Dealing with Possums on Your Property

The information contained within is to be used as a guide only

Ringtail and Brushtail possums are the most commonly found possum species in Perth Western Australia. They have adapted well to living in cities and often occupy urban gardens and roof spaces. Possums are usually wary of humans and generally pose no direct threat. The following fact sheet provides some guidance regarding possums and your property.

Is it a Possum or a Rat in your roof?

In many cases possums are wrongly accused for being the occupants of roof spaces, when the culprits are in fact rats. The following information may help you determine whether your intruder is a possum or a rat.

Noise

Possums are territorial animals and will often make loud throaty or squeal calls to warn of invaders. Possums weigh up to five kilograms and will make a large thumping noise as they walk around on your roof. Rats will often scurry and the noise will be much quieter.

Droppings

If the roof space is easily accessible, observations of droppings may help to identify your pest. As shown in the below diagram, rat and mouse droppings are significantly smaller than that of a possum. Rat droppings are usually around 1.5cm by 0.5cm where as possums are around 2cm by 1cm.

How do I remove a Possum from my roof?

  • Possums are protected under state and commonwealth laws and trapping can only be carried out by licensed trappers.

The following companies are approved by the Department of Environment and Conservation

  1. Allpest WA (Welshpool) - 9416 0223
  2. Eco-Tec Pest Management (Cloverdale)- 9479 7576
  3. Western Pest Management (Hamilton Hill) – 9494 1055
  • Only Department of Environment and Conservation licensed trappers are permitted to capture possums.
  • Once removed, measures should be taken to prevent possums from re-entering roof space in the future (see ideas below).
  • For all enquiries regarding the trapping of possums or reference to licensed contractors phone the Department of Parks and Wildlife on 9219 8000.

How do I prevent possums from entering my roof?

  • Physical deterrents include blocking of and eliminating entry into the roof spaces, make sure no possums are still in the roof before doing so. Placing a bright light in roof space can also help deter possums from entering- solar powered or motion sensor options could be used.
  • Prune trees that overhang roofs to prevent possums having easy access to these spaces
  • Destroy scents of possums around points of entry to roof spaces. Spraying bleach solution around entry points is a suggested method to remove scent.
  • Chemical deterrents can be used in roof spaces to deter inhabitation of possums. Proprietary products designed for this purposecan be purchased from retail outlets like hardware stores.
  • Deterrents made from homemade products have also been effective in some cases. More information can be found from These work by deterring possums through unfavoured tastes or smells.

Can I stop Possums from destroying my plants and fruit?

Possums can be physically excluded from plants using a fence. Where this is not practically possible, large fruit trees can be fitted with a metal collar which prevents possums from climbing up the trunk. Smaller plants or shrubs can be protected by covering in bird netting.

Possums are a unique part of Australia’s wildlife; however loss of habitat through urbanisation has caused them to become displaced. You may consider sacrificing a small amount of your plants vegetation in order to help protect the possum species.

Possum nest boxes

Man made nest boxes may be used to provide an alternative habitat for possums to nest in. A small piece of fruit could be used to encourage the possum to use the provided nest box. More information on constructing your own or purchasing nest boxes can be found on or

an internet search “possum nest boxes” will yield results for boxes people can purchase.

Need more info?

You may like to visit these links

Possum Factsheet- Department of Environment and Conservation

How to live happily with possums on your property- RSPCA

Figure 2: Common Brushtail Possum (Photo: *DEC) Figure 3: Western Ringtail Possum (Photo: *DEC).

If you find a sick or injured native animal contact DEC wildcare helpline, 24 hour emergency number – WILDCARE (08) 9474 9055.

References

*Department Of Environment and Conservation. (2009). Pest Note, Preventing and

controlling damage by pest animals in Western Australia. Retrieved from

764&Itemid=1, on 1st July 2013.