What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Possums?

26 Jul 2022

First, possum control in rural and urban environments require a licence. That’s because possums are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. You have to contact qualified professionals (licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service) for the removal of possums from your home or building. 

Proper way of getting rid of possums 

Instead of trapping (this is discouraged or avoided as much as possible), it’s more practical to repair the roof and other potential possum habitats. That’s because when you remove a possum, another one can quickly replace it as long as there’s an unsealed roof cavity. 

If trapping or capture is necessary, the possum’s release must be done not more than 150 metres away from the capture site. Also, a possum should be able to immediately climb a tree or a fence upon release. It’s also essential that the possum is released in a safe site (low likelihood of injury or death for the possum). 

Under exceptional circumstances, an authorised officer may permit euthanasia of a possum. This can happen when: 

  • Possum has a disease as verified by a veterinarian 
  • Possums threaten human livelihood and health (such as in healthcare facilities) 
  • A possum’s release will make its condition worse (release site has undergone land clearing and there are no trees for the possum to climb on or reside in) 

Compliance is essential because possums are protected and their survival is actually threatened by habitat loss, motor vehicle impacts, predation from pets and other animals, disease, illegal capture and other causes. 

However, a possum in your home or building can disturb you especially at night. Around 10 or 11pm and other late hours, you might be hearing their noise and this could disrupt your sleep or make you worry about what’s happening. In this case, possum removal is highly important and necessary. 

You can contact us here at Hills Pest Control for the proper way of getting rid of possums from your home or building. We are licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Aside from proper possum removal, we also block and repair entry points as a long-term measure.