Possums frequently enter Brisbane homes through small gaps in roofs and walls. Learn how professionals safely remove possums, seal entry points, and prevent future infestations.
How Do Possums Get Into Roofs?
1. Identifying Entry Points
- Possums spend hours exploring buildings for weaknesses.
- They chew through soft wood or enter through existing gaps caused by:
- Aging structures (deteriorated timber or roof sheets).
- Construction faults (poor alignment of fascia, missing timbers).
- Renovations and extensions (gaps left under overhangs).
2. Signs of Possums in Your Roof
- Noises at Night: Scratching, thumping, or running sounds in the ceiling.
- Droppings and Smell: Possum waste has a strong, musky odor.
- Visible Roof Entry Marks: Dirt smudges or scratches near roof gaps.
How Professionals Remove Possums from Roofs
1. External Roof Inspection
- A thorough external examination is more effective than crawling inside the roof.
- Clear possum trails on the roof often lead directly to entry points.
2. Sealing Possum Entry Holes
- After identifying entry points, strong materials like metal mesh are used to block access.
- All weak spots are sealed to prevent future breaches.
3. Humane Possum Trapping
- If the possum is inside, a baited trap is set within the roof space.
- Fresh fruit lures the possum into the trap, allowing for safe relocation outside.
4. Using a One-Way Door System
- An alternative method is installing a one-way exit door at the possum’s main entry point.
- At night, the possum leaves the roof to forage but cannot re-enter at sunrise.
- After a few days, when no noises are heard inside, the one-way door is replaced with strong metal to permanently seal the opening.
What Happens After Possum Removal?
1. Checking for Re-Entry Attempts
- Possums often spend the first few nights checking for a way back inside.
- Scratching or movement on the roof indicates the possum is testing different entry points.
2. Finding a New Home
- Evicted possums usually move to a nearby tree or another property in the area.
- Possums are territorial, so once removed, new possums are unlikely to replace them.
Why DIY Possum Removal Is Not Recommended
1. Possums Are Protected by Law
- In Australia, possums cannot be relocated more than 50 meters from where they are captured.
- Illegal relocation often leads to possum deaths due to starvation or territorial fights.
2. Risk of Incomplete Sealing
- Without professional sealing, possums will return through another weak point in the roof.
3. Handling Risks
- Possums can be aggressive when cornered and may bite or scratch.
- Professional handlers have experience and equipment to safely remove them.
How to Prevent Possums from Returning
1. Seal All Roof Gaps
- Inspect for loose roof tiles, broken vents, or gaps in fascia boards.
- Secure weak spots with strong wire mesh or metal sheeting.
2. Trim Overhanging Trees
- Possums jump from branches onto roofs, so trimming trees at least 2 meters away reduces access.
3. Remove Food Sources
- Avoid leaving pet food, uncovered compost, or fallen fruit in your yard.
- Store garbage in sealed bins to discourage possum activity.
Why Choose Peter the Possum & Bird Man for Possum Removal?
1. Expert Knowledge of Possum Behavior
- Our specialists quickly identify entry points and implement the most effective removal strategy.
2. Humane & Legal Possum Removal
- We use approved trapping and exclusion methods to remove possums without harm.
3. Long-Term Possum-Proofing
- Our service includes entry point sealing and roof-proofing advice to keep your home possum-free.
Final Thoughts on Possum Removal
Possums can cause significant damage and noise when they invade roofs. Removing them requires expert knowledge of their behavior, humane trapping, and effective roof-proofing to ensure they don’t return.
For professional and legal possum removal in Brisbane, trust Peter the Possum & Bird Man to safely evict possums and secure your home.
Hearing noises in your ceiling at night? Possums may already be inside—and they won’t leave on their own. At Peter the Possum & Bird Man, we safely remove possums, seal entry points, and prevent future infestations using humane, legal methods trusted across Brisbane.
Contact us today for expert possum removal and roof-proofing backed by decades of local experience.
