How to possum proof your property

Yes, possums are cute. The damage to home and garden they can cause, especially if they set up camp in your roof? Not so adorable. They quite like chewing on wiring, and have been known to bust out a tile.

Did you know possums are protected wildlife?

Australia has dozens of species of possum, a portion of whom have learnt to live a comfortable suburban life. Chances are you’ll end up sharing an address one day.

Still, there are ways to deter possums from moving in, and ways to encourage them to move on—even if just to the end of the garden.

Did you accidentally create a possum paradise?

With easily accessible compost and rubbish bins, and ripe or rotting fruit in the garden, you’re inviting possums to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Ask yourself:

• Does your roof have small holes and broken tiles?

• Are the gutters leaf-filled, and perfect for nesting?

• Do branches touch the house?

If yes, you’re practically advertising for possum tenants.

Do your research

Possums are territorial, nocturnal, and creatures of habit. To block access points to your roof’s interior, you need to pinpoint when they head out at night to feed.

Likewise, learn the plants they eat and the paths they take around your home so you know where to place deterrents.

Deter them with scents

Possums are sensitive to certain strong smells.

For starters, they dislike garlic, mint, peppermint, vinegar, menthol, fish, blood and bone fertiliser, teas, onion, and mothballs (naphthalene).

Time to crush, boil, and strain your own range of acrid sprays.

Spritz regularly around the property, including possible entry points to the building’s structure. You can also coat garden ornaments, and place or hang them in strategic places.

Add more extras

For possums, it’s about taste as well as scent.

Along with your home-made sprays, items that smell and/or taste terrible to possums are worth scattering in their path.

Try citrus peel and leaves, molasses, chilli, cayenne pepper, quassia chips, lavender-scented detergent, and mustard (not a sweet one).

Utilise motion sensors

Motion sensors can be used to flood an area with light, or spray water on unimpressed possums.

Other motion sensors on the market emit a sonic sound that humans and pets can’t hear, but possums can.

Possum-proof your roof

Fix loose tiles and seal up or cover every hole that allows roof entry—just be sure the work is done when possums are out so you don’t accidentally trap them.

Keep gutters clean of nest materials like leaves and sticks. Gutter guards are one idea to help dissuade possums.

If possums on your property climb via overhead cables, speak to an electrician about guards for power lines.

Possum highways

A possum highway includes flat-topped fence possums frequent. Possums dislike shaky surfaces, so floppy chicken wire and mesh curled atop should deter them from climbing.

Next, wrap tree trunks with guards made of sheet metal or plastic. Possums jump, so trim branches back from the house to cut off access points to the roof.

Garden protection

Protect your plants from possum appetites with netting, mesh, and covers. Weighted edges help against the more persistent.

Have you tried raised garden beds yet?

Include plants in your yard that possums dislike, such as grevilleas and chrysanthemums.

At the same time, distract possums with an uncovered corner garden of favourites.

The list of vegetation they love is long. Eucalyptus leaves, roses, gardenias, and a seedling mix should catch their attention.

Create a possum box

Possums are looking for a home. So why not offer an alternative in your garden that appeals more than your roof?

Purchase a possum box, or build to animal welfare group specifications. They also offer advice on placement, to ensure animal comfort and safety.

Encourage possums to take up residency with enticing fruit like banana.

Remove a possum legally

If your marsupial friends are too cosy and won’t leave the roof, speak to your council or an animal welfare group for details on trapping and release requirements. Know that in general, they can’t be moved off-property.

Being a protected species means very specific conditions exist. Don’t risk breaking the law. Want to keep your distance? Contact a professional possum removal specialist.

Have you had to deal with possums at your place? How did you get rid of them? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Seven signs your trees might be at risk after windstorms