Possums in your roof?
Trapping and removing possums does not solve the problem. If entry points into a building are not sealed, the possums will re-enter or other possums will almost certainly move in. Holes cannot be simply blocked during the day as possums will become trapped and starve to death or break through a ceiling vent or something similar. Once excluded from the roof, they will live in the garden and even fight to keep other possums away, thereby controlling the number of possums that live in one garden. New possums will move into a garden if a resident possum is taken away.
If possums cause problems in the garden such as making dogs bark, running loudly on the roof or eating pet food, solutions need to be considered that don't harm the possums. Suggestions can be provided for a range of issues.
Trapping of possums is cruel and can result in injuries, stress and separation of baby possums from their mothers. It should only be considered as a last resort such as when buildings are being demolished and the possums need to be removed for their own safety.
Possums should only be removed or released at night as they are nocturnal animals and will become distressed if left exposed in daylight. They can also be relentlessly attacked up in trees by birds during daytime, especially during bird breeding season.
Excluding possums from buildings
- Inspection of building to identify all possible entry holes including assessment around the perimeter of the building, inspection inside the roof (if accessible) and a thorough inspection from on top of the roof
- Should major problems be identified, photos will be taken and a report supplied and no work will continue without consultation and client approval. If further work is not conducted, the cost will be limited to an initial inspection fee
- Holes are sealed using galvanized mesh, colorbond or galvanized metal sheet. Silicon sealer may also be used where required
- One-way possum gates are fitted to allow possums to leave but not re-enter. Gates are purpose built or customized to suit the particular building requirement
- When exclusion of possums has been verified, the gates will be removed and the holes sealed
- Possum nest boxes can also be supplied and installed upon request.
Emergency rescues
Services include the rescue of possums from a range of situations such as possums that have fallen down:
- chimneys,
- heater flues,
- ducts,
- exhaust vents, etc.
Occasionally, possums also get stuck down walls but this is rare and these possums normally leave and return each night. Possums can usually be rescued without any damage to buildings so cutting of holes in walls, etc is generally avoided. Emergency rescues are a priority and all effort is made to attend immediately.
Possums in trees to be cut down
If possums are known or thought to be living in trees which must be cut down, the welfare of the animals should be considered. It is rarely possible to safely capture animals prior to removal of trees and it is generally more useful to have a wildlife specialist on site during tree removal to liaise with tree removal contractors and to deal with displaced animals during felling activities. If conducted properly, animals are seldom injured but arrangements should be in place if injured animals are encountered. Five Freedoms is able to offer on-site attendance during tree removal activities and to deal with all animal issues that result.
Nest Boxes
Nest boxes in the garden provide potential housing to possums that can reduce the effort for animals to enter buildings but possums will generally prefer to live in buildings if they can find access so entry points into buildings must be sealed. If possums are to be excluded from a building, the fitment of a nest box is a kind thing to do to provide an alternative home to the evicted animal. Supply and fitment of possum nest boxes can be arranged at minimal cost, especially if done as part of a possum exclusion project.
