Did you know possums can squeeze through gaps as small as 4 cm? That fits the dimensions of a golf ball! A possum has probably moved in without asking if you have heard unusual sounds on your roof at night or seen strange droppings in your garden.
Although Australian legislation protects these cuddly animals, they may cause a great nuisance when they settle in our houses. They leave behind a pungent, musky smell, eat through insulation, and scrape at ceilings. Unchecked, a possum issue may quickly become a constant fight.
What should we do about it? Today, we will discuss five clever strategies on how to keep possums away from your home without endangering them or violating any laws protecting wildlife. We will cover everything you need to know to guard your place, from closing access points to deploying natural deterrents.
Possums might be cute, but the charm wears off fast when they turn our home into their crash pad. Scratching in the roof, the mess in the backyard, and that unmistakable musky smell—if we don’t act fast, we’re stuck in a never-ending conflict.
We don’t need to harm them. We need to outsmart them.
If a possum could write a restaurant evaluation, your backyard might have a five-star rating. Experts in food scent, these furry little scavengers won’t go anywhere soon once they have a consistent source.
So, what’s on the menu?
Simple changes make a big difference:
Possums are opportunists. If food is hard to find, they’ll move on to easier pickings. So, let’s take their dinner plate off the table.
Possums are more than simply adorable. They’re crafty. They will find it if there is a route to your house. In the roof, a hole? Excellent. A loose tile? Much better still. Once inside, these miniature escape artists won’t leave anytime soon—at least not voluntarily—and can fit through smaller areas than you would think.
How might we stop them? We ensure no way in is possible.
✔ Roof gaps and loose tiles—Possums love a warm roof cavity. Inspect your roof for gaps or dislodged tiles. If there’s a hole, they’ll find it.
✔ Eaves and vents—These are easy access points. Block them off with sturdy mesh or metal screens.
✔ Wall cavities and under the house – Small gaps in walls or raised homes are perfect hiding spots. Seal them with timber or metal plates.
✔ Overhanging branches – A tree that touches your roof is a possum highway. Trim back branches so they can’t jump across.
The fix: Once you find these weak spots, seal them up properly—but here’s the catch: don’t trap a possum inside. If you’re unsure whether one is already nesting, wait until nightfall when they leave to feed, then block the entry. Otherwise, you might end up with an angry (and very loud) guest scratching at your walls.
Possums are persistent, but they’re not miracle workers. They’ll be forced to look elsewhere if they can’t get in.
Possums don’t pay rent, yet they act like they own the place. If they’re not stealing food or scratching up the roof, they’re leaving little ‘gifts’ in droppings and a musky stench that clings to everything. We’re not running a possum motel, so it’s time to let them know they’re not welcome.
Here’s the secret: possums hate being uncomfortable. Strong smells, loud noises, and bright lights cause them to second-guess their living quarters. Let us make your house the last location they want to be.
Possums love the dark. It keeps them safe from predators. A sudden flood of light? Not so much. Try these tricks:
✔ Motion-activated lights – Every time they move, BAM! Instant spotlight.
✔ Outdoor floodlights – A well-lit yard is a possum’s worst nightmare.
✔ String up solar garden lights – Subtle but effective. Possums will think twice before strolling through your property.
Possums like peace and quiet. Let’s take that away:
✔ Play a radio near their hiding spots – Talkback radio works well. Nothing like the sound of human voices to freak them out.
✔ Use ultrasonic pest deterrents – These devices emit high-frequency sounds that possums (and rodents) hate but are harmless to pets and humans.
✔ Bang on the roof or walls – If you know they’re in there, make some noise. They won’t appreciate the wake-up call.
Possums have sensitive noses. A few well-placed scents can send them packing:
✔ Garlic or chilli spray – Mix crushed Garlic or chilli powder with water and spray it around known possum areas.
✔ Camphor or peppermint oil – Soak cotton balls and place them near their entry points. The strong scent drives them away.
✔ Mothballs – Toss a few in the roof space or under the house. Possums hate the smell.
These little tweaks irritate possums and make your home a place they’d rather avoid. The trick is consistency. Keep up these deterrents, and they’ll realise it’s easier to move on than to fight for their spot.
Let’s face it—possum-proofing your home is one thing, but where should these little squatters go? They’ll keep looking for another way if we block off their favourite hiding spots without offering an alternative. That’s where a possum nesting box comes in.
Possums aren’t trying to be pests—they’re just looking for a safe place to sleep. They will likely take it if we provide them with a better (and legal) option. A well-placed nesting box in a tree gives them exactly what they need: shelter, security, and a place to call home without wrecking our ceilings.
✔ Choose the right spot – Place the box at least 4 metres high in a tree, away from your roof and any easy jumping points.
✔ Secure it properly – Use strong ties or screws to keep it steady. We don’t want it falling mid-snooze.
✔ Make it inviting – Line it with dry leaves or soft bedding so it feels like a natural home.
✔ Block their old hideout – Once they move in, seal off their previous entry points to prevent a return visit.
Put several apple or banana slices next to the nesting box door to hasten the move-in process. Once possums understand their new environment offers advantages, they will settle in fast; they cannot refuse a free snack.
This is about giving possums a cause to avoid your house, not only about getting rid of them. Everyone can live peacefully if we have a nice, safe place away from our roof.
Let’s be real—sometimes, possums won’t take the hint, no matter how hard we try. They’re smart, stubborn, and incredibly good at outsmarting DIY fixes. If you’ve done everything right—sealed the roof, removed food sources, set up a nesting box—and they’re still showing up like uninvited guests, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
✔ They keep finding new ways in – You block one hole, they find another. This isn’t a game of whack-a-mole. A professional can do a full inspection and find every hidden entry point.
✔ You hear them in the roof every night – If there’s constant scratching, thumping, or squeaking above your ceiling, you’re dealing with a repeat offender—one that’s not planning to leave anytime soon.
✔ You’ve tried deterrents, but they don’t care – Some possums get too comfortable. You need a proper removal strategy when lights, noise, and strong smells don’t work.
✔ You suspect there’s a whole family – If a possum has set up a nursery on your roof, DIY solutions won’t cut it. Removing a mother’s possum and leaving her babies behind is not a situation you want to deal with.
Possums are protected under Australian law, which means possum trapping, relocating, or harming them is illegal without the right permits. Licensed possum removal experts know how to:
✔ Identify all access points and seal them properly.
✔ Use legal, humane removal techniques that don’t harm the possums.
✔ Ensure they don’t return, saving you from a never-ending battle.
If possums have turned your home into their playground, it’s time to regain control. The right possum professionals don’t just remove them—they make sure they stay out.
You could keep sealing up holes only to have them find another way in. You could set up deterrents, hoping they’ll finally take the hint. Or… you could get this sorted properly with one phone call.
At 1800 Possums, we don’t do guesswork. We do results.
✔ Full property inspection – We find every hidden entry point, even the ones you’d never spot.
✔ Humane possum removal – No harm, no stress—just a legal, effective way to get them out.
✔ Sealing & proofing – We ensure they stay gone once they’re gone.
✔ Guaranteed solutions – No band-aid fixes. We get it done right the first time.
Possums aren’t going to pack their bags and leave on their own. If they’ve made themselves at home, it’s up to us to show them the door.
Call 1800 Possums today and take back your home—before they take over.
