This Bunnings gadget could save your homes from these unexpected visitors
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 0
In The Land Down Under, the wildlife is as diverse as it is unique.
While these animals continue to co-exist with society, Australians have been warned of a simple yet potentially life-saving measure that could make a world of difference for everyone.
A small investment in a device from hardware giants like Bunnings and Mitre 10 could prevent a tragic and all-too-common occurrence.
A plastic cap designed to fit snugly over your home's drainage pipes could save homeowners from a common hassle in the household, especially in areas where wildlife thrives.
Priced at $7.20, this cap should stop leaves from clogging up the works.

Other than that, it could also serve a secondary, vital purpose: preventing animals from being trapped inside pipes.
According to Wildlife Rescue Service (WIRES), numerous volunteers respond to calls involving brushtail possums that get trapped in the downpipes of residential and commercial buildings.
Tracy Burgess, a rescuer with Katoomba WIRES, suggested that the cases they know about are just the 'tip of the iceberg'.
These nocturnal possums keep scampering across rooftops and power lines.
However, these animals tend to tumble into downpipes head first.
The smooth surfaces of PVC and metal offer no grip for the creatures to climb to, leaving them trapped.
Unlike pack animals that vocalise when in distress, brushtail possums are solitary by nature and remain quiet to avoid attracting predators.
This isolation could leave these possums inside pipes for days, which could lead to death.
Burgess's harrowing accounts and photographs of rescue operations highlighted the severity of the situation.
In one instance, a resident had to cut open a PVC pipe to free a distressed possum.
This encounter later prompted the homeowner to install one of the recommended caps from Bunnings.
Another call-out involved dismantling a building's metal drainage system to rescue a trapped possum in Blaxland.
The implications of this issue have extended beyond the welfare of wildlife.
A blocked pipe could lead to significant plumbing problems for homeowners, including water damage and attracting other pests.
The $7 cap should serve as a guardian of our wildlife but also a protector of our homes.
Homeowners should understand the importance of safeguarding homes.
Installing these caps could be a simple DIY task that should prevent a great deal of inconvenience.
It's a small step that speaks volumes about our respect for Australia's wildlife.
Please take a moment to inspect your home's downpipes and consider fitting them with these life-saving caps. Have you had any experiences with wildlife in your home or garden? Please share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's spread the word about this simple yet effective solution.
While these animals continue to co-exist with society, Australians have been warned of a simple yet potentially life-saving measure that could make a world of difference for everyone.
A small investment in a device from hardware giants like Bunnings and Mitre 10 could prevent a tragic and all-too-common occurrence.
A plastic cap designed to fit snugly over your home's drainage pipes could save homeowners from a common hassle in the household, especially in areas where wildlife thrives.
Priced at $7.20, this cap should stop leaves from clogging up the works.

Some wild animals get stuck inside pipes, which could lead to clogging or death. Image Credits: Pexels/Deadbird, Bunnings
Other than that, it could also serve a secondary, vital purpose: preventing animals from being trapped inside pipes.
According to Wildlife Rescue Service (WIRES), numerous volunteers respond to calls involving brushtail possums that get trapped in the downpipes of residential and commercial buildings.
Tracy Burgess, a rescuer with Katoomba WIRES, suggested that the cases they know about are just the 'tip of the iceberg'.
These nocturnal possums keep scampering across rooftops and power lines.
However, these animals tend to tumble into downpipes head first.
The smooth surfaces of PVC and metal offer no grip for the creatures to climb to, leaving them trapped.
Unlike pack animals that vocalise when in distress, brushtail possums are solitary by nature and remain quiet to avoid attracting predators.
This isolation could leave these possums inside pipes for days, which could lead to death.
Burgess's harrowing accounts and photographs of rescue operations highlighted the severity of the situation.
In one instance, a resident had to cut open a PVC pipe to free a distressed possum.
This encounter later prompted the homeowner to install one of the recommended caps from Bunnings.
Another call-out involved dismantling a building's metal drainage system to rescue a trapped possum in Blaxland.
The implications of this issue have extended beyond the welfare of wildlife.
A blocked pipe could lead to significant plumbing problems for homeowners, including water damage and attracting other pests.
The $7 cap should serve as a guardian of our wildlife but also a protector of our homes.
Homeowners should understand the importance of safeguarding homes.
Installing these caps could be a simple DIY task that should prevent a great deal of inconvenience.
It's a small step that speaks volumes about our respect for Australia's wildlife.
Key Takeaways
- Australian homeowners were encouraged to install a plastic cap sold at hardware stores to protect drainage pipes from blockage.
- Wildlife experts from WIRES reported numerous annual rescues of brushtail possums stuck in downpipes and suggested that it could be a widespread issue.
- The plastic caps could save animals such as possums, which frequently fall into pipes at night and cannot escape due to slippery surfaces.
- Without the cap, trapped possums face a slow and painful death, but if rescued in time, they can be rehabilitated by vets and wildlife carers.