Hearing bumps and scratches in the roof at night can be unsettling. For many Canberra residents, the culprit is often a possum that has decided your home is the perfect new residence. When faced with a furry, uninvited guest, it’s easy to fall for common myths about how to handle the situation. These misconceptions can lead to ineffective, illegal, and even inhumane outcomes.
This guide will debunk the top five myths about possum removal in Canberra. We’ll explore the facts behind possum behaviour, the legal requirements for their removal in the ACT, and why professional help is your best and safest option.
Understanding the truth will help you manage possum issues correctly and protect both your property and our native wildlife.
Myth 1: Possums are pests and can be killed
It’s a common misconception to lump possums in with pests like rats or mice. However, this could not be further from the truth, especially from a legal standpoint.
The Truth: Possums are protected native wildlife
In Australia, all native animals, including possums, are protected under law. In the ACT, the Nature Conservation Act 2014 makes it illegal to harm, kill, or interfere with possums. They are a vital part of our local ecosystem, contributing to pollination and seed dispersal. Treating them as disposable pests can result in significant fines and penalties.
The focus of any removal effort must be on humane and safe management, not extermination. This means understanding their legal status and ensuring any action taken is compliant with Canberra’s wildlife protection regulations. The goal is to encourage the possum to leave your home and prevent it from returning, all without causing it any harm.
Myth 2: Possums can be trapped and relocated far away
If you can’t harm them, the next logical thought might be to trap the possum and release it in a nice park or bushland far from your home. It is a kind solution for both you and the possum.
The Truth: Relocation is illegal and often a death sentence
Australian wildlife regulations are particular on this point: a trapped possum must be released on the same property, within 50 metres of the capture site. There are critical reasons for this rule. Possums are highly territorial animals. Moving one to a new area forces it into another possum’s territory, leading to fights it will likely lose.
Furthermore, a relocated possum is unfamiliar with the new environment’s food sources, water, and potential dangers. Disoriented and stressed, it has a very low chance of survival. Releasing a possum far from its home is not a humane act; it’s often a death sentence. The only practical and legal approach is to remove the possum from your roof and release it onto your property after possum-proofing the entry points.
Myth 3: Possums will leave on their own if you ignore them
It can be tempting to hope that the noisy scratching in your ceiling is just a temporary problem that will resolve itself. The possum may be passing through and will move on soon.
The Truth: They are unlikely to leave without intervention
Once a possum finds a safe, warm, and dark place like your roof cavity, it has found a perfect den. It offers protection from predators and the harsh Canberra weather. They are creatures of habit and will not willingly give up such a prime location.
Ignoring the problem allows the possum to get more comfortable. This can lead to significant property damage over time, including chewed electrical wires, damaged insulation, and stains on your ceilings from urine and droppings. The noises will likely continue, and the possum may even have babies, complicating the situation further. Prompt action is the only way to ensure the possum is removed and your home is secured.
Myth 4: DIY possum removal is easy and effective
With countless online tutorials for just about everything, tackling possum removal yourself might seem like a cost-effective idea. How hard can it be to block a hole or set a trap?
The Truth: DIY methods are often risky and ineffective
Professional possum removal is more complex than just blocking a hole. Without proper knowledge, you risk trapping a possum inside your roof, where it will die and create a much bigger problem. You could also seal up the main entry point, only for a desperate possum to create a new one by causing more damage to your home.
Professionals are trained to identify all potential entry points, not just the obvious ones. They use one-way doors that allow the possum to leave but not re-enter, ensuring a humane outcome. They also understand possum behaviour and can handle them safely, avoiding potential scratches or bites. Attempting this yourself can be dangerous for both you and the animal, and often fails to solve the root problem.
Myth 5: Possums are dangerous and aggressive
The hissing and growling noises a cornered possum makes can be intimidating. It’s easy to assume they are naturally aggressive creatures that pose a threat to your family and pets.
The Truth: Possums are generally shy and avoid conflict
Possums are not inherently aggressive. The defensive sounds they make are a bluff, designed to scare away potential threats when they feel trapped or threatened. Their first instinct is always to flee, not fight. While you should never attempt to handle a wild animal, possums are not actively looking to attack people or pets.
Understanding their timid nature is key to coexisting with them in an urban environment like Canberra. By keeping a safe distance and not cornering them, you can avoid any negative interactions. They play an essential role in our suburban ecosystem, and their presence in your garden is generally harmless. It’s only when they move into your home that professional intervention becomes necessary.
Protect Your Home the Right Way
Dealing with a possum in your Canberra home requires knowledge, care, and adherence to the law. By understanding the truth behind these common myths, you can make informed decisions that are safe for your property and humane for our native wildlife. Don’t risk property damage or illegal actions based on misinformation.
If you’re dealing with possums in your Canberra home, don’t let myths guide your actions. Contact our expert team today at Possum Busters for safe, humane, and effective possum removal services. We’ll ensure the job is done right.