignore the signs of a possum infestation. Whether it’s possums in the roof or you’re dealing with possums in the attic, acting quickly makes all the difference. From recognising what a possum infestation looks like to learning how to safely remove a possum from your home, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
👉 Call True Pest Control today on 0480 022 718 for fast, humane, and professional possum removal services.
FAQs
Ques 1: Can possums damage your ceiling insulation over time?
Ans: Yes, possums in the roof can tear insulation for nesting, causing reduced efficiency and costly repairs.
Ques 2: Do possums return to the same place once removed?
Ans: They often do, which is why professional possum removal services include sealing entry points to stop re-entry.
Ques 3: Are possums dangerous to pets at home?
Ans: Not usually aggressive, but dealing with possums in the attic can stress pets due to noise and smell.
Ques 4: Can possum droppings carry diseases?
Ans: Yes, signs of a possum infestation, like droppings, may contain harmful bacteria or parasites if not cleaned properly.
Ques 5: Do motion sensor lights help with possum problems?
Ans: They might deter them briefly, but they are not a long-term fix for how to get rid of possums effectively.
Ques 6: Can possums chew through electrical wires?
Ans: Absolutely. If you’re unsure how to know if there’s a possum in your roof, check for damaged wiring.
