No, you cannot force a possum to live in a possum box. After being legally evicted from a roof, a possum must relocate naturally. Possum boxes provide shelter options, but selection depends on the animal’s territorial behaviour and existing nesting habits.
Why Possums Won’t Always Move Into a New Possum Box
Possums Are Territorial and Follow Scent Paths
- Possums return to familiar scent-marked spaces
- Newly evicted possums often seek refuge with close relatives in the same territory
- Boxes lacking scent familiarity are less likely to be adopted immediately
Nest Selection Is Based on Habit and Familiarity
- Possums prefer spaces they’ve used before
- Even well-placed boxes may be ignored if the possum feels secure elsewhere
- They are more likely to explore new shelters gradually from their base
How Possums Discover and Use Nest Boxes
Exploration Is Triggered by Life Events
- Young possums seek new nesting spaces when pushed out by their mothers (often after a new baby is born)
- Dominant possums monitor territory for new shelter opportunities
- Any new structure in the area—including a possum box—will be investigated
Possum Boxes Offer Future Shelter
- Even if not occupied immediately, possum boxes become part of the local shelter network
- Boxes help absorb population pressure in urban areas with limited tree hollows
Where and How to Install a Possum Box
Proper installation improves the chance that a possum will use the box.
Ideal Installation Guidelines
| Attribute | Recommendation |
| Height | Minimum 2 metres, ideally over 3 metres |
| Orientation | South or east-facing |
| Shading | Avoid direct afternoon sun |
| Mounting Surface | Secure to tree or post, not freestanding |
Optional Additions to Attract Wildlife
- Add cut apple or banana near the entry
- Avoid processed or human foods
- Place a small amount of nesting material (e.g., dry leaves), though not essential
Note: These techniques may attract other wildlife, not just possums.
Do Possum Boxes Actually Work?
Yes, possum boxes work—but their success depends on context.
Factors That Influence Occupation
- Proximity to existing possum territories
- Availability of natural hollows
- Degree of competition from other possums
- Time since eviction or territory shift
Boxes often get occupied by:
- Evicted dominant possums
- Juvenile possums seeking independence
- Local brush-tailed possums looking for dry, dark hollows
Ethical Possum Management After Eviction
Installing possum boxes reflects a balanced approach to wildlife coexistence.
Legal and Humane Wildlife Practices
- Possums are protected and must be released within 25 metres of capture
- Nest boxes provide legal, ethical shelter after roof eviction
- Boxes help prevent re-entry attempts by offering an alternative
Boxes alone won’t stop entry—roof proofing is essential.
Evicting Possums Isn’t Enough – Offer Them Shelter with Proper Roof Sealing
Installing a possum box gives local wildlife a valuable habitat option, but it’s only one part of the solution. After eviction, possums often return unless their entry points are sealed.
Our licensed team provides legal possum removal, full roof cavity inspections, entry sealing, and optional habitat support like possum boxes.
Contact Peter the Possum Man to protect your home while supporting local wildlife the right way.
