Tips on How to Get Rid of Possums in the Roof

Possum roof invasion is a constant possibility for suburban dwellers in Sydney’s North Shore. These protected animals seem to have acclimated themselves to suburban living.  Somehow, probably due to recent developments in real estate, there are not enough trees to accommodate the awesome possum and they have no choice but to cohabitate with humans and their modern houses.  It is in a sense, quite a taxing situation for the homeowners because they often find these marsupials difficult to live with and extraction is a complicated and time consuming endeavor. 

However, if in the event that there is a possum invading the roof of your home, what do you need to do?  You have a few options actually but you have to understand that you have a legal responsibility to deal with the possum situation in a humane way. In Sydney, all possums are protected under the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1972.   This means they are safeguarded against hunting, collecting among other things. 

But first of and foremost, you need to make sure that you actually have a possum in your roof.  Other animals such as rats or mice or even swallows tend to dwell in roofs with easy access. If find that you really have a possum in your roof, here are a few things you can do.

1.      Give the possum an alternative home for the possum. – Build a possum box and place it about four meters above ground preferably on a tree to protect the possum from other larger domestic animals.  This box should be checked from time to time to make sure its only resident is the possum. No permit is required but construction should be as recommended by the Department of Environment and Heritage. 

2.      Allow the possum naturally settle in its new home by putting leaves, nuts for food.

3.      You may then trap the possum  but you need to let it out later.  But first you must obtain a trapping and releasing permit from the NPWS and they may also have an approved trap that ensures the safety of the possum.

4.      Fix and cover all entry points to your roof.  A one way door flap may be installed in case there is still a possum left in the roof.  This door lets them out but will not let them in.  Possum removal experts have these contraptions.

5.      Place a tree collar on a tree with branches that overhang on to your roof.  This would be a metal sheet about 60cm wide that you wrap around the trunk of the tree.

Otherwise, it is recommended that you contact licensed possum removal experts deal with the possum in your roof better.  They are a phone call away will be able to do all of the above for you while you relax and wait.

The Great Possum Debate

Live and let live or get rid of it?

The Issue

Australians are apparently divided in the issue of the Possum Invasion.  Some love them and some hate them.  And some just do not know which side they are on while others are just nonchalant.  But it is of significant importance because obviously State Councils and the government have taken the time to create policies that ensure that wildlife encounters are handled humanely. 

Urban Proliferation of the Possums

Recent reports and observations have indicated that the possums of Australia have indeed grown accustomed to the urban setting.  And the occurrence of possums in roof, yards, garages and even living rooms have increased.  For some, especially those who consider them as pests, this is bad news.  But what this really means is that there are not enough trees out in the wild for them, that our population and our progress for urbanization has brought about  a negative impact in their natural habitat.

Possums: pests or pets?

So, it makes sense to say that we gave the possums reason to seek shelter in our roof.  And our opinion on whether possums are pests like rats or pets like cats is utterly immaterial.  We are responsible so we should take responsibility.  Like everything that we do, which may seem miniscule and irrelevant, it greatly impacts our world.  The possum is as part of nature as we are and it needs to be dealt with as if they are. 

Partner with the Possum Experts

While there are people that find the company of wildlife in their yard a wonderful experience, it is still best to keep them there and out of your house.  The roof or wall crevices are really not a suitable for the possums and definitely not a good arrangement with you, the homeowner.  Possums create all sorts of sounds and possible damages to your roof and ceilings. They may also get caught in spaces where they might die and decomposing possums are harder to rid of and it takes a while to air out the awful smell.

Possum removal specialists not only help you deal with the possums in an environment friendly way, they also help you keep them out of your roof.  Their processes and tools are approved by the State Council and they have proper licenses and permits to carry out their services.  If you are located in Sydney need help with a possum in your roof or yard, do call Sydney Possum Removals.  They are experienced, friendly and their service is guaranteed 100% with a 12 month warranty.

Possum Encounters

In Australia, there are 27 species of possums, the roster includes the gliders and cuscuses.  Most of them stay in the wild and national parks, but the common brushtail possum often comes in contact with humans and has learned to adapt to human dwellings. 

Possible Possum Invasion

It is easy to prevent possum encounters if you make sure there are no possible entryways into the dark nooks and crannies of your home.  Then you’ll be sure that the possums who happen to pass by won’t consider making their visit permanent. 

If you are wondering if your home is susceptible to possible possum invasion, let’s first take a look at your geographical location.  The common brushtail possum is endemic to the eastern eucalypt forests, the tropical rainforests of Northern Australia and the karri forests of Western Australia.   So if your home is near these places, you are more likely to encounter them than homes quite a distance away.

Fluffy but Annoying

The possum is considered a pest because of some of their habits that is quite disruptive in the urban setting.  For one, they make noises when they are mating and when they are warning other animals or possums that they have already claimed a certain territory.  The possum usually lives alone and they do not like to share their homes or territory.  Imagine the ruckus it will make if the possum is in your roof.

 The fact that possums are nocturnal makes all of this worse.  They look for food at night and if they decide to do that in your roof or walls, which would be annoying. It would be quite alright if they do scuttle about in the yard but that if you have a dog, that usually triggers a whole night of incessant barking.  If you have a cat that would be even worse you can expect pots broken and flower beds trampled on. In short, a good night sleep is not something you might enjoy at night unless you.

Just Marking His Spot

The possum also marks the boundaries of their territories by urine and they leave droppings too!  These territorial markings are considered the most damaging possum habit of all.  They usually mark the same spot and this weakens the ceiling structure.  It also creates an awful smell that may permeate into the whole house and it is something a regular air freshener can fix.  It may call for some major repairs.

Close possum encounters may be avoided but in case it is too late for prevention, call Possum Removal Experts for proper intervention.

Deck Builders: Questions Homeowners Need To Ask

            A well designed deck is a good addition to your home.  It not only adds aesthetic value but also raises the appraisal value of your property.   On the other hand, if things go the other way, you will have a structure that does not function as it should and it would stick out like a sore thumb. Not to mention the financial dent it would cause on your pocketbook.

            The key is to know what to expect and to make right choices from the beginning. It doesn’t start from the drawing of the plans but in your choice of partners.  And to make the right choice, you must ask the right questions.  Here are a few.

·         Do you have a Business Checker ID?  If the contractor is verified by Business Checker, there is no need to ask the next two questions because Business Checker does it for you.  A business with a “Satisfactory” or better yet, “Highly Rated” rating from Business Checker means that they are licensed, skilled and properly insured.

·         Do you have a Contractor License? Contractor Licenses are issued to tradies who comply with the governing legislation and policies of the Building Services Authority (BSA.)  Having a licensed builder work for you means that your project will be up to existing building standards.  This also means that they have the right skill and qualification to build your project.

·         Are you insured? Businesses and traders should have a Public Liability Insurance that covers the cost of damages to the homeowner’s property in case there are accidents during construction.  Licensed contractors are also required to have a home warranty insurance from the BSA which protects the homeowner is the work done is defective or is not completed.

·         How long have you been in business? Being in business for a considerable length of time usually signifies that they are trustworthy and they have had a number of satisfied customers. Continuous patronage is a sign of exceptional work and experience. 

·         What materials are you used to work with?  There was a time when decks are just made of timber or wood products and all you have to choose from are local timber suitable for decks.  Now there is a wide range of imported and local decking timber, plastics, aluminum, steel and the newest in the lot, composite decking materials.  Good contractors improve and innovate, this means they constantly work hard to better themselves and improve their work.

After you have asked the right questions, it would be easier to make the right decisions.  Working with a compatible contractor would make the whole project worthwhile