How to Remove Possums from Your Roof Safely and Legally

If you can hear scratching, thumping, or scampering in the ceiling at night, there’s a good chance you have a possum in your roof. It’s a common problem across Australia, especially in suburbs with mature trees, but it’s not something you should tackle the same way you’d handle rats or mice.

Possums are native wildlife, and in many parts of Australia, they’re protected by law. That means trapping, relocating, or harming them without the right licence can be illegal. In Victoria, possums are protected, and relocation is prohibited. In the ACT, trapping, removing, or killing possums without licences and permits is illegal. Furthermore, in NSW and Queensland, licensed handlers are used for lawful catch-and-release or relocation work.

The good news is that you can usually solve the problem humanely and stop it from happening again, while also supporting local conservation and the broader environment.

Signs you have a possum in the roof

Possums are nocturnal, so the noise usually starts after dark. You might notice:

• scratching or heavy footsteps in the ceiling
• banging or scurrying around dusk and dawn
• droppings or a strong smell in the roof space
• damage around eaves, tiles or entry points
• pets staring at the ceiling or roofline at night

Because possums are larger than rodents, the noise is often much louder and heavier than mice or rats.

Why possums get into roofs

Your roof cavity is warm, dry and safe from predators. For a common brushtail possum, it can feel a lot like a hollow tree. Nearby branches, gaps in eaves, loose roof tiles and broken vents make it easy for them to get in.

That’s why removal alone rarely fixes the problem. If the entry point stays open, another possum may move straight in. Queensland council guidance notes that if the den site is not sealed, it will simply be reoccupied.

In many cases, this reflects the animal’s traditional instinct to return to a familiar shelter near food and cover.

How to remove possum from your roof

1. Check the rules in your state first

Before doing anything, make sure you understand the legal rules where you live. Across Australia, possums are protected native animals, and the permitted response varies by state or territory. NSW uses licensed catch-and-release handlers, Queensland uses authorised removal and relocation contractors, and Victoria prohibits relocation altogether.

If you’re unsure, the safest option is to call a licensed possum removal professional, or contact a local wildlife rescue service for information. You can also check advice published by the relevant government department in your state or territory.

2. Wait until the possum leaves at night

Possums usually leave their nest after dark to feed. That’s the best time to identify the access point and stop re-entry.

Do not block the hole while the possum is still inside. That can trap the animal in your roof, create welfare issues and leave you with a much bigger problem inside your residence.

3. Seal entry points properly

Once the possum has left, seal all access points into the roof. Common problem areas include:

• gaps under eaves
• broken vents or screens
• loose fascia boards
• cracked tiles or roofing sheets
• overhanging branches that give roof access

Use sturdy materials that can handle weather and chewing. In many cases, a one-way exit device installed by a professional is the safest approach before full sealing.

If there is an emergency, such as a trapped or injured animal, contact qualified services immediately.

4. Give the possum another place to go

One of the most effective humane fixes is to provide an alternative shelter nearby, such as a possum box or nesting box, so the animal can settle into a new home close to its familiar territory. Government guidance in the ACT recommends nest boxes when roof access is sealed.

Place the box in a quiet, sheltered spot several metres off the ground, away from dogs and heavy foot traffic.

This approach also respects the animal’s place in Australia’s natural heritage.

5. Trim branches away from the roof

Tree branches act like highways for possums. Pruning back access points can make it much harder for them to return. Just be careful not to remove habitat unnecessarily or break local tree protection rules.

A little planning can support humane management and help prevent repeat access.

6. Call a licensed possum remover when needed

If the possum is trapped, injured, has young, or keeps returning, bring in a licensed operator. This is especially important in states where capture and release is tightly regulated.

In Sydney, licensed commercial operators can remove possums from premises under the relevant wildlife licence system. In Brisbane, authorised contractors can remove possums where they are causing damage or health and safety risks.

You can also check guidance from your state’s national parks and wildlife authority.

What not to do

Avoid common mistakes that can make the problem worse:

• don’t use poison
• never trap or relocate a possum yourself unless you are lawfully allowed to do so
• do not block the entry hole while the possum is still inside
• don’t separate a mother from her young
• don’t assume removing one possum solves the issue without proofing the roof

In some states, even moving a possum a short distance may be restricted or regulated. For example, Rockhampton regional council says relocated possums are territorial and can only be moved within 25 metres from the point of capture, while Victoria says relocation is prohibited.

How much does possum removal cost?

The cost depends on where you live, whether a licensed operator is required, how difficult the access is, and whether roof proofing or a nest box is included. In most cases, the real long-term value is in exclusion work rather than a one-off removal.

A cheap call-out that doesn’t seal the roof often leads to the same issue again, especially if nearby trees, sheds, or even a garden provide easy shelter routes.

How to stop possums coming back

The best long-term strategy is prevention:

• inspect the roofline every few months
• repair loose tiles, vents and eaves quickly
• trim tree branches away from the house
• install a possum box nearby
• keep fruit trees and pet food managed where possible
• book roof proofing after any removal job

Think of it this way: if your roof is the only dry, safe shelter around, another possum will eventually try its luck. Even a backyard office or outdoor area can attract them if it offers warmth or quiet living conditions nearby.

A clean yard can also help by removing easy food sources and limiting access to water, which may otherwise help attract wildlife closer to the home.

In some situations, motion-activated lights may help deter repeat visits, although exclusion remains the most reliable fix.

When to call for urgent help

Contact a licensed wildlife rescuer or possum professional if:

• the possum is injured
• there’s a baby possum involved
• the animal is stuck inside a wall or ceiling cavity
• you can smell decay or suspect an animal has died in the roof
• you’re in a state where DIY handling is not allowed

If a joey or injured adult is found, professional help should be arranged as quickly as possible.

FAQ

Can I remove a possum from my roof myself?

Sometimes you can do the exclusion and proofing side yourself, but trapping, relocating or handling possums may require a licence depending on your state or territory.

Is it illegal to move a possum out in Australia?

It can be. The rules differ by state. Victoria prohibits relocation, while NSW and Queensland regulate removal through licensed systems.

Will possums leave on their own?

They usually leave the roof space at night to feed, which is why evening is the best time to block re-entry after they’ve gone out.

Do mothballs or bright lights work?

They’re not a reliable long-term fix. Exclusion and roof proofing work much better.

What’s the best permanent solution?

Seal entry points, trim access branches, and install a possum box nearby. That addresses both the cause and the animal’s need for shelter on the surrounding land.

Final word

Removing possums from a roof is less about “getting rid of” them and more about humane exclusion. In Australia, the safest approach is to let the possum leave naturally, block access properly, and provide an alternative shelter nearby. If the job involves trapping, relocation or animal handling, use a licensed professional so you stay on the right side of the law and get a lasting result.