Possum Box Guide: Protect Wildlife & Your Home

That scratching, thumping, and rolling sound in your ceiling at 2 AM is unmistakable and you probably already know what it is. It's a possum, and it has decided your roof is the perfect place to call home. For over decades, I've helped people just like you find a peaceful, permanent solution with a simple tool: the possum box.

Many homeowners think their only option is expensive and repetitive trapping, but there is a better way that respects our native wildlife.

Giving a possum an alternative home is far more effective than just trying to keep them out. A well-placed possum box gives them exactly what they need, so they leave your home alone for good.

At The Possum Man, we’re the trusted experts in possum box installation. With over 20 years of experience, we supply and install high-quality boxes designed to give possums a safe home outside your roof.

Our technicians know exactly where to place the box so it’s more likely to be used—helping you prevent future roof invasions while still caring for our native wildlife.

Ready to reclaim your roof? Book your possum box installation today and enjoy a humane, long-term solution backed by trusted expertise.

If you’re not ready to book straight away or would like more details, we can guide you through the benefits of installing a possum box and how it can prevent future roof invasions.

The step-by-step guide below outlines how our possum box service works, giving you a simple, humane way to keep possums close by—just not in your ceiling.

Have Questions?

email: solutions@thepossumman.com.au

What Exactly is a Possum Box and Why Do You Need One?

Think of a possum box, also known as a nesting box, as a purpose-built apartment for a possum.

It's a sturdy, weatherproof artificial den designed to mimic the natural hollows they would use in old trees.

A good wildlife box gives them a safe, dark, and secure place to sleep during their daylight hours.

The real problem isn't the possum itself; the problem is that it's living inside your roof space.

There, they can chew through electrical wiring, stain your ceilings, and make a racket that keeps the whole family awake.

It's easy to want to locate possum intruders and remove them, but this often doesn't solve the underlying issue.

It's important to understand why they are there in the first place.

Urban sprawl and land clearing mean many of the old, hollow-bearing tree hollows possums depend on are gone.

As documented by groups like WWF Australia, habitat loss forces these native animals to find shelter wherever they can. Your warm, protected roof cavity is the next best thing to the hollow log homes they evolved with.

This is where wildlife boxes become your best asset. You offer the possum a suitable new home, and in return, you get your own home back, free from furry tenants.

It's a genuine win-win for both you and our native wildlife.

Choosing the Right Possum Box for Your Property

Not all possums are the same, so not all possum boxes should be either. In most Australian urban areas, you're likely dealing with one of two marsupial species.

You may have the Common Brushtail Possum or the smaller Common Ringtail Possum.

Identifying which one you have is the first step to choosing the right box. Brushtails are the larger, more robust possums often seen walking along fences.

Ringtails are more slender, with a distinctive white tip on their long, prehensile tail.

Brushtail Possum Boxes

A Brushtail possum is a solitary animal and needs a bit more space. A large brushtail will look for a classic hollow with a single, large entry hole.

For them, you want a brushtail possum box that is deep and roomy.

A good size is around 500mm high and 300mm wide.

The entry hole should be about 100-120mm wide, which is big enough for them but less inviting for larger animals. They just need one large entry in and out.

Ringtail Possum Boxes

Ringtail possums are a bit different because they live in family groups and build their own nests, called dreys.

They prefer a slightly smaller ringtail possum box that feels more like the drey they would build in thick foliage.

Sometimes, a nest box with two entrance holes can make them feel safer, offering an entry glider point and an escape route.

Look for a possum nest box around 400mm high and 250mm wide. The entry holes can be smaller, about 80-100mm in diameter.

Having a second entrance gives common ringtail possums an escape route if they feel threatened.

Materials Matter: What Makes a Good Box?

The materials and construction of the box are incredibly important for its success and safety. You can't just nail any old crate to a tree.

A poorly made box will be ignored at best and harmful at worst.

Your best bet is a box made from untreated, durable timber like hardwood or marine-grade plywood.

These materials are excellent insulators against heat and cold, and they breathe well.

It's crucial that the wood is not treated with chemicals like Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA), as these can release fumes toxic to possums in a confined space, a fact advised by wildlife care organisations like WIRES.

Look for these key features in all good nest boxes:

• A slanted, overhanging roof to keep the rain out.

• Several drainage holes drilled in the floor so it stays dry.

• Grooves or a small ladder built on the inside of the front panel below the hole. This helps the possum, and especially any young, to climb out easily.

• A secure lid that is hinged or screwed down to stop predators from getting in.

Avoid possum boxes made of metal or thin plastic.

These can become dangerously hot in the Australian sun and can seriously harm or kill an animal seeking shelter inside.

A quality possum box should feel like a natural hollow log, not an oven.

Specification Features

Brushtail Possum Box 

Approximate Height - 40 cm - 50 cm

Entrance Hole Diameter - 10-12 cm

Number of Entrances - One

Best Material - Untreated Hardwood/Marine Ply

Ringtail Possum Box 

Approximate Height - 25 cm - 30 cm

Entrance Hole Diameter - 8-10 cm

Number of Entrances - One or Two

Best Material - Untreated Hardwood/Marine Ply

Possum Box Bunnings DIY vs. Buy Ready-Made

Once you know what type of box you need, you have a choice: building nest boxes yourself or purchasing one. Both options have their merits.

Building a possum nest box can be a rewarding project if you have the right tools and skills.

Possum Box Plan

You can find excellent plans and guidelines from conservation groups like the Gould League or build a possum box bunnings plan after attending a Bunnings workshop.

Following a proven design is important for creating a safe and effective home.

Building nest boxes requires using the correct, untreated materials and ensuring the dimensions, particularly the entry hole, are right for your local possum species.

Possum Box For Sale: Buy Ready Made

Alternatively, you can save time and effort if you buy ready-made. Many people prefer to shop online for wildlife boxes from reputable suppliers.

This takes the guesswork out of the construction and guarantees a product built to correct specifications, which is highly recommended for ensuring the animal's safety.

When you search online, look for suppliers based in Australia that understand our local conditions.

A good supplier will have a friendly team to answer questions, clear pricing with GST included, and a straightforward shipping policy.

Before purchasing, it's also wise to view privacy policy information on their website to understand how your contact details are handled.

The Ultimate Guide to Possum Box Placement

I cannot stress this enough: you can have the best possum box in the world, but if you put it in the wrong spot, a possum will never use it.

Over my years of doing this, I've seen more failures from poor placement than from any other factor. The location is everything for possums living on your property.

First, think about height. You need to get the box up off the ground, well out of reach of domestic pets and curious kids.

A height of 3 to 4 metres is generally perfect for possums possums feel safest high up.

Next is the choice of tree. It should be a well-established tree with a solid trunk and decent canopy.

A bit of leaf cover helps the box blend in and provides shade, making the possum feel much safer from predators and the elements.

The direction the entrance faces also matters. You should try to face it away from the direction of prevailing winds and storms in your area.

Also, point the entrance away from the hot afternoon sun, so south east or north east is often a good choice to keep the box cool.

Perhaps most importantly, you want to place the new box on the possum's established travel path.

Put it in a tree near the area where the possum has entry points to your roof. This makes it easy for them to find their potential new home during their nightly travels.

Possum Box Installation

Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to get the box up the tree. Please do this safely. This is a job that is much easier and safer with a second person to help.

Here's a simple process to follow:

1. Gather your tools. You'll need a sturdy ladder, a drill, and the hardware you plan to use for mounting. Have your helper hold the base of the ladder steady at all times.

2. Choose your mounting method. Contrary to popular advice, I recommend screwing straight into the tree using galvanizsed screws This method keeps the box firmly in place while allowing the tree to grow naturally without being constricted.

3. Alternative methods are to use coach screws through a piece of timber attached to the back of the box. This timber acts as a buffer.  Or you can use durable wiring or straps that go around the trunk, with a buffer like a piece of hose to protect the bark.

4. Hoist the box up to your chosen height. Have your helper support it while you secure it tightly to the tree. Make sure it doesn't move.

5. Give it a firm shake once it's installed. You want it to be completely stable, so the possum feels secure when it moves in. A wobbly box will be ignored every time.

Attracting a Possum to Its New Home

With your box securely in place, the final step is to make it feel inviting. There are a few tricks I've learned that can speed up the possums nesting process.

This is not about leaving a three-course meal.

Forget what you might have heard about leaving a lot of food inside the box. This usually just attracts ants, cockroaches, or even rats.

It will actually make the possum nest box less attractive to a possum.

The best trick is to use their powerful sense of smell. Take a small piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or pear, and rub it around the entry hole of the box.

The scent acts as a clear signal that something interesting is here and encourages them to build nest inside.

You can also add a little bit of nesting material to get them started.

A handful of dry leaves, chemical-free grass clippings, or shredded bark from the garden placed inside can make it feel more natural.

Then, all you need is a little patience. It can take anywhere from a few nights to a few weeks for the possum to discover the box and decide it's a safe place to call home.

What to Do After the Possum Has Moved In

Getting the possum into its new home is a great victory, but you're not quite done. This next step is crucial for making sure the problem is solved for good.

You now need to start the possum proofing process for your own house.

Before you do anything, you must be absolutely sure the possum has moved out of your roof cavity and into the box. Look for clues.

You might see some fresh droppings at the base of the tree or bits of nesting material around the entrance.

A great way to check is to loosely stuff some newspaper into the roof entry hole; if it's untouched for 3-4 nights in a row, the possum has likely moved on.

Once you are confident they are gone, you need to seal up their old entryway. This has to be done after dark when possums are out foraging.

This makes sure you don't accidentally trap them inside your roof, which is a cruel and disastrous outcome.

The repair must be strong and permanent. According to resources like the RSPCA, possums are persistent and intelligent animals.

If they can find a weak spot, they will chew and claw their way back in. Use metal flashing, timber, or strong wire mesh to securely block the hole.

And before you seal anything, do one final, thorough check of your roof space to make sure no babies have been left behind.

This is a vital ethical step. If you find any, it is best to leave the hole open until they are old enough to follow their mother out to the new possum box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will it take for a possum to move into the new box?

Patience is key. It can take anywhere from a single night to a few weeks for a possum to investigate and accept a new box.

As long as the box is well-made and correctly placed on their usual route, they will eventually find it.

Can other native wildlife use my possum box?

Yes, and this is a wonderful bonus. Depending on the size of the entry hole and your location, your wildlife box could become a home for sugar gliders, lorikeets, or even be used for microbat nesting.

A box with a smaller hole is more likely to attract smaller species.

What if another possum takes over the box?

Brushtail possums are very territorial, so once one has claimed a box, it will usually defend it from others.

If a new possum does move in, it simply means another local animal has found a safe home, which still reduces the overall pressure on local wildlife to find shelter in your roof.

Is it okay to install a possum box near my solar panels?

It's better to avoid this. Solar panels can create a lot of reflected heat, which could make the box uncomfortably hot for a possum during the day.

Find a spot in a leafy tree away from the panels for the best results.

Conclusion

Hearing a possum in your roof night after night is frustrating, but the solution doesn't need to be cruel or complicated.

The humble possum box is an incredibly effective and humane tool for reclaiming your home. It's a method I have seen work hundreds of times for stressed homeowners.

By giving them their own safe space, you solve your noise problem and help support our native wildlife at the same time.

The process is straightforward when you get the details right.

Using a quality possum box, placing it thoughtfully, and then properly sealing your roof will give you lasting peace of mind. All rights reserved.

The Possum Man is the trusted name in possum box installation, offering a reliable and effective solution to your possum problems. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, we not only supply high-quality possum boxes but also specialise in identifying the ideal placement to give your furry visitors the best chance of taking up residence.

If you don’t already have a possum box, we can supply and install one for you—positioned strategically to encourage use and provide a safe alternative to your roof. Our reputation is built on proven results and expert knowledge in humane possum management.

Our services cover all aspects of possum control.

Here's what else we can do for you:

• Locate possum entry points

• Install possum-proof barriers

• Use one-way door systems

• Remove deceased possums from roofs

• Install steel gutter guards to prevent re-entry

• Rodent Control

Have Questions?

email: solutions@thepossumman.com.au