How To Remove A Possum

Understanding the Problem

How to remove a possum effectively and safely from various unwanted locations and premises is a common query we receive daily.

Possumpiper specializes in efficient possum removal (not possum relocation), offering expert advice on identifying entry points, securing potential re-entry areas, and implementing strategies to possum-proof properties. Our innovative one-way door system enables humane possum eviction, preventing their return effectively.

At times, our clients mistake rodent activity for possum issues, and occasionally, both pests are present. Fortunately, Possumpiper excels in managing both possum removal and rodent control.

A significant benefit when engaging with Possumpiper is that the business owner, a possum removal specialist, also holds full qualifications as a licensed builder. This ensures that your property's structural integrity is maintained by professionals, safeguarding against any potential damage that unqualified individuals may cause.

Additionally, all technicians working alongside the business owner are extensively trained to deliver high-quality service.

Possumpiper caters to homeowners, strata and real estate agents, as well as industrial and commercial settings, providing comprehensive solutions for this issue.

Our track record speaks for itself; explore the testimonials of our numerous satisfied customers on our google reviews to see why we are the go-to choice for possum removal services.

It is important to note that while we excel at addressing possum and rodent concerns, we are unable to assist with nuisance possums that cause damages such as consuming plants or leaving droppings in areas like balconies or courtyards. These animals are protected in Australia, restricting relocation beyond 50-150m, leading to their imminent return. Unfortunately, existing deterrents and repellents have proven ineffective in deterring these creatures from frequenting specific spaces.

Overview of the Removal Process

Our team of pest control experts specialize in removing possums from residential and commercial properties. We work collaboratively with homeowners, business owners, and property managers to eliminate possums effectively and prevent their return. By assessing each situation carefully, we create customized solutions to suit your specific needs.

Inspection Process

Our technician perform a thorough inspection, examining the entire perimeter of the building to pinpoint the entry points typically used by both the ringtail possum and the brushtail possum. This assessment encompass both the interior and exterior areas of the roof, ensuring safety throughout.

The inspection will not only focus on identifying possum activity but also any signs of rodent presence.

In the subsequent report, we will deliver a detailed list of the building elements needing attention to effectively resolve the clients' concerns. This comprehensive report will be accompanied by relevant pictures to substantiate our findings. Furthermore, we will highlight any other potential issues within the building, offering recommendations on whether immediate action is necessary or if they can be addressed later if they escalate.

Upon request or necessity, we will furnish a detailed quotation for any supplemental possum proofing or rodent-related services that exceed our standard fees, detected during the inspection process.

Possum Proofing & Removal Process

Our possum removal team prioritizes the humane removal of possums from your property to prevent harm to the animals. We highly value the cooperation of our clients throughout the removal process, ensuring a successful outcome. Our technician will work closely with you to determine the most effective removal options based on your specific situation.

In a standard possum removal procedure, our services include a thorough inspection report to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation. We then proceed to possum-proof your premises by sealing entry points using durable materials such as galvanized tin or snake-proof mesh. 

As part of our process, we install our unique one-way door system temporarily to allow any possums present in the roof to exit but prevent their re-entry. This step, combined with the final sealing of entry points, effectively ensures that possums are excluded from the premises once they have exited or been prevented from re-entering.

In certain cases, possum trapping may be necessary. Our team may use possum traps in addition to or instead of a one-way door. If possum trapping is required, the captured possum will be released on the property the following day after sunset, in compliance with legal regulations stipulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, within a specified distance from the capture site and away from waterways.

After our visit, you can expect to receive a detailed inspection report via email, complete with descriptive findings and relevant photographs for clarity. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive document outlining the next steps and addressing any questions or concerns you may have regarding the possum removal process.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

1. Seal Entry Points:
Sealing off possum entry points stands as the definitive method to prevent possum invasions in your home. When possums linger around your property, creating a nuisance, consider the  restrictions imposed by state laws on relocating possums more than 50-150 meters, varying by state.

2. Trim Trees and Shrubs:
Possums are adept climbers, utilizing an overhanging tree branch to gain access to your roof or attic. To prevent possums from potentially finding entry points on your roof, it is essential to trim trees and shrubs a minimum 3 meters away from your home.

3. Install Motion-Activated Lights:
Possums are known to be nocturnal animals and are often believed to be repelled by bright lights. However, it is essential to debunk the misconception that installing motion-activated lights around your property can effectively deter possums. This common belief, often found online, is simply an old wives' tale.

4. Use Repellents:
Using a natural possum repellent such as ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine around your property to deter possums may seem like a practical solution, but in reality, it's a futile effort. The truth is, there are no truly effective deterrents or repellents that can reliably keep possums at bay.

5. Setting Traps
Relying solely on setting a possum trap for removal may not be effective. Merely trapping and relocating a possum without addressing entry points and implementing possum-proofing measures will not fully resolve the issue. Moreover, relocating a possum elsewhere could inadvertently create an opening for another possum to occupy the vacated territory. 

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations governing possum trapping /animal trapping and relocation. For instance, in Australia, obtaining a Possum Catch & Release License is mandatory by law. Each state's government administers these licenses, and it is essential to comply with the specific regulations in your region. 

Failure to abide by these rules, such as exceeding the permissible relocation distance, can lead to hefty fines of up to $50,000. This legal framework applies universally, regardless of the circumstances prompting the possum's relocation.  

Click on the state you reside in to access detailed information concerning the legal regulations regarding possums: NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT and the NT.

Humane Removal & Safety Concerns

Humane possum control is essential for ecosystem balance as possums aid in pest control by hunting insects and rodents. To effectively remove them, careful monitoring and adjustment of removal strategies are crucial, especially when using traps.

Handling captured possums with care and releasing them safely at a distance is key to humane removal practices. Balancing wildlife coexistence involves empathy, responsible management, and fostering mutual benefit.

Consider health and safety risks with possum removal, as they can carry diseases and parasites, urging caution during handling to prevent potential harm from their nocturnal and defensive behaviors.

Our Additional Services in Professional Wildlife Control

Beyond possum removal also known as humane wildlife removal, Possum Piper offers a range of additional services, including dead animal removal, rodent removal/ rat removal, valley and gutter guard installation, possum box installation, and possum tree guard services. Our comprehensive solutions cater to various needs to ensure a pest-free environment for our clients.

Our services extend to a variety of settings, including residential homes, industrial sites, commercial buildings, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, hospitals, churches, and government facilities in Sydney to the Blue Mountains, The Central Coast to Cronulla and Brisbane. No matter the location or scale of the issue, Possum Piper is equipped to handle it with professionalism and expertise.

For anyone in need of our possum removal service or comprehensive pest control services, Possum Piper is an expert wildlife removal expert and is just a phone call or email away. Reach out to us via our contact form, call 1300 880 194, FB messenger or email solutions@possumpiper.com.au to benefit from our dedicated team's assistance and restore a safe and hygienic environment. Trust Possum Piper for reliable, eco-friendly, and effective solutions to all your wildlife and pest control needs.