Possums in the roof are one of the most common problems for homes near bushland and big trees across the Illawarra. Heavy footsteps across the ceiling at dusk, scratching in the walls, a strong smell coming through the light fittings: if that sounds familiar, there is a good chance a possum has moved in.

Signs you have possums in the roof

• Heavy thumping or running across the ceiling at dusk and through the night
• Scratching in the walls or eaves
• Droppings on the roof, in gutters or on paths
• Urine stains or a strong smell coming through the ceiling
• Branches touching the roof, or lifted tiles and roof sheets

Possums are protected in NSW

Brushtail and ringtail possums are native animals and protected in NSW. You can’t harm them or simply move them away. A possum that has to be caught must be released on the same property after dark, and a released possum usually heads straight back to the roof it came from. Illawarra Maintenance Group never traps or handles possums. If one needs to be caught, we refer you to WIRES.

The long-term fix: seal the way in

The only lasting answer is making sure the possum can’t get back in once it has left. That means finding every gap it could use and sealing it with materials it can’t chew or push through.

How IMG keeps possums out of the roof

• Inspection. We get up on the roof and check the gutter line, eaves, ridge caps, valleys, vents and anywhere trees touch the roof.
• Making sure it has gone. Sealing happens only after the possum has left, so no animal is trapped inside.
• Sealing. Gaps are closed with metal mesh, sheeting and gutter guard, matched to your roof colour where it shows.
• Final check. We show you the sealed areas, with drone footage of the roof line.

Sealing gaps also helps keep rats and other vermin out of the roof space.

What you can do today

• Trim branches back from the roof where it is safe to do so, or have an arborist do it.
• Don’t leave pet food or fruit scraps outside at night.
• Note where and when you hear the noise. It helps find the entry point.

Birds in the roof or under solar panels?

Birds cause similar problems, nesting in gutters, roof gaps and under solar panels. See our bird proofing page and our solar panel cleaning guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I remove a possum from my roof myself?

Possums are protected in NSW, so you can’t harm them or move them away. If one needs to be caught, contact WIRES.

Why does the possum keep coming back?

A released possum usually returns to the roof it came from. The lasting fix is sealing the gaps once it has left.

Which areas do you cover for possum proofing?

The Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and Sutherland Shire.

Get a free quote

Read more on our possum proofing page. IMG is a local, family-owned team, fully licensed and insured.

Call 0411 389 184 or request a free quote and we will be in touch.