Why Possum Removal Should Always Be Left to the Experts

Possums are part of Australia’s protected wildlife, making their removal a task that requires both legal knowledge and professional expertise. In Sydney, especially during spring, possums are more active, often looking for safe places to nest and raise their young. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads them to your roof or attic.

Although possums may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage and pose health risks if left unchecked. Trying to remove possums yourself is not only dangerous but also illegal in NSW. Here’s why possum removal should always be left to the experts.

The Complex Behaviour of Possums

Possums are territorial animals. Once they’ve settled into a nesting site, they’re unlikely to leave voluntarily. Removing them without disturbing their natural behaviours is a complex task. Possums are also nocturnal, so much of their activity goes unnoticed during the day, making detection and removal even trickier.

Possums will often return to a site if it’s not properly sealed after removal. Simply removing a possum without addressing how they entered in the first place can lead to repeat infestations.

Legal Requirements for Possum Removal in NSW

In New South Wales, possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. This means that it’s illegal to harm or relocate them without a licence. Only licensed professionals are legally allowed to handle possum removal, and they must follow strict regulations. Possums must be relocated no further than 50 metres from their capture site, ensuring that they remain within their natural territory.

Attempting to remove a possum without professional help can result in legal penalties, including hefty fines. By hiring a licensed service like PossumRid, you can be confident that the removal process is conducted legally and humanely.

Risks of DIY Possum Removal

While it may seem like a good idea to remove a possum yourself, DIY removal poses several risks:

• Physical injury: Possums can become aggressive when cornered or threatened. They may bite or scratch, causing injuries that can become infected.
• Zoonotic diseases: Possums can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as leptospirosis, which is spread through their urine. Direct contact with possum waste or handling a possum without protective gear can increase the risk of infection.
• Property damage: Without proper removal techniques, possums may cause even more damage as they attempt to escape. This can lead to chewed wires, broken tiles, or further contamination in your roof space.

How Professional Possum Removal Works

Possum removal is a highly specialised process. At PossumRid, we follow strict guidelines to ensure the safe, legal, and humane removal of possums from your home.

1. Thorough Inspection

The first step in professional possum removal is a detailed inspection of your property. Our team identifies entry points, nesting areas, and signs of possum activity. We also assess the extent of any damage caused by the possums, such as chewed insulation or damaged roof tiles.

2. Safe and Humane Removal

Once the inspection is complete, we use humane trapping methods to safely capture the possums. Our licensed experts follow all NSW regulations to ensure that the possums are relocated within 50 metres of their capture site, in line with legal requirements. This ensures that the possum can continue living in its natural environment while protecting your home from further intrusion.

3. Exclusion and Possum-Proofing

After the possum is safely removed, the next step is to prevent future infestations. This involves sealing all possible entry points, such as broken roof tiles, gaps under eaves, or damaged vents. At PossumRid, we provide long-term possum-proofing solutions, ensuring your home remains secure.

The Importance of Possum-Proofing

Even after a possum is removed, your home remains vulnerable unless proper exclusion measures are put in place. Possums are creatures of habit. If they’ve found a way into your roof once, they’ll likely return or find another access point if it’s not properly sealed.

Effective possum-proofing includes:

• Sealing gaps: All gaps or holes in the roof, walls, or under eaves must be sealed.
• Roof repairs: Broken or dislodged roof tiles need to be fixed to prevent re-entry.
• Vent protection: Installing screens or covers on roof vents and chimneys to block access points.

Possum-proofing ensures that your home remains possum-free in the long term, avoiding repeated infestations and the associated damage.

Why Professional Help is Essential

Professional possum removal services, like PossumRid, are equipped with the tools, experience, and legal authority to remove possums safely and effectively. DIY methods not only risk harming the possum and breaking the law, but they also fail to address the root cause of the infestation.

Hiring professionals guarantees that:

• The removal is legal and humane: You won’t face legal consequences for mishandling possums.
• Your home is protected: Professionals know how to remove possums without causing additional damage to your property.
• Health risks are minimised: Experts handle possums with proper safety measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Possum Removal

Possum removal is not a task for the untrained. The legal requirements, health risks, and potential for injury make it a job best left to the experts. At PossumRid, we provide safe, humane, and legal possum removal, followed by expert possum-proofing to protect your home for the long term.

If you’re dealing with possums in your home, don’t try to handle the problem yourself. Contact PossumRid for professional, licensed possum removal and exclusion services.

See our article on Who Can Remove Possums In Sydney?