What does a Possum look like and do?

Possums are nocturnal marsupials that are approximately the size of a house cat and have a tail that is about as long as their body.

The common brushtail possum is an Australian marsupial with a furry body, a pointed face and a long, prehensile tail. Possums are protected species that are generally shy around humans. They range in size from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) long, including their tail, and weigh 1.5 to 4 kg (3.3 to 8.8 pounds).

Possums are generally brown or grey, but can also be red or white. They have five toes on each foot, and their tails are thick and scaly, with a leathery pad at the end.

Possums eat leaves, fruits, flowers and buds. They live in trees and urban areas and are often seen in backyards in North Epping NSW due to their natural habitat. If you see a possum in your backyard, be sure to call a wildlife rescue service for help in safely removing it.

Possums are not rodents, but they are often confused with them because of their similar appearance.

Possums are attracted to gardens because they eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers, plus there is available shelter. Possums are mainly herbivores, but they will also eat insects, eggs, and small mammals. They also dig up bulbs and grubs, which can damage the roots of precious plants. 

They carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and capable of causing significant property damage, as they will gnaw on electrical wires and insulation.

While possums are protected by law in Australia, there are a few steps that you can take to prevent them from entering your home and causing possum problems.

1. Possums are attracted to food, so make sure to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed

Possums are a common problem in North Epping. They rummage through garbage cans, looking for food. This can create a mess and attract other pests.

To stop possums from getting into your garbage, seal the rubbish bins with lids or covers. possum-proofing your garbage cans is the best way to keep them out of your trash.

You can also discourage possums from coming into your yard by removing potential sources of food, such as bird feeders and pet food bowls. 

2. If you have a pet, possums may be attracted to their food, so keep it indoors

possums are a problem in North Epping. they come around looking for food and often find it in pet food that is left outdoors. possums are attracted to the smell of pet food, so keeping your pet food indoors is the best way to keep possums away.

If you must leave pet food outdoors, make sure it is in a possum-proof container such as a metal trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

Possums are also attracted to fruit trees, so if you have fruit trees in your yard, pick up any fallen fruit and dispose of it properly. by taking these simple steps, you can help keep possums away from your home.

3. Block any openings that possums could use to enter your home, including access points under doors and holes in screens

Possums are a major problem in North Epping, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home if they get inside. The first step in preventing possums from getting into your house is to block any gaps or openings that they could use to get inside. This includes gaps around doors and windows, as well as holes in the roof and walls.

You may also need to install possum-proof fencing around the perimeter of your property.

If possums are already living in your attic or under your house, you will need to call a Pest professional to get rid of possums.

In the meantime, keep possums out by making sure that all entry points and openings are sealed shut. By taking these precautions, you can protect your home from possums and other pests.

4. Use Possum Repellent

Possums wreak havoc in North Epping. Possum repellents work by keeping possums away from your home and property.

There are many different types of possum repellents available, but the most effective possum repellents use ultrasonic sound waves to deter possums.

Some possum repellents also release a foul odour that possums find offensive, causing them to stay away from the treated area.

Possum repellents are an important part of possum control, and they can be very effective at deterring possums away from your home.

5. Trim back Trees and Hedges away from the house

In your North Epping house, there is a possum problem waiting to happen. They come into your garden and yard and make a mess. They also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. Possums can be controlled by trimming back trees and hedges away from the house and fences.

Possums need these things to climb onto roofs and into attics. If there are no trees or hedges for them to climb, they will not be able to get into the house. 

What to do when you have a possum in your yard or hear thumping in the roof cavities?

Don't panic - possums are more scared of you than you are of them!

Possums are more scared of humans because they are generally nocturnal creatures.

Possums are more likely to be out at night when it is dark and they can not see as well. during the day, possums are more likely to be in their dens, where they feel safer.

Possums are also more likely to be active when there are fewer people around, so they can avoid being seen. Possums have a good sense of smell, so they can often smell people before they see them.

Possums are also more likely to be scared of humans if they have had a bad experience with a human in the past. If a possum has been chased by a human or has been hit by a car, it is more likely to be scared of humans in general.

Possums are also more likely to be scared of humans if they live in an area where there are few humans. If a possum lives in an urban area, where there are many people and cars, it is more likely to be scared of humans.

Make sure to keep your distance - they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans

Possums are native animals that are proficient tree climbers. They are also hosts of many different diseases, making them a potential health hazard to humans if they come into contact with possum feces, or food sources, or are scratched by their claws. Some of the diseases that possums carry include rabies, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis.

They can also transmit disease to humans through bites and scratches. If you are scratched or bitten by a possum, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as possum scratches and bites can become infected easily.

To avoid coming into contact with possums, it is best to avoid areas where they are known to live such as in North Epping. If you must go into an area where possums frequent, wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin from their claws. Finally, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with possums or their feces.

By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect yourself from the diseases that possums carry.

Contact a professional if you need help getting rid of possums

If you hear thumping in your roof from a possum, it is best to call a pest technician rather than try to capture it yourself.

The negatives of capturing a possum yourself include: you could be injured by the possum, you could be fined for illegally capturing a possum, and you could end up with an angry possum in your home. If you hear possums thumping in your roof, the best course of action is to call pest control.

Possums can be aggressive, and you could be injured if you attempt to remove one from your property without the proper training and equipment.

A pest technician will have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely remove the possum from your home. There are also several potential benefits to using a professional service, such as possum control North Epping including: 

• We will be able to quickly identify the problem and possum species causing the issue 
• We will have the necessary tools and equipment to safely capture the possum 
• We will be able to provide ongoing support and advice to prevent possums from returning in the future.

While there are some potential benefits to catch possums yourself, it is generally best to leave this task to the professionals. Possums are protected by Wildlife Act 1975 in NSW. Not only will we be able to safely remove the animal from your property, but will also be able to provide ongoing support and advice to prevent possums from becoming a nuisance in the future. Contact us now!