‘They pose a risk’: Pest controller's warning after unsettling find above Aussie home
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Unusual noises in the middle of the night are enough to leave anyone on edge—especially when they seem to come from above.
A recent incident in a family home has sparked new warnings for residents as temperatures begin to drop across the country.
What was uncovered points to a growing seasonal issue that could be lurking above more homes than you'd expect.
A mysterious sound coming from a Gold Coast family's roof left their children too frightened to sleep, prompting an urgent call to pest control.
Jhy Carroll, a leading pest controller from EBS Queensland, arrived at the home and quickly identified the culprits as possums that had chewed through thick lead flashings to enter the roof void.
‘A family of possums were living in a customer’s roof void,’ Carroll said.
He explained that the animals had managed to gnaw through the material designed to keep water out at roof joints, creating an easy access point to shelter inside.
As the weather cooled across Australia, Carroll warned that more households were likely to experience similar invasions.
‘Possums pose a risk of gnawing on wiring or other electrical components in the roof space; they also make a lot of noise, which in this case was scaring her young children at bedtime,’ he said.
He noted that possums, being nocturnal, tend to be more active when families are settling in for the night.
Images from EBS Queensland showed the extent of the mess left behind—including a roof board stained with urine.
Another photo captured one of the possums curled up comfortably inside the void, clearly having made itself at home.
Carroll advised residents to act promptly if they suspected possums had entered their roofs.
‘Find their entry points and block them off,’ he said, cautioning that people must ensure all animals are out before sealing any gaps.
‘Alternatively, call your local pest control company to advise on the best solution for your home.’
Wildlife experts echoed the concerns, sharing a similar incident from the ACT where a brushtail possum was discovered hiding atop a stack of firewood near a hotel foyer fireplace.
Rescuers carefully removed the wood and wrapped the ‘very healthy’ animal in a towel before placing it in a rescue basket.
They recommended providing suitable nest boxes in backyards to offer possums a safe alternative shelter as temperatures drop.
With more possums seeking warmth in urban spaces, the warning served as a timely reminder for Aussies to prepare their homes ahead of winter.
In a previous story, we explored how possum invasions are affecting the property market in unexpected ways.
Some homes with these furry residents are still attracting buyers despite the challenges.
Check out the full story to see why these possum-filled properties remain sought-after.
With more possums sneaking into homes to escape the cold, have you ever had an unexpected visitor in your roof or backyard? Let us know your experience in the comments.
A recent incident in a family home has sparked new warnings for residents as temperatures begin to drop across the country.
What was uncovered points to a growing seasonal issue that could be lurking above more homes than you'd expect.
A mysterious sound coming from a Gold Coast family's roof left their children too frightened to sleep, prompting an urgent call to pest control.
Jhy Carroll, a leading pest controller from EBS Queensland, arrived at the home and quickly identified the culprits as possums that had chewed through thick lead flashings to enter the roof void.
‘A family of possums were living in a customer’s roof void,’ Carroll said.
Possums found nesting in Gold Coast roof. Source: EBS Queensland
He explained that the animals had managed to gnaw through the material designed to keep water out at roof joints, creating an easy access point to shelter inside.
As the weather cooled across Australia, Carroll warned that more households were likely to experience similar invasions.
‘Possums pose a risk of gnawing on wiring or other electrical components in the roof space; they also make a lot of noise, which in this case was scaring her young children at bedtime,’ he said.
He noted that possums, being nocturnal, tend to be more active when families are settling in for the night.
Images from EBS Queensland showed the extent of the mess left behind—including a roof board stained with urine.
Urine-stained roof board reveals possum damage. Image source: EBS Queensland
Another photo captured one of the possums curled up comfortably inside the void, clearly having made itself at home.
Possum found curled up inside roof void. Image source: EBS Queensland
Carroll advised residents to act promptly if they suspected possums had entered their roofs.
‘Find their entry points and block them off,’ he said, cautioning that people must ensure all animals are out before sealing any gaps.
‘Alternatively, call your local pest control company to advise on the best solution for your home.’
Wildlife experts echoed the concerns, sharing a similar incident from the ACT where a brushtail possum was discovered hiding atop a stack of firewood near a hotel foyer fireplace.
Rescuers carefully removed the wood and wrapped the ‘very healthy’ animal in a towel before placing it in a rescue basket.
They recommended providing suitable nest boxes in backyards to offer possums a safe alternative shelter as temperatures drop.
With more possums seeking warmth in urban spaces, the warning served as a timely reminder for Aussies to prepare their homes ahead of winter.
In a previous story, we explored how possum invasions are affecting the property market in unexpected ways.
Some homes with these furry residents are still attracting buyers despite the challenges.
Check out the full story to see why these possum-filled properties remain sought-after.
With more possums sneaking into homes to escape the cold, have you ever had an unexpected visitor in your roof or backyard? Let us know your experience in the comments.
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