Why do I need possum control?

The two main species of possum found in the areas we cover – the Sydney region, Canberra, Newcastle and the Central Coast of NSW, as well as the Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane in Queensland – are the ringtail possum and the brushtail possum, both of which have adapted extremely well to urban environments.

Having possums in your roof and around your home can be a problem as they are nocturnal – meaning that they are most active at night and are very vocal about defending their territory. Aside from keeping you up at night, possums typically also leave droppings lying around and urine to mark their territory, which poses a health issue.

There are two main species of possum that inhabit our urban areas:

• Ringtail possum – around 30 to 35 cm in length with grey fur and white patches behind the eyes. The most common way to identify a ringtail possum, however, is the distinctive white mark on the end of their tails.
• Brushtail possum – around 58 cm in length, with large ears and a fur colour that can vary between silver/grey, brown, black, red or even cream. The most common way to identify a brushtail possum, however, is by its bushy black tail. 

What do possums eat? 

Possums usually exist on a diet of fruits, shoots, flowers and seeds or even small insects or bird eggs. Possums are often considered to be a pest as they can eat the food out of gardens if there is produce growing, but also strip gardens of flower coverage or vegetation. They can also cause damage to vegetative structures like hedges or hanging gardens that require careful maintenance to grow.

Where do I find possums?

Typically possums create their homes in tree hollows or scrub. However, over the years due to tree coverage being minimised because of urban growth, possums have instead moved into human dwellings. While the ringtail possum lives in family groups of between three and six possums, the brushtail possum lives a more solitary life, spending most of the time on its own. 

Both species, however, are highly territorial and vocal, and can often make their homes in roofing voids where homeowners can hear them fighting, making noises or moving around at night. 

Why can’t I remove possums from my property?

In Australia, possums are a protected species and there are strict rules around removing possums from the premises. The trouble with a possum infestation is that if relocated, possums will often die in the attempt to travel back to their territory, whether from the stress of relocation, being hit by vehicles or suffering a domestic pet attack. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives that do not harm the possums but rather encourage them to find a nest elsewhere, such as sealing off the entrances to your roof or even building the possums a makeshift nest somewhere away from your home.

What can Precision Pest Control do to solve my possum problem?

Our experienced team of professionals at Precision Pest Control in your area has developed an in-depth knowledge of the habits of the ringtail possum and the brushtail possum, as well as the methods of treatment used in possum control, and we use only the most effective and environmentally friendly forms of treatment:

1. A Precision Pest Control professional will inspect your home to assess the extent of the problem and identify the pest, immediately reporting back to you about the severity of your possum control issue.
2. We will then recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically to your home, taking into account the nature and severity of your possum issue.
3. The recommended treatment will be carried out by one of our highly experienced pest professionals, with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
4. The Precision Pest Control professional who carried out the treatment will then compile a fully comprehensive report adhering to the Australian Standards, which will be explained to you under our pest control warranty.

Call Precision Pest Control on 1300 655 524 for more information about how we can provide fast and effective possum control.