If you’ve ever had a possum move into your roof, you’ll know it’s no laughing matter. These nocturnal creatures can cause chaos, from chewing through wires to tearing up insulation.
But with the right approach, you can get rid of possums and prevent them from making your roof their new home.
Why Do Possums Live In Roof Cavities?
Possums, particularly the common brushtail possum or common ringtail possum, are commonly found in homeowner’s roof spaces. Why? Your attic or roof space offers shelter, warmth, and security. It provides the perfect home for possums to hide away from predators, find a nice, safe spot to sleep during the day, and raise their babies.
Possums are opportunistic creatures that thrive in urban areas where food sources are abundant. If you have a garden full of fruit trees, compost bins, or BBQ leftovers, you might tempt possums into your home.
What Damage Can Possums Cause to My Roof?
Possums may look sweet, but they’re not the best roomies. Once they make themselves at home in your roof or wall cavity, they can cause all sorts of problems…
- Chewed wires: Possums gnaw on anything they can sink their teeth into, including electrical wiring. This can lead to short circuits, electrical fires, or complete failure of your home’s electrical system.
- Insulation damage: Possums tend to nest in insulation materials like fibreglass and foam. Not only does this destroy your insulation, but it can also affect your home’s energy efficiency and make your house harder to heat or cool.
- Roof leaks: Possums are known to scratch and dig around in roof spaces. They can damage roofing materials, leading to leaks and water damage. If a possum makes a hole in your roof, you might start noticing damp spots or water stains inside your home.
- Mess and odours: Possums can leave behind urine, faeces, and shredded insulation, all of which can create an unpleasant smell and invite other pests, like insects or bacteria, into your home.
How Do I Know If There Is a Possum in My Roof Cavity?
Possums can be quiet but often leave a few tell-tale signs that they’re around.
Watch out for:
- Noises at night: Possums are nocturnal creatures, so beware if you hear scratching, thumping, or scurrying noises coming from your roof or ceiling at night.
- Damage: If you notice roof damage, like shredded material, chewed wires, or loose roofing materials, you may have a possum around.
- Smell: The smell of urine or droppings from a possum can be quite strong and pungent. If you start noticing a foul, musty smell in your attic or ceiling space, it could be a sign that a possum has moved in.
- Visible entry points: Check your roof for any obvious gaps, holes, or cracks. Possums can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, and once they’ve found a way in, it can be hard to get them out.
How Do I Remove a Possum From My Roof?
Catching, removing, and releasing possums is the only way to get them out of your home. If you’ve discovered one – or more – possums in your roof, here’s how to safely remove them:
1. Call a Professional
The best and safest way to handle a possum in your roof is by calling in a licensed pest control professional.
They can trap and relocate the possum safely and humanely without causing harm to the animal or your property.
2. Use a Humane Trap
If you prefer to do it yourself, you can set up a humane possum trap. These traps are designed to capture possums without harming them, so you can release them elsewhere.
Be sure to check your local laws, as it’s important to follow proper guidelines when trapping and relocating wildlife.
3. Seal Entry Points
Once the possum is safely removed, seal up any entry points into your roof to prevent any possums from returning to your home. Look for gaps around vents, chimneys, or eaves.
A professional roofer or pest control expert can help you seal your roof.
4. Look for Baby Possums
If the possum is a female with babies, you need to handle the situation carefully. Removing the mother could leave her babies trapped inside, and they will need to be cared for. Always check for babies before sealing up any entry points.
How Can I Deter Possums From Returning to My Roof?
The best way to keep possums out of your roof is by making it as unappealing as possible for them. Here are some ways to deter possums from coming back and prevent other possums from finding their way into your home:
- Trim trees and shrubs: Possums are good at climbing, and they can easily access your roof if there are any nearby tree branches or shrubs. Trim back any branches that might provide easy access to your roof.
- Use natural possum deterrents: Possums hate the smell of garlic, chilli, and mothballs, so sprinkling these around your roof space might help keep them away. Some even use a mixture of water and peppermint oil as a natural repellent.
- Install mesh or wire: Installing mesh or chicken wire netting around the eaves, vents, or any holes in your roof can block possums from getting in. Check regularly for any gaps or signs of wear and tear.
- Fix roof damage: If you notice any cracks, holes, or gaps in your roof, get them fixed right away.
- Install possum-proofing features: Install a “possum baffle” or a “tree guard” around the perimeter of your roof to make it harder for possums to climb up and get inside.
- Remove food sources: If you have fruit trees, pet food, compost or garbage bins, try to keep them well-covered or remove any fallen fruit that might attract possums. Also, avoid leaving food scraps outside.
Preventing Possums in Your Roof
A possum in your home might feel like a nightmare, but with the right steps, you can reclaim your space and make sure they don’t come back.
Whether you’re trapping them humanely, sealing your roof, or using natural deterrents, there are plenty of ways to keep possums at bay. And remember, if in doubt, you can always call professionals to help.
FAQ
What Do Possums Hate Most?
Natural repellents like garlic, chilli, and peppermint oil can keep possums away. They also dislike the scent of mothballs, which is why some people use them around roof spaces to deter possums.
Where Is the Best Place to Release a Possum?
The best place to release a possum is in a remote, wooded area or a large park away from urban areas. Ensure that it’s far enough from your home that the possum won’t find its way back.