Do you know this is home to 27 unique species of possums, more than any other country on Earth? These possums look cute, but the damage and frustration they cause are far from their cuteness. That’s why effective and legal possum removal is important for a peaceful life in Melbourne, Australia.
These nocturnal marsupials play an important role in our ecosystem. You see them wandering into urban areas, searching for food and shelter. For homeowners and people who love gardening, they can lead to different kinds of problems, mainly involving sleepless nights, fear of damaging your flowers and fruits, chewed wires, and costly roof repairs.
According to pest control experts, the cost of repairing possum related damage to a single roof can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the destruction, which is a significant expense.
That’s where the team of Zap It pest control and termite specialists comes in. We are excited to share our expert tips for possum removal, how they damage your peace of mind and property, and why professional pest control is the most effective way to deal with these marsupials.
Step by Step Process How to Remove a Possum
It is important to act ethically and humanely when removing possums from your property because possums are protected under Australian law. Here’s a step by step proven guide for ethical possum removal. It guarantees their removal and the safety of both your property and these cute marsupials.
- Inspection and Identification of Possum Entry Points
Our specialist pest inspector starts the possum removal process after inspecting your home and property, where possums enter and nest. The most common possum entry points include broken roof tiles, gaps in eaves, and vents. To confirm its presence, experts look for signs such as possum poo, scratch marks, and your provided information (different sounds at night, etc).
- Using Possum Catcher and ethical relocation.
When the entry points of possums are identified, pest control experts set up humane traps specifically designed to capture them without harming them. After trapping the possums, experts release them within 50 meters of the point of capture. Make sure the relocating place is near a natural habitat, including trees or a tall fence otherwise, the possum will not survive.
- Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Future Infestation
It is important to address the reasons why possums are attracted to a specific area and why they come back to your property. Possums are highly territorial. They often return to your home after successfully trapping and removing them. Relocation can be highly stressful for possums, as they face competition from other possums or animals in the area. Possums have strong memories and depend on environmental cues such as smell. So, they returned to their previous territory after being relocated.
After identifying their entry points, seal all of them using durable materials like metal mesh or roof sheeting to prevent future visits.
Using a humane trap and ethical relocation is the most natural way to remove possums.
- What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Possum in Melbourne?
The fastest way to get rid of possums involves the following methods:
- Use the Strong Scent of Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that possums naturally dislike. Its strong scent helps to repel possums because it overwhelms their sensitive sense of smell.
How to Use Garlic For Possum Removal:
- Take garlic cloves, crush them, and spread them on potential possums entry points.
- Add crushed garlic to water with a small amount of vinegar. Apply this mixture to the surfaces where possums are active.
- Apply this garlic spray on your plants leaves to protect them from possums.
This eco-friendly option is for those customers who are allergic to chemicals or want a chemical free pest control solution.
- Mothballs for Possum Control
Mothballs are small naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene chemical pesticides. Their primary function is to protect clothing and textiles from moths and other insect damage.
Why Mothballs Are Used for Possum Removal?
- Mothballs are a common DIY method for possum removal due to their strong chemical smell.
- These chemical pesticide balls are easy to place in areas where possums are common, such as roofs, gardens, etc.
- Mothball vapor acts as a mild irritant that is irritating to the respiratory systems of possums. These vapors can cause discomfort, such as coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation, making the environment uncomfortable for possums and forcing them to leave your place.
Precautions While Using Mothballs
Before using the Mothballs method, you must read these instructions.
- Consider legal concerns while using mothballs due to their chemical nature. It may be illegal or discouraged in your area due to health and environmental risks.
- These mothballs are generally safe for humans in small doses while dangerous if inhaled mistakenly in large quantities.
Note: If the possum is strong enough to tolerate the scent of mothballs, it may ignore them, making this method less reliable.
- Light Based Deterrents
It is another humane method of discouraging possums from your spaces. These bright devices use motion activated lights to disappoint possums, making your home less attractive. Possums are nocturnal and want a quiet, dark environment, and bright lights are against their natural behaviors, making the area uninhabitable for them.
Tips for Effective Use of Light-Based Deterrents For Possum Removal
- Install these lights around areas where possums are most active, such as roofs, attics, or gardens.
- Combine light-based deterrents with other humane methods like trimming overhanging tree branches and using strong odor repellents, for maximum effectiveness.
Always confirm these deterrents don’t cause serious harm or stress to these protected wildlife animals.
- How to Get Rid of Possums – Home Remedies
Possum Repellent DIY: Using natural possum repellent is one of the efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly ways to manage these marsupials. Possums’ sensitivity to scents and tastes makes these natural deterrents helpful for their removal.
Possum Repellent DIY Recipes
- White Vinegar Solution: Add 10 to 15 whole cloves in 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 liter of water. Mix this solution in a spray bottle. Apply it to possum entry points, garbage bins, or near your favorite plant to protect them from possum.
- Eucalyptus Oil Solution: Add 10-15 drops of Eucalyptus Oil in 1 liter of water and mix well in a spray bottle. Apply this solution near roofs, fences, or plants damaged by possums.
The strong odor of these ingredients is unpleasant to possums and discourages them from staying on your property.
Reapply these DIY repellents regularly for some time until possums leave your space.
What Things to Avoid While Removing Possums From Your Property?
- Avoid using strong chemicals or unverified remedies such as bleach, ammonia, etc. They can cause respiratory irritation to possums as well as humans. Use natural deterrents like chili, garlic, and vinegar sprays.
- Avoid blocking entry points without proper inspection. Make sure the area is possum free when you seal the entry point and that the possum is not trapped inside.
- Trim branches: possums are naturally good climbers and often use trees and overhanging branches to access rooftops and attics. Trim branches and other vegetation at least 1.5 meters away from possible access points.
- Don’t make your home attractive for possums by openly leaving your wasted food outside. Dispose of your waste food in secure bins with tight lids. Feed your pets indoors or clean up the space immediately after feeding them.
- Providing a proper alternative shelter for possums will reduce the chance of their return after being successfully removed. Possums wander for safe spaces, especially during the breeding season, from September to November for common brushtail possums.
- Following this method, you will provide a safe space for possums and protect your home and property from their nesting.
Avoid these common missteps and remove possums more effectively.
FAQs
Below are the most common possum removal-related questions people ask.
Why is possum removal necessary?
Ethical possum removal is necessary for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Removing possums from the urban environment is also important for themselves. They are exposed to dangers such as traffic accidents, predators, and inadequate food sources, which can cause stress-related health issues for them.
What damage can possums cause?
A wildlife management study shows that possums in Melbourne contribute to over 30% of roof damage, which is costly repairs. Possum activity, along with their droppings and urine, can weaken building structures. They carry diseases, destroy peace, and lead to big property loss if ignored.
How do you safely remove a possum?
You need to contact licensed pest control professionals for humane and safe possum removal, such as Zap-It Pest Control in Melbourne, , which specializes in ethical possum removal.
What things should you avoid when removing possums at night?
You need to handle the situation very carefully at night. Follow all legal regulations. Do not use bright lights to observe the possums’ activity, always use dim lights for this purpose. Avoid shouting, loud noises, or attempting to chase or grab possums. If they feel threatened, they become aggressive and show unpredictable behavior.
How to get rid of a possum under your deck?
The area under your deck is an ideal place for possums due to its darkness, quietness, and suitable for safe shelter. To get rid of possums under your deck, you need to increase the amount of lightning, loud noise, and strong smelling-repellents and remove food sources.
Final Thoughts
After this detailed discussion it is clear how to remove a possum and dealing with possum removal is no longer stressful. The simple and ethical processes discussed in this guide will help you protect your property as well as Melbourne wildlife. These secret tips for identifying possums presence and sealing entry points, using possum catchers and natural repellents, along with important precautions, make the possum removal process efficient and successful.
Besides all these techniques, If you want professionals to do this job for you and exterminate this pest from your premises. The team at Zap It Pest Control and Termite Specialists is here to help! With years of experience in ethical possum removal in Melbourne and near suburbs in VIC 3081, Australia.
