Question 1

When are possums most active? What time do possums move around in the roof?

Accepted Answer

Possums are nocturnal and typically leave their daytime shelter around dusk to forage overnight, returning before dawn. Possums commonly leave a roof between dusk and approximately 11PM, often around 7PM–9PM, and may return in the early morning.

However, timing alone should not be used to determine whether the animal is a possum, rat or mouse. The type of noise, where it is heard, how the activity moves through the building, whether there is a repeated pattern and any physical evidence should all be considered together.

Question 2

Why isn't the loudest noise where the possum gets in?

Accepted Answer

Possums commonly move some distance inside a roof before settling down to sleep. As a result, the location where you hear the most noise is not necessarily where the possum is entering the building.

Question 3

If I see a rat outside, does that mean I have rats in my roof?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Seeing rats outside confirms they are present in the surrounding environment, but it does not automatically mean they are living inside your roof or building. An inspection looks for physical evidence before confirming an internal rodent problem.

Question 4

Why does The Possum Man ask so many questions before recommending a treatment?

Accepted Answer

Every problem is different. Understanding what you are hearing or seeing, when and where the activity occurs, where animals may be living, how they may be accessing the building and what evidence is present helps determine the most appropriate solution.

Question 5

Why don't you always trap possums?

Accepted Answer

Where practical, The Possum Man prefers a one-way door because it allows the possum to leave the building naturally without being physically captured. Trapping is generally reserved for situations where a one-way door is unsuitable or impractical.

Question 6

Does The Possum Man trap possums?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Possum trapping may be used where it is the most appropriate removal method. In many situations, however, we prefer a one-way door because it allows the possum to leave naturally. The appropriate method depends on the property and what is found during the inspection.

Question 7

If you trap the possum, will it come back?

Accepted Answer

It may. If a possum has been entering your building, removing the animal alone does not secure the building. Long-term control depends on appropriately securing the entry point and addressing relevant access or proofing issues.

Question 8

Why do you leave the one-way door on for four days?

Accepted Answer

The one-way door is normally left in place for a minimum of four days to give possums using the roof—including potentially more than one animal—the opportunity to leave naturally before the entry point is permanently secured.

Question 9

Can I remove the one-way door myself?

Accepted Answer

No. The one-way door should remain in place until The Possum Man returns to assess whether the possum has successfully exited and whether it is appropriate to permanently secure the entry point.

Question 10

What if another possum tries to enter while the one-way door is installed?

Accepted Answer

Another possum may investigate the same entry point during the exclusion period. The one-way door is designed to prevent entry from outside while still allowing a possum inside the building to exit.

Question 11

Why are you recommending proofing in areas where the possum isn't currently getting in?

Accepted Answer

Once an active entry point is secured, a possum may investigate other weaknesses while trying to regain access. For this reason, an inspection can identify both the confirmed active entry point and significant potential future entry points.

Which potential areas are included in the proofing work can then be discussed with you before the work proceeds.

Question 12

How do you remove a possum from a chimney?

Accepted Answer

The approach depends on whether the possum can climb out of the chimney itself. If the possum is using the chimney as its normal entry and exit route, a one-way door can be fitted at the chimney top so it can leave but cannot return through that opening. If the possum has moved or fallen further down the chimney and cannot climb back out, a suitable hessian rope can be lowered to provide a climbing route back to the top, with the one-way-door arrangement preventing re-entry. We first need to establish that the chimney is actually being used by the possum rather than assuming this simply because noise is being heard near the chimney.

Question 13

Can the possum still visit my property after the roof has been secured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The objective is to stop the possum entering the building, not remove it from the surrounding neighbourhood. You may still see possums travelling through trees, along fences or foraging around your property.

Question 14

Can possums climb brick walls?

Accepted Answer

Possums are excellent climbers and can climb many rough or textured surfaces, including some brick surfaces, as well as timber and trees. Not every surface provides the same access, so the actual route should be assessed rather than assumed.

Question 15

Do I need a possum box after removing a possum?

Accepted Answer

No. A possum box is optional. Some customers simply want to prevent possums entering their roof, while others choose to provide alternative shelter for local wildlife.

Question 16

Will the possum definitely use the possum box?

Accepted Answer

No. A possum box provides another shelter option, but the possum decides whether to use it. Some possums may use a box while others may not.

Question 17

If I install a possum box, will possums stop trying to get into my roof?

Accepted Answer

No. A possum box does not prevent a possum attempting to enter a building. Preventing roof entry depends on appropriately securing the building's entry points. A possum box is an optional alternative shelter, not a substitute for possum proofing.

Question 18

Can you trap possums that are visiting my garden or causing problems around my property?

Accepted Answer

Trapping may be appropriate in some situations, but possums visiting a garden or travelling through a property are different from possums living inside a building.

Possums are native wildlife, and trapping and release must be carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements. Removing one possum also does not necessarily prevent another possum from visiting the area. The appropriate approach therefore depends on the individual circumstances.

Question 19

Why doesn't outside bait immediately solve rats already inside the house?

Accepted Answer

External bait stations are designed to control rodents moving around and accessing the building. Rodents already established inside may behave differently, particularly where food, water and shelter are readily available indoors. An internal infestation may therefore require additional investigation and a different control approach.

Question 20

How long do bait stations take to work?

Accepted Answer

Rats can be cautious around newly introduced objects. New bait stations may take approximately 10 days to one month before activity becomes established around them, so a lack of immediate bait consumption does not necessarily mean the system isn't working.

Question 21

What if no bait has been eaten?

Accepted Answer

This can be normal when bait stations are newly installed because rats may initially be cautious around them. It can take up to approximately one month for activity to become established.

If rodent activity continues and there is still no bait consumption after that period, the situation should be reassessed rather than assuming the problem has been resolved.

Question 22

Why doesn't The Possum Man just put bait into the roof?

Accepted Answer

Roof bait generally treats only the particular roof space where it is placed. Perimeter bait stations can form part of a broader control system by targeting rodents as they move around and access the building.

The most appropriate treatment depends on whether the problem is primarily external, within the building, or a combination of both.

Question 23

Why are bait stations placed around the whole house?

Accepted Answer

Rodents may approach a building from different directions and their travel routes can change. Strategically positioning stations around the perimeter helps provide broader coverage rather than relying on a single suspected access route.

Question 24

Why do you recommend trimming trees and branches near the roof?

Accepted Answer

Trees, branches and other structures within approximately 300 mm of the roof can provide rodents with an opportunity to access the building. Increasing the clearance around the roof can reduce these access opportunities and may improve the effectiveness of the overall rodent-control program.

Question 25

Can rats come from my neighbour's property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rodents regularly move between neighbouring properties and through the surrounding environment. This is one reason long-term rodent management focuses on ongoing protection and reducing realistic access opportunities rather than assuming rodents can be permanently eliminated from the surrounding area.

Question 26

Can rats fit through very small gaps?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rodents can move through surprisingly small openings. As a practical guide, openings of approximately 20 mm may be sufficient for rodents to move between different parts of a building.

Question 27

Will rodent proofing stop rats permanently?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Rodents often have multiple possible access opportunities, and every building is different. Rodent proofing can be useful where particular openings can be addressed effectively, but it is usually considered as one part of a broader rodent-control strategy rather than a universal permanent solution.

Question 28

How can I stop rats coming back?

Accepted Answer

Long-term rodent management may involve a combination of perimeter bait stations, reducing realistic access opportunities, managing available food and water sources and ongoing monitoring.

The appropriate combination depends on the property and the type of rodent activity present.

Question 29

How often should bait stations be checked?

Accepted Answer

The first check is generally considered at around two weeks after installation. Future checks should then be guided by how much bait is being consumed and the level of rodent activity rather than following an arbitrary fixed schedule.

Question 30

When should the bait be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Consumed bait should be replaced so the station can continue providing protection. How quickly bait is consumed depends on the level of rodent activity, so future checking and replacement should be based on what is found during previous inspections.

Question 31

Can I maintain my own bait stations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where practical. Homeowners may maintain their own bait stations if they are comfortable doing so and follow the appropriate bait-handling and safety requirements.

Question 32

Do I still need bait stations once the rats are gone?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Removing or allowing bait stations to become empty removes the ongoing protection they provide against future rodent activity. Rodents remain present in the surrounding environment and may return to a property over time.

Question 33

Are rodent bait stations safe around children?

Accepted Answer

Professional bait stations are designed to restrict access to the bait and are typically secured so they require a key or appropriate tool to open. Their placement should also take children, pets and wildlife into consideration.

No rodent-control system involving poison should be described as completely risk-free, which is why appropriate station selection, placement and bait management are important.

Question 34

Can my dog or cat be poisoned?

Accepted Answer

Rodent-control treatments should be planned with pets in mind. Bait stations are designed to restrict direct access to bait, but there can also be potential exposure if a pet consumes a poisoned rodent.

If you believe your pet may have consumed bait or a poisoned rodent, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Question 35

Can birds or wildlife be affected?

Accepted Answer

Wildlife should be considered when designing a rodent-control program. This includes considering the placement and use of bait stations, possible exposure pathways and whether non-chemical measures can appropriately form part of the solution.

The objective is to use the minimum amount of poison reasonably necessary while still achieving effective rodent control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Identifying What's in Your Roof

Possum Removal, Exclusion & Proofing

Possums Around Your Property & Possum Boxes

Rat & Mouse Control

Rodent Access & Long-Term Prevention

Bait Station Monitoring & Maintenance

Safety, Pets & Wildlife

Ready to Find Out What's Really in Your Roof?