Signs You Have a Possum Problem This Spring in Sydney

Spring in Sydney is a season of growth and new life. But it’s also the time when possums become more active, particularly in search of nesting sites. Possums often choose residential roofs, attics, or garages as safe places to raise their young. While possums are protected wildlife in Australia, their presence in homes can cause significant issues.

Recognising the signs of a possum problem early is key to addressing it before more damage is done. Here’s what to look for.

Noises in the Roof at Night

One of the most common signs of a possum in your home is hearing noises in the roof. Possums are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night. Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in your ceiling or roof space are strong indicators of possum activity. The noises tend to be louder at dusk and dawn, when possums are leaving or returning to their nests.

Droppings and Urine

Possums leave droppings in and around their nesting sites, including in roof spaces. Their droppings are often found near entry points and resemble those of a small dog. Urine stains may also appear, creating an unpleasant odour that can spread throughout your home.

Possum droppings can carry bacteria, which can contaminate living spaces or even water supplies if the roof is affected. This contamination poses health risks to humans, particularly those with respiratory conditions.

Damage to Insulation and Wiring

Possums can cause structural damage as they nest. They often tear up insulation to create bedding, leaving gaps that reduce the energy efficiency of your home. Chewing through electrical wiring is another serious risk. This can lead to electrical faults or even fires, making possum removal a priority for safety reasons.

If you notice damaged insulation, exposed wires, or disturbed roof tiles, it’s likely that possums have been nesting in your roof.

Possum Odours

Possums emit a strong, musky odour, especially when they’ve been living in a roof space for a while. If you notice a foul smell coming from your roof or attic, it could indicate that possums are present. Dead possums can also cause a significant smell, making it important to act quickly if you suspect this issue.

Visible Entry Points

Possums can enter your home through surprisingly small gaps. Broken roof tiles, open vents, or gaps under eaves provide easy access for these animals. If you notice any damage to your roof or external structures, it’s worth inspecting them to see if possums have made their way inside.

Why You Shouldn’t Handle Possums Yourself

Although it may be tempting to try to remove possums yourself, DIY removal is dangerous and illegal in NSW. Possums are protected wildlife, meaning it’s against the law to trap or relocate them without a licence. Furthermore, possums can become aggressive when threatened. They may bite or scratch, which can lead to injury or infection.

Possums can also carry zoonotic diseases—diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. These include leptospirosis, which is spread through their urine and can cause serious health problems. Attempting to handle possums without the right equipment and expertise can put your health at risk.

Health Risks Posed by Possums

Possums are not just a nuisance—they also pose significant health risks. Their droppings and urine can contaminate areas of your home, leading to the spread of bacteria. This can be particularly harmful to individuals with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions.

Possums can also carry parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites. These parasites can spread to humans and pets, causing skin irritations or more serious infections.

Early Detection Is Key

Detecting a possum infestation early in spring can save you from the long-term consequences of their presence. The longer possums remain in your roof, the more damage they can cause. Structural issues, contamination, and health risks all increase over time, making early intervention crucial.

Why You Should Call a Professional

Professional possum removal is the only safe and legal way to deal with a possum problem in your home. At PossumRid, our licensed team specialises in the humane and legal removal of possums in Sydney. We use safe methods to capture and relocate possums in accordance with NSW laws. Our process ensures that the possums are relocated within 50 metres of their capture site, as required by law.

After removing the possums, we provide exclusion services to seal entry points and prevent future infestations. This includes securing roof tiles, closing gaps, and providing advice on how to possum-proof your home for the long term.

Our Services Include:

• Comprehensive Inspections: We locate entry points, assess damage, and identify possum activity.
• Humane Removal: Our team uses legal, humane methods to capture and relocate possums safely.
• Possum-Proofing Solutions: We help prevent future infestations by sealing entry points and offering advice on protecting your home.

Act Quickly This Spring

Spring is the season when possums are most active, and catching the problem early is crucial. Ignoring the signs of a possum infestation can lead to costly repairs, health risks, and legal implications if you attempt to handle them yourself. At PossumRid, we offer professional, licensed possum removal to protect your home and ensure compliance with NSW wildlife laws.

If you suspect possums have entered your home, contact PossumRid today for an inspection and safe removal.

See our article on The Dangers of DIY Possum Removal