Possums, birds, and other critters often seek shelter in roofs, especially during warmer months when family festivities are in full swing. Preventing these intrusions means a stress-free season where you can focus on hosting and celebrating without disruption.
To help you avoid potential problems, we’ve compiled the top 10 tips for preparing your home for a wildlife-free festive season. These practical, humane strategies are easy to implement, so you can safeguard your home and enjoy a peaceful holiday.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Damage
Loose tiles, broken vents, or minor cracks invite wildlife to settle in your roof. Start by conducting a thorough inspection of your roof. Look for gaps, damaged shingles, or signs of wear that could provide entry points for possums or birds.
Pro Tip: Use caulk or weatherproof sealants to fix minor issues, and consider professional roof repairs for more significant problems.
2. Seal Entry Points Around Your Home
Wildlife intrusions aren’t limited to roofs. Gaps under doors, exposed vents, and openings in eaves can all serve as entryways for critters. Go room-to-room and inspect your doors, windows, and other potential access points.
Seal small gaps with caulk, install-strip guards under doors, and secure vents with wire mesh to prevent creatures from wriggling their way inside.
3. Trim Overhanging Trees and Bushes
Overhanging branches act as highways for possums and other wildlife to reach your roof. Trimming back tree limbs and large bushes close to your home will make it harder for critters to access your roof.
Rule of Thumb: Maintain a 2-metre gap between tree branches and your roof to discourage wildlife from making the leap.
4. Clear Outdoor Areas of Food and Waste
Wildlife is often drawn to homes by the promise of food. Whether scraps in your compost bin, leftovers on the barbecue, or an unsecured garbage can, animals like possums and rats are quick to take advantage.
Keep outdoor bins securely covered, clean up food spills promptly, and be cautious when leaving pet food outside. A clutter-free yard is far less appealing to curious critters.
5. Install Motion-Sensor Lights or Deterrents
Wildlife prefers to work under the cover of darkness. Motion-sensor lights can startle nocturnal visitors, making your home less comfortable. Additionally, ultrasonic wildlife deterrents are highly effective, emitting sounds that discourage animals without harming them.
Look for eco-friendly options to align with humane and environmentally conscious practices.
6. Store Decorations and Gifts Safely
Festive decorations in your backyard or verandah are prime targets for wildlife, mainly if they include edible elements like candy canes or gingerbread. Critters may also be attracted to shiny wrapping paper or ribbons.
Store decorations indoors when possible or use sturdy, sealed containers. Avoid placing food-based decorations outside wholly.
7. Use Possum Boxes as Ethical Alternatives
Instead of leaving wildlife to fend for themselves, provide a safe alternative. Install possum boxes on trees away from your home to give them a place to settle without interfering with your festivities.
This humane approach ensures wildlife has a safe space while keeping them out of your roof, aligning with ethical removal practices.
8. Conduct a Pre-Holiday Pest Inspection
Professional pest and wildlife inspections are the best way to catch potential problems before they escalate. With trained eyes, experts can identify vulnerabilities you may have missed in your home.
Schedule your inspection a few weeks before the festive hustle begins to give yourself enough time to address any issues found.
9. Maintain Clean Gutters and Downpipes
Clogged gutters full of leaves and debris are another tempting nesting spot for wildlife. During the busy season, possums, birds, and even rodents may take to these sheltered areas.
Clear your gutters regularly, especially after late spring or early summer storms, to keep them clean and wildlife-free.
10. Schedule Professional Roof Proofing
Some jobs are best left to the experts. Professional roofproofing ensures that every nook and cranny is sealed, protecting your home from even the most persistent critters throughout the festive season.
At Possum Busters, we specialise in humane solutions that focus on prevention, so you won’t have to worry about an intrusion affecting your celebrations.
Enjoy a Wildlife-Free Holiday
These steps will save you the stress and chaos of dealing with wildlife problems during your festive celebrations. From sealing entry points to scheduling expert roof proofing, each tip makes your home a safe, welcoming haven for you and your family, not noisy, intruding critters.
Need help preparing your home? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call Possum Busters today for professional advice, wildlife removal, or roof-proofing services. Our team will ensure your home stays wildlife-free this holiday season so you can focus on what matters most.
Enjoy the festivities stress and wildlife-free! Contact our professional team now to secure your home for the holidays.