Spring brings uninvited visitors to Australian roofs.
Many homeowners wake to the sound of scratching, hissing, or even coughing above their heads.
These uninvited tenants are increasingly common—and not all of them are harmless.
As spring arrived across Australia, wildlife expert Rayan Elkassouf warned that possums were planning extended stays in roof cavities.
Based in Sydney, Elkassouf had observed the problem worsen over the past three years, responding to up to three calls a week from concerned homeowners.
Australian households often required possum removal as an essential service, because both living and dead possums caused serious problems inside homes.
'You can have a possum on your roof for 10 years and have zero damage, but if they crawl into the walls and start playing around between wires, that's a whole different issue.'
The timing of Elkassouf's warning was critical.
Across the country, 3,000 strata and real estate agencies relied on Possum Busters services to humanely relocate possums and other wildlife.
This massive response highlighted just how widespread the issue had become.
Why spring spells trouble for Australian roofs
Between August and November, both major possum species reached peak activity, Elkassouf explained.
'The brushtail babies and the breeding season for the ringtails' created what he described as perfect storm conditions.
The Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) was much smaller than a brushtail, about half the size of a cat.
Ringtail possums had round ears, grey backs with rusty sides, and curled tails tipped with white.
They gave birth to one to three young, mostly twins, during autumn or winter.
Homeowners often failed to realise that possums were territorial.
Removing one did not solve the problem, because new possums quickly moved into the vacant territory—a revolving door of furry tenants, each capable of causing thousands of dollars in damage.
The legal minefield most homeowners didn't know about
Before attempting any DIY possum removal, residents needed to understand the law.
Possums were protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
In New South Wales, catching possums without a licence was illegal.
Licences to trap possums were issued free from local National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) offices.
Even with a licence, options were limited.
It was illegal to kill a possum.
It was also illegal to relocate a possum, except from a roof cavity—and even then, it could only be moved up to 150 metres away.
The restriction existed for a reason: a relocated possum rarely survived in a new territory.
Predation from cats, dogs, and foxes, vehicle accidents, stress-related trauma, and starvation often killed displaced possums.
'We moved into their habitat. They didn't move into ours. When we cut down trees and build houses, these animals are going to have to go somewhere.'
Beyond roof maintenance—a comprehensive prevention strategy
Elkassouf emphasised that roof maintenance was essential.
'If you've got a six-centimetre gap in your roof, you have an entry point for a possum to go in,' he warned.
Prevention went further than sealing gaps.
Installing a possum box in a tree provided wildlife with a safe alternative to living in your roof.
This approach respected the territorial nature of possums while offering a more suitable home.
Essential prevention steps for possum-proofing your home
Inspect and seal all roof gaps larger than 6cm
Install possum boxes in nearby trees as alternative housing
Remove overhanging branches that provide roof access
Secure pet food and garbage bins that attract possums
Consider motion-sensor lighting around roof areas
The hidden health risks and mounting costs
Property damage sometimes exceeded $2,000 for plaster wall repairs or complete garage ceiling replacement.
Possums also posed health risks, carrying diseases such as leptospirosis and tuberculosis.
They harboured bacteria similar to rats and mice.
Professional possum removal often involved regulatory requirements and permits, influencing overall cost.
Many professionals offered warranties, some guaranteeing free return visits if possums re-entered the roof.
When to call for professional help
Strange noises in roofs or wall cavities at night—hissing or coughing—indicated possums had already established residence.
Professional services had adapted to growing demand.
Trained staff ensured humane handling, licensed by National Parks and Wildlife, and were reliable with on-time appointments.
The reality of living with urban possums
Brush-tailed possums preferred roof cavities.
Urbanisation reduced natural habitats, making this preference a constant challenge for homeowners.
Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula featured six of the top 10 regions with the highest possum activity, with the rest in Sydney.
High numbers of Common Brushtail Possums in urban parks and gardens could damage ornamental plants significantly.
Rather than seeking permanent solutions, homeowners needed a management mindset.
Rehousing possums nearby, ideally in a tree in the garden, kept them away from roofs.
Spring brought fresh challenges, as both brushtail and ringtail possums became increasingly active.
With proper preparation, legal awareness, and realistic expectations, Australian homeowners could navigate this uniquely local wildlife challenge.
What This Means For You
Homeowners often needed possum removal as an essential service because of the health and property risks these animals posed.
Possums were protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, meaning unlicensed removal was illegal and could result in fines.
Effective prevention involved sealing roof gaps, installing possum boxes, and managing garden access to reduce the likelihood of possums taking up residence.
Professional removal services offered humane handling, proper licences, and sometimes warranties for recurring issues, giving homeowners peace of mind.
For those navigating spring and the busy possum season, understanding these steps and legal requirements could save both time and money while keeping your home safe from unexpected furry guests.
If you thought possums in the roof were the only way wildlife could disrupt your home, think again.
Some infestations go beyond damage, creating unpleasant surprises that homeowners may not anticipate.
For a striking example of how uninvited animals can affect your living space, check out this real-life case.
Read more: There's a dead what?! The disgusting reason your next Aussie rental could smell
How Much Does Possum Removal Cost? | Possum Removal Price List 2025 — Explains why possum removal is considered an essential service due to health and property risks caused by living and dead possums.
[https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-possum-removal-cost(https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-possum-removal-cost[/URL)]
Possum Removal Sydney | Possum Removal | Possum Busters — Details how 3,000 strata and real estate agencies use Possum Busters to humanely relocate possums and other wildlife.
[https://possumremoval.com.au/possum-removal-sydney/(https://possumremoval.com.au/possum-removal-sydney/[/URL)]
Possums — Provides descriptions of the Common Ringtail Possum, including size, appearance, and breeding habits.
[https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/possums(https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/possums[/URL)]
How do I get a possum out of my roof? | NSW Environment and Heritage — Explains possums’ territorial nature and why removing one does not prevent others from moving in.
[https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/possum-removal-roof(https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/possum-removal-roof[/URL)]
Possum removal | Northern Beaches Council — Outlines legal restrictions on killing or relocating possums and the limited distance allowed for roof cavity relocations.
[https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/native-animals/possum-removal(https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/native-animals/possum-removal[/URL)]
Possum Removal Sydney | Possum Removal | Possum Busters — Suggests installing possum boxes in trees to provide safe alternatives to roof residency.
[https://possumremoval.com.au/possum-removal-sydney/(https://possumremoval.com.au/possum-removal-sydney/[/URL)]
How Much Does Possum Removal Cost? | Possum Removal Price List 2025 — Discusses health risks from diseases possums carry, such as leptospirosis and tuberculosis.
[https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-possum-removal-cost(https://servicetasker.com.au/cost-guides/how-much-does-possum-removal-cost[/URL)]
Possum Removal Sydney Possum Removal Sydney—20 Years Best Humane Service — Highlights signs of possums already living in your roof, like hissing or coughing sounds.
[https://possumrid.com.au/(https://possumrid.com.au/[/URL)]
How do I get a possum out of my roof? | NSW Environment and Heritage — Notes that brush-tailed possums prefer roof cavities and the importance of rehousing them nearby in a tree.
[https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/possum-removal-roof(https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/possum-removal-roof[/URL)]
What's your experience with uninvited possum houseguests? Have you discovered any effective prevention strategies that have worked long-term?
Share your stories and solutions in the comments below—your experience might help fellow Australians prepare for the busy possum season ahead.
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