Possum Trappers : How to Remove and Proof Your Home

That scratching, thumping, and hissing in your ceiling is more than just an annoyance. It's a sign that a possum has made your house its home. You're probably looking for a fast solution, and that often leads people to search for local possum trappers.

But you need more than just a trap; you need a complete plan to get rid of them for good.

Understanding what professional possum trappers actually do is the first step to getting your peace and quiet back.

A good possum catcher offers a comprehensive removal service, not just a quick fix. This process is about long-term prevention as much as it is about immediate removal.

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email: solutions@thepossumman.com.au

What's That Noise? Identifying a Possum in Your Roof

Before you call anyone, you want to be sure about what you're dealing with. A possum's noise is quite distinct from other common household pests.

You might hear what sounds like a small person walking heavily across your ceiling late at night, particularly with the common brushtail possum.

You may also hear deep hissing or coughing sounds, which is how possums communicate.

Rats and mice, on the other hand, tend to make lighter, scurrying sounds, which would require specific rodent control methods.

Birds that have found their way in will often chirp or flutter, especially in the early morning, signalling a need for bird removal.

Other signs point to a possum guest, too.

Look for mysterious dark stains appearing on your ceilings or walls, which could be from their urine and can damage roof insulation.

There's also a strong, musky odour that can sometimes permeate living areas below their nest in the roof space.

In severe cases, you may even need insulation removal and a full roof vacuum if the contamination is extensive.

It is important to act quickly to minimise this kind of damage. A possum man will be able to assess the extent of the problem during their inspection.

Why You Can't Just Trap and Relocate a Possum

So, you've confirmed it's a possum. The logical next step seems to be trapping it and moving it far away, right?

It might surprise you to learn that this is often illegal and almost always cruel. In Australia, native possums are a protected species under wildlife laws.

According to regulations across many states, including those outlined by authorities like the NSW Department of Environment & Heritage, you cannot harm possums.

Trapping one and dumping it in a park kilometres away sounds like a kind solution. But it is usually a death sentence for the animal.

Possums are very territorial creatures. When moved to a new area, they have no established shelter and must compete with other possums for food and territory.

They often die from stress, starvation, or attacks from other animals, which is why trapping possums this way is prohibited.

This is why the law in most Australian states says a trapped possum must be released on the same property.

It has to be released within about 25 to 150 metres of the capture point, after sunset.

So, just setting animal traps and releasing the possum nearby won't fix the problem, because it will try to get right back inside.

The Professional Possum Trappers' Method: What to Expect

Since just trapping alone is not a solution, professional possum trappers offer a much more comprehensive service.

Their goal isn't just to remove the possum temporarily.

Their job is to remove it humanely and then make sure it can't get back in, effectively implementing possum control.

This process involves a few critical steps that any reputable possum catchers will follow. It starts with a detailed inspection and ends with robust proofing.

This is the only method that provides a lasting solution.

Step 1: The Initial Inspection

The first thing a reputable possum catcher will do is perform a thorough inspection of your property. They aren't just looking for the possum.

They are searching for all the access points the possum is using to get in.

This is a detective's work, often requiring them to get onto the roof and into the roof space.

They will check the entire roofline, looking for broken tiles, gaps in flashing, or holes in the eaves. A possum can squeeze through surprisingly small openings to find shelter.

They will also assess trees with branches overhanging your roof, which act like a natural bridge for possums to get easy access.

Problems with solar panels can also create gaps, a detail a professional will check.

A full inspection is the foundation for a permanent solution, something Brisbane property managers often look for.

Step 2: Humane Removal

Once the entry points are found, the removal can begin. Professionals use different techniques for safe possum removal.

Sometimes they will install a one way door over the main entry point.

This clever device lets the possum leave at night to forage but stops it from getting back inside.

Other times, they may use a cage trap, which is a type of humane animal trap, placed safely in the roof cavity.

They bait it with food like fruit and check it very regularly.

This approach means the possum spends minimal time in the trap before its release.

They then release the possum that same evening on your property, just as the law requires. The aim is always to capture possums with the least amount of stress.

Step 3: The Most Important Step – Possum Proofing

This is the part of the service that truly fixes your problem. After the possum is out, the possum trapper gets to work sealing every single entry point they found.

If you skip this step, another possum from the area will just find the same hole and move in.

Proofing can involve many things, forming the core of possum control. The professional might use metal, sturdy wire mesh or other materials to block gaps.

They may need to repair broken roof tiles, fix the roof gutter, or mend damaged ridge capping.

They methodically work through every potential vulnerability. This preventative work is what you are really paying for.

It is the only thing that guarantees a long term fix, and it's a service we highly recommend for peace of mind.

Some companies even offer related services like bird proofing or solar panel proofing to protect your home from other wildlife.

This holistic approach to pest control is what separates the experts. Sealing access points is the best way to control possum entry.

DIY Trapping vs. Hiring Professional Possum Trappers

You might be tempted to try and handle the possum problem yourself to save some money.

But there are big differences between a DIY attempt and calling in the experts.

It's important to understand the risks and benefits before you make a decision to trap possums on your own.

Many homeowners try setting a possum trap and then get stuck. They might catch the possum but then not know what to do next.

Let's break down the realities of each path.

Professional Possum Trappers

Knowledge of Law - Fully aware of state and local regulations for humane handling and release.

Finding Entry Points - Trained to spot all potential access points, even those that are not obvious.

Equipment - Use professional-grade possum traps, one-way doors, and all necessary safety equipment.

Proofing Quality - Use durable materials and techniques that come with a guarantee against re-entry.

Humane Handling - Trained in methods that minimise stress and harm to the animal, as advised by the RSPCA.

Overall Success - High success rate because the root cause (entry points) is addressed properly.

DIY Approach

Knowledge of Law - Risk of unknowingly breaking wildlife protection laws, leading to fines.

Finding Entry Points - Difficult to find all gaps. You might miss small or hidden holes.

Equipment - Buying or hiring a trap can be costly. You may not have ladders or safety gear.

Overall Success - High success rate because the root cause (entry points) is addressed properly.

Proofing Quality - Proofing might fail if the wrong materials or techniques are used.

Humane Handling - Risk of causing stress or injury to the possum by using the wrong method.

Overall Success - High chance of failure, leading to a recurring problem.

How Much Does Possum Removal Cost?

Cost is a major factor for everyone, so it's wise to ask for the current price when you call.

The price for hiring a professional can vary quite a bit. It depends on several factors related to your specific situation.

A simple job at a single-storey house might be in the hundreds of dollars. But a complex job at a large, two-storey property with multiple entry points will cost more.

The final price from a reputable removal service usually includes the inspection, the removal itself, and all the proofing work.

Be careful of quotes that seem too cheap, and always ask for a free quote before work begins. Some operators might just set a trap and take the possum away.

But they don't do any proofing work, leaving your home open for the next possum, or even a rat man, to wander in.

This is why property managers always opt for a full service. They know that a cheap job now often means more cost and hassle later.

A quality service is an investment in protecting the property.

Keeping Possums Away For Good

After your home has been professionally possum proofed, there are a few more things you can do.

These actions help make your property less attractive to these furry marsupials. You want to make your garden pleasant for you, not for them.

The easiest step is to trim back any tree branches that hang over your roof. Aim for a gap of at least three metres.

This removes the 'possum highway' they use to get onto your house, a tip often given on the Central Coast where leafy suburbs are common.

Also, secure the lids on your compost and rubbish bins, and do not leave pet food out overnight.

These are easy meals for a hungry possum or even a brush turkey. This simple step is a key part of ongoing pest control.

If you enjoy having wildlife around, you can offer them an alternative home. You could buy and install possum box solutions on a tree in your garden.

Providing safe, alternative nesting boxes can convince them to leave your roof alone and catch possums' attention in a positive way.

Beyond Possums: Related Pest Concerns

When you have one pest issue, it's often a sign that your property is vulnerable to others.

A hole large enough for a possum is a welcome sign for many other unwanted guests. A good pest control company can offer a range of services.

Services often extend to rodent control, tackling rats and mice that can chew through wiring.

Bird control, involving bird netting or panel proofing on your solar panels, is another common need. The 'bird man' can prevent nesting that damages your roof and gutters.

They may even offer dead removals, a grim but necessary job if an animal perishes in a wall or roof cavity.

Thinking about a regular gutter clean or gutter cleaning service is also wise.

Clogged gutters can cause water damage, which softens timber and makes it easier for pests to chew through.

One issue can easily lead to another, from a brush turkey digging up the garden to needing bug control inside.

Conclusion

Dealing with a possum in your home can be stressful, with the noise and damage being a constant source of worry.

The best approach is to find professional possum trappers who focus on a complete solution, not just a temporary fix.

This is a job for a friendly service provider who can explain the process clearly and do a great job.

They give you more than just an empty roof; they give you a properly sealed one.

This complete approach ensures that once they remove the animal, it, and others, cannot return.

We are happy with the results when a professional handles the job from start to finish.

By getting help from qualified possum trappers who inspect, humanely remove, and thoroughly proof your home, you can solve your possum problem.

This ensures the issue does not happen again. The friendly service and excellent service reviews often highlight the peace of mind that comes with a job done right.

Possum Removal Specialist

The Possum Man offers a reliable, humane, and long-term solution to your possum problems and is the No.1 trusted name and reputation in the industry.

Our services cover all aspects of possum control.

This includes finding how they're getting in. We then install possum-proof barriers.

These barriers stop them from returning. We also use one-way door systems. This lets the possums leave but not come back.

It’s a safe and effective way to handle possum problems.

Here's what we can do for you:

• Locate possum entry points

• Install possum-proof barriers

• Use one-way door systems

• Remove deceased possums from roofs

• Install possum boxes in trees

• Install steel gutter guards to prevent re-entry

• Rodent Control

If you're a homeowner, business owner, real estate agent, or part of a strata, we can help. We offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Don't let possums disrupt your property. Get in touch for reliable and humane possum removal.

Have Questions?

email: solutions@thepossumman.com.au