Home › Pest control › Possum removal
Possum removal
Possum Removal in Melbourne
Possums are protected wildlife in Victoria, so the job is not to take them away. It is to get them out of your roof and keep them out. We find every entry point, use a one-way exclusion method, then seal and proof the roof. Possum exclusion and proofing starts from $290 including GST.
- Humane, legal exclusion
- Roof proofing included
- 3-month warranty
The law in Victoria
What the rules say about possums
Brushtail and ringtail possums are protected wildlife in Victoria. Under the state’s rules, a trapped possum must be:
- released on the same property where it was caught
- released within 50 metres of the capture point
- released after sunset, on the day of capture
Relocating a possum somewhere else is illegal, and penalties apply. That is why the only lasting fix is to stop it getting back into the roof.
Found an injured or orphaned possum? Keep pets away and contact Wildlife Victoria for help rather than handling it yourself.
Rules can change, so always check the current guidance on the Wildlife Victoria possum page.
Identify it
Brushtail or ringtail?
| Possum | How to recognise it | Behaviour in roofs |
|---|---|---|
| Common brushtail possum | Larger, grey to brown, thick bushy tail, pointed ears | Uses the roof cavity and insulation as a den. The louder of the two |
| Common ringtail possum | Smaller, with a thin, curling tail that is usually white-tipped | Builds a nest called a drey and may bring leaves and twigs into the roof |
Birds such as common mynas can also nest in roofs and box gutters. Daytime scratching and chirping usually means birds, not possums.
Our process
How we get possums out and keep them out
- Inspect the roof and exterior. Eaves, gutters, box gutters, parapets, loose tiles, vents, solar panels, chimneys and overhanging trees.
- Map every entry point. Grease marks, fur, droppings and chewed timber show us where they are getting in.
- Seal the secondary gaps. Every opening except the main entry is closed with durable materials.
- Fit a one-way exit. The possum can leave at night to feed but cannot get back in.
- Confirm and seal. Once the roof is clear, and we have checked for young, we close the final entry for good.
- Clean-up and advice. Odour treatment where needed, a nest box recommendation, and tree trimming advice.
Warning signs
Signs a possum is living in your roof
Thumping at dusk
Heavy footsteps and running from around sunset, often again before dawn.
Stains and smell
Yellow-brown urine stains on ceilings and a strong, musky odour.
Droppings
Larger than rat droppings, often found in gutters, on paths and in the roof void.
Grease and damage
Dark rub marks on fascias and eaves, lifted tiles and chewed timber at entry points.
Pricing
Possum removal prices
Prices include inspection, exclusion and standard proofing. Extra proofing points are quoted on site before work starts.
| Service | Unit or apartment | 3-bedroom house | 4-bedroom or double-storey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possum exclusion and proofing | from $290 | from $340 | from $390 |
| Dead animal odour treatment (add-on) | from $45 | from $45 | from $45 |
| Extra proofing points | Quoted on site | Quoted on site | Quoted on site |
Proofing points we install carry a 3-month warranty. See every price on our pricing page.
Prevention
Keeping possums out for good
- Trim branches back from the roofline so possums cannot jump across.
- Fix loose tiles, gaps under eaves and damaged vents.
- Fit caps or mesh to chimneys and unused flues.
- Do not feed possums. It keeps them coming back to your house.
- Put up a nest box in a tree on your property.
FAQ
Possum removal questions
Can I relocate a possum to a park or bushland?
No. In Victoria a trapped possum must be released on the same property, within 50 metres of where it was caught, after sunset on the day of capture. Relocating it elsewhere is illegal, and possums moved into unfamiliar territory rarely survive.
Can I trap the possum myself?
Trapping and release are regulated in Victoria, and getting it wrong can harm the animal and lead to penalties. Check the current rules with Wildlife Victoria or DEECA first. In most cases exclusion and proofing is simpler, legal and permanent.
How do I know it is a possum and not rats?
Possums make heavy thumping and running sounds from dusk and through the night, sometimes with hissing or growling. You may also notice a strong smell, urine stains on the ceiling and larger droppings than a rat would leave.
Will the possum be sealed inside my roof?
No. We never seal a possum in. We seal every other gap first, fit a one-way exit on the main entry, and only close the last gap once we are confident the possum is out. We also check for young before the final seal.
How long does possum removal take?
The inspection and sealing of secondary gaps usually happens on the first visit. The one-way exit stays in place for a few nights before we return to close the final entry and confirm the roof is clear.
Should I put up a possum nest box?
It is a good idea. A nest box mounted in a tree on your property gives the possum somewhere to go, which makes it less likely to keep trying to get back into the roof.
Book possum removal
Tell us what you are hearing and when, and we will give you a fixed starting price and book an inspection.
Mon to Sat, 7am to 6pm · Licensed and insured · GST-inclusive prices