Possums are a unique and iconic part of Australia's diverse wildlife. These native marsupials are charming and curious and play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. While they are generally harmless, possums can become a nuisance when they begin to frequent urban environments—especially if they find shelter in roofs, sheds, or other areas around the home.

Understanding their natural behaviours and motivations is essential for preventing and resolving conflicts in a legal and compassionate way. This comprehensive guide explores possum habits and common reasons for human-wildlife encounters and offers practical advice on how to manage them ethically.

Getting to Know Possum Behaviour

Understanding how possums behave in the wild and urban settings is the first step to managing their presence on your property. Here's a breakdown of their key behavioural traits:

1. Active at Night: The Nocturnal Nature of Possums

Possums are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active after dusk. This behaviour allows them to avoid natural predators and forage for food under the cover of darkness. During the night, you might hear them scurrying across your roof, rustling through trees, or making vocal calls. Because of their nighttime activity, their presence can often go unnoticed—until their nightly habits start disrupting your sleep.

2. Diet and Foraging Habits

Possums are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet that includes:

• Leaves and flower buds
• Fruit and berries
• Tree bark
• Nectar and pollen
• Small insects and invertebrates

In urban settings, possums are often drawn to easily accessible food sources such as pet food, compost bins, and overflowing rubbish. Identifying what attracts possums to your property is crucial in deterring them.

3. Shelter and Nesting Preferences

In the wild, possums typically make their nests—called "dreys"—inside hollow tree trunks or dense foliage. However, habitat destruction and urban sprawl make them increasingly forced to seek shelter in man-made structures. Roof cavities, garages, sheds, and wall spaces become convenient alternatives. Once they find a secure place, possums will likely return night after night due to their strong attachment to familiar territory.

4. Territorial and Communicative Behaviour

Possums are solitary and territorial animals. They mark and defend their territory using a variety of vocalisations, scent glands, and body language. Male possums, in particular, can be quite vocal, emitting grunts, hisses, or screeches. Scent markings help them establish boundaries and discourage intrusions by rival possums. Recognising the signs of territorial behaviour can help homeowners pinpoint hotspots and implement effective prevention strategies.

Possum Prevention: Keeping Them Out Without Causing Harm

Dealing with possums doesn't have to involve confrontation. With some preventative measures, you can protect your property and avoid conflict.

1. Secure Entry Points Around Your Home

Possums are agile climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Conduct regular inspections of your home and pay close attention to areas like:

• Broken or dislodged roof tiles
• Gaps around eaves, vents, or chimneys
• Loose fascia boards or ceiling panels

Once identified, seal these openings using sturdy materials such as steel mesh or timber. If you suspect a possum is already inside, install a one-way exit flap to let it leave safely before sealing the gap. Never block an entry point without confirming that the space is vacant.

2. Eliminate Food Sources and Temptations

Reducing attractants around your yard makes your property less appealing to foraging possums:

• Pick fruit as soon as it ripens and remove fallen produce.
• Store rubbish in secure bins with tightly sealed lids.
• Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors overnight.
• Use compost bins with secure lids instead of open heaps.

Limiting these food sources naturally encourages possums to seek nourishment elsewhere.

3. Defend Your Garden the Wildlife-Friendly Way

Gardens often become battlegrounds in the human-possum standoff. Fortunately, there are humane ways to protect your plants:

• Cover fruit trees or veggie patches with wildlife-safe netting.
• Use natural repellents like garlic, chilli, or citrus oil sprays.
• Plant deterrents such as grevilleas or prickly native shrubs along fences.
• Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers that gently discourage nighttime intruders.

These approaches preserve your garden without posing harm to wildlife.

4. Offer an Alternative Home: Possum Boxes

If possums have moved into your roof, provide them with a more appealing alternative. Installing a possum box in a nearby tree gives the animal a safe, legal, and natural place to nest. Ensure the box is:

• Positioned at least four metres above the ground
• Placed in a shaded, quiet location away from busy areas
• Made from durable, weather-resistant materials

Consider initially placing some fruit near the box to encourage relocation.

Possum Removal: What to Do If They've Already Moved In

If prevention hasn't worked and a possum is already causing problems, here's how to manage the situation correctly.

1. Confirm the Source of the Disturbance

Before jumping to conclusions, confirm that a possum is responsible. Look for:

• Noises such as scratching, scampering, or thumping at night
• Droppings or urine stains near access points
• Damage to plants or signs of nesting material in your roof
• Greasy paw prints along fences or walls

Correct identification ensures you're targeting the right animal and not accidentally disturbing other native species, such as birds or rodents.

2. Know the Law: Possums Are Protected

Possums are classified as protected native animals under Australian law. In all states and territories, it's illegal to:

• Trap or kill possums without proper authorisation
• Relocate them far from their home range
• Use harmful traps or poisons

Specific regulations will apply depending on where you live, such as in Queensland, New South Wales, or Victoria. These regulations are designed to protect possums and ensure their ethical removal.

3. Use Only Humane and Approved Removal Methods

When removal is necessary, the focus must be on safety—for both humans and possums. Ethical removal includes:

• Engaging licensed professionals: Wildlife experts like those from 1800Possum are trained in humane removal methods and understand local regulations.
• Installing exit flaps: These allow possums to leave an area but prevent them from returning.
• Avoiding dangerous deterrents: Do not use mothballs, ammonia, or other harmful substances—they are ineffective and illegal.

Professional services will also help identify future risks and provide advice for keeping your property possum-free.

Real-Life Examples of Humane Possum Solutions

Case 1: Roof Nesting in Brisbane

A Brisbane homeowner was disturbed by nightly noises and suspected a possum had taken up residence on their roof. After contacting 1800Possum, a technician inspected the property, confirmed the presence of a brushtail possum, and installed a one-way exit flap. The entry points were sealed afterwards, and a possum box was mounted in a nearby tree. The possum happily moved in—problem solved without harm.

Case 2: Garden Trouble in Melbourne

In Melbourne, a family faced repeated damage to their vegetable patch. Instead of harsh measures, they installed netting and used chilli spray to deter the possum. They also placed a possum box nearby, offering an alternative nesting spot. Within a few weeks, the garden recovered, and the possum found a new home in the provided box.

Case 3: Community Collaboration in Perth

A neighbourhood in Perth noticed an increase in possum activity and decided to take collective action. Residents installed possum boxes in communal green areas and organised workshops to educate neighbours about humane management practices. These community efforts significantly reduced roof invasions and created a more wildlife-friendly suburb.

The Role of 1800Possum: Experts in Ethical Possum Control

1800Possum is a trusted name in possum management across Australia. They offer a comprehensive range of services to help homeowners resolve possum issues efficiently and compassionately:

• On-site inspections to identify entry points and assess the level of activity
• Installation of one-way exits and secure sealing of entry areas
• Advice on prevention strategies, including possum boxes and garden protection
• Compliance with all legal and wildlife protection standards

With their help, you can rest assured that your home and the possums will be safe.

Why Coexistence Matters

Possums are not pests—they are essential components of the environment. They contribute by:

• Pollinating native plants
• Spreading seeds for forest regeneration
• Controlling insect populations
• Supporting biodiversity

When we choose humane solutions, we protect our homes and preserve Australia's unique ecological balance.

Building a Wildlife-Friendly Community

Communities can play a crucial role in supporting possum conservation through:

• Installing possum boxes in parks, reserves, and backyards
• Running educational programs on possum-friendly practices
• Participating in habitat restoration and tree planting initiatives

These actions foster awareness and build positive relationships between people and native wildlife.

Conclusion: Living in Harmony with Possums

Possums are a beloved part of Australian wildlife, and with the right understanding and approach, peaceful coexistence is entirely achievable. By learning about their behaviour, implementing preventative measures, and following ethical removal practices, you can protect your property while ensuring the wellbeing of these remarkable creatures.

If you're dealing with possum issues and need professional guidance, don't hesitate to contact experts like 1800Possum. Their humane and legally compliant services provide peace of mind for homeowners and a safer environment for possums.

Together, we can create neighbourhoods where humans and wildlife share and thrive in space.