Possums – A Protected Species That Can Become a Nuisance Pest

Possums are native marsupials found throughout Australia, often seen in urban areas, parks, gardens, and bushlands. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds, they can become a major nuisance when they invade homes, attics, gardens, and commercial properties.

Possums are nocturnal, opportunistic feeders that will forage for food in garbage bins, gardens, fruit trees, and pet food bowls. Their presence on roofs and inside wall cavities can lead to property damage, noise disturbances, and strong odours. While possums are protected under Australian law, they must be humanely managed when they become pests.

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we specialise in ethical possum removal, exclusion, and prevention to ensure these native animals are relocated safely while preventing future infestations.

Understanding Possums in Australia

Habitat & Behaviour

Possums are highly adaptable creatures, found in a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, suburban backyards, and urban buildings. They are:

• Excellent climbers, often nesting in trees, roof cavities, sheds, and wall spaces.
• Territorial, meaning they will return to the same shelter unless properly relocated and excluded.
• Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, flowers, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates.
• Nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, searching for food and shelter.

Legal Protection in Australia

Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, meaning:

• It is illegal to harm or kill possums.
• Trapping and relocation must be carried out by licensed professionals.
• Possums must be released within 50 metres of their capture site, ensuring humane management.

Common Possum Species in Australia

1. Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

• Size: Medium-sized possum with a bushy black tail and greyish fur.
• Habitat: Frequently found in roof spaces, tree hollows, and sheds.
• Diet: Omnivorous – eats leaves, fruit, vegetables, eggs, and insects.
• Concerns: Known for scratching noises in roof cavities and damaging insulation and wiring.

2. Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

• Size: Smaller than the brushtail possum with a distinctive curled, ringed tail.
• Habitat: Prefers trees, dense vegetation, and nesting boxes rather than roof spaces.
• Diet: Herbivorous – feeds mainly on leaves, flowers, and fruits.
• Concerns: Can damage gardens and fruit trees, stripping leaves and bark.

3. Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)

• Size: Small marsupial with a gliding membrane allowing it to glide between trees.
• Habitat: Prefers forested areas and dense tree cover.
• Diet: Omnivorous – eats nectar, pollen, sap, insects, and fruit.
• Concerns: Not typically a pest, but can be found nesting in roof spaces and gardens.

4. Yellow-Bellied Glider (Petaurus australis)

• Size: Slightly larger than the sugar glider with a yellow belly and gliding membrane.
• Habitat: Found in forests and woodlands, often near eucalyptus trees.
• Diet: Feeds on insects, nectar, pollen, and sap.
• Concerns: Not an urban pest but may damage tree bark when feeding on sap.

Signs of a Possum Infestation

Since possums are nocturnal and secretive, their presence may go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Look out for these warning signs:

• Loud scratching and thumping noises at night – Possums make distinctive noises when moving in roof cavities, wall spaces, or attics.
• Damaged gardens and fruit trees – Look for chewed leaves, stripped bark, and missing fruit.
• Possum droppings – Found near entry points, in gardens, or roof spaces.
• Gnawed wires and insulation damage – Possums chew through electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard.
• Unpleasant odours – Their urine and faeces emit a strong, musky odour.
• Nesting materials in roofs or sheds – Possums use leaves, twigs, and insulation to create nests.

Problems Caused by Possums

1. Property Damage

• Possums chew through electrical wiring, creating fire risks.
• Damaged roof insulation from possum nesting can increase energy costs.
• Scratched and chewed timber, gutters, and vents can lead to expensive repairs.

2. Garden & Landscape Destruction

• Possums feed on fruit, vegetables, flowers, and bark, damaging gardens.
• Overgrazing can kill young trees and plants.

3. Noise & Disturbance

• Loud thumping and scratching sounds disrupt sleep.
• Possums fighting over territory can be particularly noisy and aggressive.

4. Health Risks

• Possums carry parasites such as mites, ticks, and fleas, which can affect pets and humans.
• Their droppings may contain bacteria, posing a hygiene concern.

How to Prevent & Control Possum Infestations

1. Exclude Possums from Your Property

• Seal roof gaps, broken tiles, and vents with sturdy materials.
• Install possums-proof mesh around openings and chimneys.

2. Remove Food Sources

• Keep garbage bins securely closed to prevent possum foraging.
• Avoid leaving pet food and bird feeders outside overnight.

3. Protect Gardens & Trees

• Use netting and tree guards to prevent possums from accessing fruit trees.
• Plant strong-scented deterrents such as garlic, chili, and peppermint.

4. Install Motion-Activated Deterrents

• Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and ultrasonic repellents can discourage possums.

5. Ethical Trapping & Relocation

• Possum trapping must comply with local wildlife laws.
• Trapping without professional expertise can be dangerous and ineffective.

How BUGZOFF Can Help with Possum Control

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we specialise in humane and legal possum management solutions, ensuring safe and ethical removal.

Our Possum Control Services Include:

• Comprehensive inspections to identify possum entry points and nesting sites.
• Exclusion solutions – Sealing entry points to prevent future infestations.
• Humane trapping and relocation, in compliance with Australian wildlife laws.
• Possum-proofing recommendations for long-term prevention.
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure possums do not return.

Protect Your Home & Garden from Possum Infestations

Possums may be protected under Australian law, but when they invade homes and businesses, professional control is necessary. DIY solutions often fail, as possums return to their original shelter unless properly excluded.

At BUGZOFF Pest Control, we use legal, ethical, and effective methods to relocate possums and prevent re-entry, ensuring your property remains possum-free.

Contact BUGZOFF today for a professional possum control inspection and customised removal plan.