Signs of a Possum Problem and How to Handle It Safely

All the ways you can think of for small critters to disrupt your home don’t hold a candle to the chaos a possum can bring. These furry, big-eyed acrobats might look like something out of a children’s storybook, but don’t be fooled. Their nightly escapades can wreak havoc on your peace, your property, and even your patience. If the middle of your week is starting to sound more like the middle of a wildlife documentary, there’s a good chance you’ve got a possum problem.

To keep your home intact and handle these cheeky creatures humanely, spotting the signs early is key. Here’s everything you need to know about identifying possum activity and why enlisting professional help is the smartest, safest move. 

Possums don’t exactly slide in under the radar. Their antics often leave behind a trail of clues, and if you’re quick to catch them, you can save yourself a major headache. Here’s what you should look out for when trying to piece together the mystery of your unwanted houseguests. 

Mysterious Noises Late At Night 

Once the sun goes down, possums spring into action. If you’re hearing heavy thuds, ominous scratching, or what can only be described as a game of possum parkour over your ceiling, they’ve probably moved into your roof cavity or walls. 

A Pungent Smell That Won’t Shift 

Possums have their own distinct scent, and no, it’s not one you’d want to turn into a room spray. If you’ve noticed strong, musty odours in parts of your home, they might be marking their territory. 

Unexpected Droppings 

Big, dark, pellet-shaped droppings are a signature possum leave-behind. If spotting these in or near your home becomes part of your daily routine, you’re likely dealing with more than just stray birds. 

Shredded Gardens And Vanishing Fruit 

Are your plants suddenly looking worse for wear? Possums are notorious for raiding gardens, chewing through leaves, and biting into fruits they fancy. If your backyard looks like a buffet aftermath, you’ve got your culprits. 

Damage And Entrances Appearing Around Your Property 

Loose roof tiles? Cracked vents? Gnawed timber? These crafty climbers have likely found a way in, and they don’t exactly leave things neat and tidy. 

Possums might seem harmless at first glance, but turning a blind eye can lead to bigger problems than you’d expect. These uninvited guests aren’t just noisy; they’re costly and occasionally dangerous. Here’s the lowdown. 

• Your Roof Won’t Thank You 

Possums love crawling into roofs, but their love doesn’t extend to keeping them in good shape. Damaged insulation, wrecked timber, and chewed wires could leave you needing pricey repairs. 

• Wires And Fire Don’t Mix 

Possums chewing on electrical wires doesn’t just mess with your lights; it’s a serious fire risk. Don’t give them the chance to turn your home into their DIY project. 

• They Bring Along Some Unwelcome Baggage 

Think parasites, bacteria, and hidden health risks. Their fur, droppings, and habits could end up being more of an issue than you bargained for. 

• Your Garden Will Be Theirs For The Taking 

Possums don’t mess around when they’re hungry. They can strip gardens bare, leaving you to pick up the metaphorical (and literal) scraps. 

• The Longer They Stay, The Harder It Gets 

Possums are not solitary types. One might bring a few friends, and before long, you could have a full-blown group who aren’t planning to leave. 

Decided to grab some gloves and sort it out yourself? Think again. Apart from being a legal minefield (possums are protected species in Australia), it’s also unsafe. Mishandling these animals can provoke aggressive responses and injuries you don’t want. Plus, without knowing exactly how they got in or where they’re hiding, you’ll likely just send them deeper into your property.

If possums are running the show in your home, it’s time to bring in trained professionals who can handle things properly. A good pest control team will inspect your property, locate their hideouts, and ensure everything is done both safely and legally. 

Here’s how they help tackle the problem for good: 

• Securing All Entry Points 

Any gap, crack, or loose tile that gave possums access gets sealed up tight, so they can’t stroll right back in. 

• Trapping And Relocating The Right Way 

Licensed pest professionals use safe traps and relocate possums to approved areas far from your home. No stress for you or the animal. 

• Fixing The Damage Done 

From shredded insulation to damaged wiring, they’ll help repair the chaos possums leave behind so your home looks and functions as it should. 

• Providing Prevention Tips 

Professionals don’t just solve the problem; they help you keep it from happening again. Advice like securing bins and trimming branches can make all the difference.

Think you’re off the hook after a removal? Not quite. Prevention is your next big step to keep your property “possum-proof”. 

Try these tips to discourage their return: 

• Trim overhanging branches that make it easy for possums to climb onto roofs. 

• Keep bins secure with tightly fitted lids. 

• Install garden netting to protect fruits and plants. 

• Regularly inspect your home for gaps or damaged areas and fix them promptly.

No one wants their home turned into a stomping ground for possums. From loud nights to shredded gardens and structural damage, the impacts can be costly and frustrating. Leaving the issue unresolved is simply not an option. 

Need fast, humane, and reliable help? Get in touch with Hire Us 4 Pest Control. They’ll make sure your possum problem is handled expertly while helping you protect your home from future pesky visitors.