Uninvited Guests: Understanding Possum Behaviour at Home & How to Handle It in Melbourne

 In Melbourne’s leafy suburbs and urban neighborhoods, it’s common for residents to encounter possums—particularly brushtail and ringtail possums. These nocturnal marsupials might look cute, but when they turn your roof or backyard into their playground, it can lead to noise, damage, and sleepless nights. Understanding possum behaviour and knowing how to manage them humanely is crucial. This article dives deep into possum activity in homes and why professional possum removal Melbourne is the safest, legal, and most effective solution.



Why Are Possums Invading Homes?

Possums are territorial and adaptive creatures. As urban development increases and natural habitats decrease, they seek shelter in man-made structures. Roof spaces, attics, garages, and sheds are perfect substitutes for their hollow-tree homes.

Common reasons why possums invade homes:

  • Shelter from weather or predators

  • Access to food (pet food, fruit trees, or unsecured bins)

  • Warm, dark, enclosed roof cavities

  • Lack of natural nesting spots in the area

This behaviour is especially common in older suburbs like Dandenong, Brunswick, and Camberwell, where established trees and old buildings create a favourable environment for these marsupials.

Common Possum Activities in Residential Areas



Possums are most active between dusk and dawn. Their presence can be identified by a range of behaviours:

1. Noisy Scratching and Thumping in the Roof

Possums are not subtle. You’ll often hear them entering your roof cavity just after sunset. Loud scratching, dragging noises, or even what sounds like heavy footsteps may follow.

2. Foul Odours

Possum urine and droppings can create a strong, musty smell in your roof or ceiling. The longer they remain, the more unpleasant the odour becomes.

3. Damage to Insulation and Wiring

Possums chew on insulation and electrical wires, which can increase the risk of fire hazards and costly repairs.

4. Garden and Property Disturbance

Possums often climb fruit trees, eat vegetables, chew on bark, and can knock over bins in search of food. They can also damage fencing or sheds.

5. Territorial Behaviour

Male possums are especially territorial. They may screech or growl to ward off rivals, and sometimes even confront household pets.

Why You Shouldn’t Remove Possums Yourself

While it might be tempting to block their access or trap a possum yourself, it's important to know that all possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 (VIC). It is illegal to harm, relocate more than 50 metres, or kill them without a proper license.

That’s why professional possum removal in Melbourne is the best option. Experts understand possum behaviour, follow humane and legal procedures, and offer lasting solutions to keep them out for good.

Safe & Legal Possum Removal in Melbourne

If you live in an area like Dandenong, Brunswick, or Camberwell, you're probably no stranger to possum sightings. But when they invade your roof, it’s time to call the professionals.

Here's how licensed possum removal services operate:

  • Inspection & Assessment: Experts inspect the roof, eaves, and surroundings to identify entry points and assess damage.

  • Humane Removal: Using approved one-way doors or traps, possums are gently guided or captured and released legally within 50 metres of the site.

  • Roof Repairs & Sealing: After removal, technicians seal off all possible entry points using durable materials to prevent re-entry.

  • Possum-proofing the Property: Tree trimming, garden cleaning, and installing barriers or possum deterrents are part of the long-term plan.

Specialist Services in Your Suburb

🏡 Possum Removal Dandenong

Homes in Dandenong often have mature trees and large backyard spaces—ideal for possum nesting. Local professionals are familiar with these environments and offer quick, reliable solutions to remove and deter possums without causing harm.

🏘️ Pest Control Brunswick

Brunswick’s mix of old homes and dense greenery makes it a hotspot for both possums and general pests. Services in this area focus on integrated pest control, combining possum removal with other pest prevention strategies for comprehensive protection.

🏠 Pest Control Camberwell

Known for its heritage homes and lush streets, Camberwell experiences frequent possum invasions. Pest control camberwell teams here pay extra attention to preserving the aesthetic of older homes while ensuring possums can’t get in.

Tips to Prevent Possum Infestations

Even after professional removal, preventive steps are essential to ensure possums don’t return.

✅ Seal All Entry Points: Regularly inspect your roof, vents, and eaves. Use steel mesh or durable materials to seal gaps.

✅ Trim Tree Branches: Keep trees at least 1.5 metres away from your roof to eliminate their "bridges."

✅ Secure Food Sources: Keep pet food inside at night, and use bins with tight-fitting lids.

✅ Install Possum Guards: Fit guards around poles or fences to block their climbing routes.

✅ Use Motion Deterrents: Motion-sensor lights and sprinklers can be effective in scaring possums away.

✅ Natural Repellents: Use garlic spray or commercial possum deterrents in gardens and around entry points.

Final Thoughts

Possums may be part of Australia’s natural ecosystem, but they shouldn’t be part of your home. Their nightly antics, property damage, and odours can make home life difficult. Instead of trying DIY solutions, rely on expert help for possum removal in Melbourne.

Whether you need possum removal Dandenong, general pest control Brunswick, or long-term solutions in Camberwell, professional services provide humane, legal, and effective relief.

Take proactive steps today—because when it comes to uninvited roof dwellers, prevention and expert support are your best defence.

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