The Dangers of DIY Possum Removal and Why You Need a Professional
Dealing with a possum in your home can be stressful. Their presence can cause noise, property damage, and even health risks. While it may seem like a quick fix to try and remove the possum yourself, DIY possum removal is not only dangerous but illegal in NSW. Possums are protected wildlife, and attempting to remove them without a licence can lead to fines and penalties.
In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of DIY possum removal and why hiring a professional is the only safe and legal option.
Why Possum Removal is Challenging
Possums are nocturnal creatures that are highly territorial. Once they find a nesting site, they tend to stay in that area, making removal a complex task. Attempting to remove a possum yourself can lead to several issues, including:
- Injury: Possums can become aggressive when cornered. They may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, leading to injuries or infections.
- Zoonotic Diseases: Possums can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Leptospirosis, for example, is a bacterial infection spread through possum urine, which can lead to serious health problems.
- Damage: DIY removal efforts can cause more harm than good. If a possum feels trapped or scared, it may cause further damage to your home by tearing up insulation, chewing wires, or dislodging roof tiles in an attempt to escape.
The Legal Risks of DIY Possum Removal
Possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act in NSW. This means that it is illegal to trap, harm, or relocate a possum without a licence. The fines for unlawfully handling possums can be substantial, ranging from $6,000 to $22,000 depending on the severity of the offence.
Relocating possums yourself is also illegal. NSW law requires that possums be released within 50 metres of their capture site. Removing them from their territory can disrupt their natural behaviour and lead to their harm. Only licensed professionals, like those at PossumRid, are authorised to safely and legally remove possums from your home.
Why DIY Methods Fail
Many homeowners try to remove possums themselves using traps or deterrents. However, these methods are not only ineffective but can cause further harm:
- Inhumane Trapping: Attempting to trap a possum without the right equipment or knowledge can cause injury to the animal. Possums are strong and can injure themselves while trying to escape.
- Ineffective Deterrents: DIY deterrents such as loud noises, lights, or chemical sprays often don’t work. Possums are intelligent and adaptable. Once they’ve found a safe nesting site, they are unlikely to leave voluntarily.
- Re-Entry: Even if a possum is temporarily removed, without proper exclusion measures, it will often return to the same nesting site. Possums are highly territorial and will seek out any gaps or weak points to re-enter your home.
Health Risks of DIY Possum Removal
Handling possums or disturbing their nests can expose you to a range of health risks. Possum droppings and urine can contain bacteria and parasites that are harmful to humans. Direct contact with possum waste can lead to infections and other health issues.
Possums also carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to humans and pets. These parasites can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions, and in some cases, more serious conditions.
Why You Need a Professional Possum Removal Service
Given the legal and health risks, it’s clear that DIY possum removal is not a viable solution. Hiring a professional possum removal service like PossumRid ensures that the process is safe, legal, and humane. Our team is fully licensed to handle possums in compliance with NSW regulations, meaning you won’t face legal penalties for unlawful removal.
What PossumRid Offers:
- Licensed and Humane Removal: We use humane methods to safely trap and remove possums from your home, ensuring they are relocated within the legal distance from your property.
- Comprehensive Inspection: We thoroughly inspect your home to identify all possible entry points and signs of possum activity.
- Possum-Proofing Solutions: After removing the possums, we seal entry points and provide long-term exclusion solutions to prevent them from returning.
- Health and Safety: Our team is trained to handle possums in a way that minimises the risk of disease transmission and prevents damage to your home.
The Process of Professional Possum Removal
When you hire PossumRid, we follow a carefully designed process to ensure the safety of both your home and the possum:
- Inspection: We start with a full inspection of your property, identifying where the possum is nesting and how it gained access.
- Safe Removal: Using humane traps, we capture the possum and relocate it according to NSW laws.
- Sealing Entry Points: Once the possum is removed, we help you seal any gaps, broken roof tiles, or vents that allowed the possum in.
- Follow-Up: We offer follow-up services to ensure no new possums enter the property.
Don’t Risk DIY Possum Removal
DIY possum removal is not only illegal but dangerous for both you and the possum. The risks of injury, disease, and legal penalties far outweigh the convenience of attempting removal yourself. By hiring a professional service like PossumRid, you ensure that possums are removed safely, humanely, and in compliance with all NSW laws.
If you suspect a possum is living in your home, don’t take matters into your own hands. Contact PossumRid today for licensed possum removal and expert possum-proofing solutions.
See our article on Why Possum Removal Should Be Left To Experts
