DIY Possum Control vs Hiring Professionals: What’s the Best Option?

This very instinctive, innate human tendency to take matters into our own hands often leads us to believe we can tackle everything, even the persistent mischief of possums. While the “do-it-yourself” culture has its charm, there are instances where going solo might create more chaos than resolution. Possum control, particularly in Australia, is one of these instances. With their crafty behaviour and protected status, managing these furry invaders is far from straightforward.

Thumps in the night? Plants in shreds? Possums are wreaking havoc, and it’s time to act. Should you roll up your sleeves and try to outsmart them on your own, or is it better to bring in trained professionals?

Here’s an in-depth look to help you make a choice that works for your specific situation. You wouldn’t want to miss this one.

DIY solutions may seem like the obvious to-do, especially if you’re looking to save time or money. However, controlling possums at home brings a unique set of obstacles you might not have bargained for.

• Legal Restrictions

Possums are a protected species in Australia, so you can’t simply trap them and move them wherever you like. There are strict rules about the traps you can use and how far you can release them. Breaking these laws could lead to serious penalties, and nobody wants legal trouble over a possum.

• Possums Are Experts at Evading Capture

They’re not just cute; they’re smarter than you might think. These creatures have an excellent memory of where food is available and are known for being incredibly stubborn about returning to the same spot. You might think you’ve outwitted them, only to hear those same tell-tale scratches in your roof the very next night.

• Short-Lived DIY Fixes

Many home-grown methods revolve around deterrents, such as unpleasant smells or noises. While these might buy you some peace for a short while, possums often adapt quickly or simply ignore them. Without addressing the core issue, such as access points or underlying attractants, their return is almost guaranteed.

• Health Risks

Possums may look harmless, but they can carry diseases and ticks that put you and your pets at risk. Handling nests or setting traps without proper care could expose you to these hidden dangers.

Simply put, while the thought of dealing with possums on your own may seem appealing at first, the reality often proves far messier and more complicated. But what makes professional help a smarter option?

Possum control professionals are not just people with fancy tools. They bring with them an in-depth understanding of possum behaviour, legal compliance and methods that solve the issue without adding to the problem.

Professionals don’t rely on quick-fix deterrents. Instead, they apply methods that address the root cause. From detailed inspections to identify entry points to using government-approved traps that cause no harm, they are equipped with all that’s needed to tackle the issue properly.

Staying within legal guidelines is a mandatory part of professional possum control. Licensed pest controllers know the regulations back to front. They ensure the animals are caught humanely and released safely within legally permitted ranges, all while keeping you out of compliance headaches.

A major advantage of hiring professionals is their ability to spot things you might easily overlook. They assess how possums are entering your property and then secure those entry points so the creatures don’t get a second chance to invade. This ensures the problem is tackled long-term rather than temporarily.

There’s a considerable difference between household traps and the equipment professionals use. Experts bring specialised tools and techniques that make their solutions far more effective. Whether it’s luring an evasive possum or safely removing a nest without harming its inhabitants, their specialised approach produces real results.

Beyond the turmoil they cause, possums are fascinating animals with traits that make them tricky to manage. For instance, a possum’s tail can support its entire body weight, which makes climbing and clinging onto structures incredibly easy. They can also remember routes for years, which explains why they return to the same homes every mating season.

Another surprising fact? Possums can play dead during threatening situations, a behaviour often mistaken for a harmless retreat. If one looks lifeless on your property, beware. Thinking it’s gone could lead to a very rude awakening.

Equipped with knowledge of such unique traits, professional pest controllers adapt their tactics accordingly. That’s not something your average homeowner can do effortlessly.

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Ever wonder why possums chose your house? It turns out you’re offering a service they can’t refuse. From their perspective, it’s equipped with every creature comfort a possum could wish for. Your roof void, for instance, is their ideal accommodation. Warm, dry, and safe from predators, it mimics the natural tree hollows they’d typically inhabit. The added insulation in your ceiling? That’s just bonus padding for their cosy stay.

But it doesn’t end there. Gardens with fruit trees, overflowing bins, or pet food left outside serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Possums have an excellent sense of smell, and even the faintest traces of food will lure them in. Outdoor lighting? That’s not a deterrent! It actually attracts moths and insects, giving possums their very own built-in snack bar.

And the cherry on top? Possums are highly territorial. Once they move in, they treat your property as their exclusive domain, returning for generations without a thought for your inconvenience. Converting this “resort” back into your home often requires expert intervention.

Stopping possums in their tracks requires more than just good intentions. It’s about understanding their behaviour, following proper techniques and ensuring no stone is left unturned in keeping them away. DIY might sound easy, but it often creates more headaches than solutions. Leave it to the professionals, and they bring the expertise, precision, and legal know-how to get it done right the first time. 

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and want peace from possum problems, Hire Us 4 Pest Control is here to provide the right solutions.

Trying to outsmart a possum is like playing chess with a grandmaster. Spoiler: they’ll win. Possums: 1, DIY efforts: 0. Let us even the score for you!