Possum entry is a common occurrence in suburban homes in Australia. There are more than twenty different species of possums in Australia but the two species that frequently haunt homes are the ring tail (also called dreys) and brushtail varieties. An interesting feature about them is that they use their tails like an extra limb. They are very active at night and you might often hear their noisy growl from your attic area or roof tops. There are many reliable possum removal Brisbane service specialists who remove them safely causing no harm to them.

By nature, possums are not the attacking kind and they have a lifespan of about eleven to thirteen years. They however are constantly foraging for food and seeking shelter and at first opportunity stray inside your property to find a nice, quiet hidden undisturbed place preferably not at ground level to set up the nest.

Possums can be very destructive and carry in a lot of disease-causing organisms that might be risky to you health-wise. If you happen to spot them or feel their presence it is better not to take the matter into your own hands and seek the help of pest control service professionals. They come under the protected list and cannot be relocated by inexperienced people. They need careful handling and trapping and then safely placed at a distance.

These marsupials are primarily plant eaters feeding on eucalyptus but are known to eat anything and everything ever since they started living in human habitation. They also prefer to live in tree hollows and under decks of floorboards and also garden sheds. They fear being attacked by dogs, foxes, large hawks, etc.

Possum presence on your premises

Before calling in possum removal Brisbane professionals, it is better to know how to detect possum activity in your surroundings. If by chance one has gained entry into your compound they first find a home around trees in your external yard or in your roofs or attic. They get very active at night, screeching and causing havoc in your flower beds and vegetable garden. You can be sure of their infestation by spotting-

Pellet droppings around nesting sites

One of the most distinctive features of possum activity is that they leave a huge quantity of pellet or crescent-shaped dark droppings all over their active areas. They also urinate very frequently. Both have a very offensive ammonia-like smell that can last for a while. They usually defecate in attics, roofs, tree trunks, and logs.  

 Screeching and hissing sounds

Like rodents, they are active at night. The older possums make loud noises to call other members. They feed on garbage and rotting food stuff and go through trash cans in the dark.

 Foot marks

You can detect front paws which resemble a hand with five fingers, each ending in a curved claw. Possums move on all four feet and they sleep all throughout the day at an elevated level above the ground, inside trees, roofs, or attics. Possums may have many nests in your compound. So you have to be alert about footprints, odor, droppings, and their shed fur.

Damage to property

Possums gain entry through holes in walls, gaps in roofs, or overhanging branches that are near your building. If you discover damage to the gutter, air conditioning vent, insulation, wires, or wall structure of roofs or attics, you can rest assured possums are around.

Unearth your lawn

Possums feed on worms and insects and often dig up the earth beneath your lawn, defacing it and making it look a mess.

Pet food eaten

If you find that the food you left for your pet on the exterior of your home is eaten or strewn in another place, you can be assured that you have possums around. They have a strong liking for pet food.

Damage to flower garden and trees

If you observe broken tree branches, overturned pots, damaged flower beds, and vegetable gardens, you have possums actively thriving on your property. They eat flowers, seeds, fruits, and vegetables and ruin the look of your garden as they stomp across these areas at night.

 Garbage cans toppled

Possums have a nasty habit of eating garbage and filth. If you keep your garbage outside be sure to find everything spilling out in the morning. It is best to use tightly lidded garbage cans and keep no spills around them as possums get attracted to them.  

Rips in the door and window screens

If you spot the window or door screens torn or ripped, it might be either rodents or possums. Both have sharp teeth and both can chew their way in.

Possums have been infesting homes with increased urbanization and by knowing their behavior and common signs homeowners like you and me can take quick action and engage experts before serious damage is done.