In Australia, possums are protected animals under wildlife legislation. This means it is illegal to harm them or to trap them without proper permission. In Coffs Harbour, and throughout New South Wales, if you find a possum causing a nuisance in your home or business, you cannot simply trap and remove it on your own. If you need to manage a possum problem, you must use a humane cage trap to catch it. Once caught, the possum must be released on the same property, within 50 metres of the capture site, after sunset on the day of capture. This is to ensure the possum remains in its home territory. If the possum is causing significant issues and needs to be removed from your property entirely, you must seek assistance from a licensed wildlife controller or pest control service like Complete Pest Control. They have the necessary permissions and expertise to handle possums appropriately. Always remember, possums play a vital role in our ecosystem, so it’s important to treat them with care and respect.

Possums are known to revisit places where they’ve found shelter or food. To prevent possums from returning once they’ve been removed, consider the following steps:

1. Secure Your Home: Make sure all openings to your attic or under your house are sealed. Repair any broken tiles or gaps in your roof. Use strong materials as possums can chew through wood and plastic.

2. Garden Maintenance: Trim branches that are close to your home, as they can act as bridges for possums to access roofs.

3. Limit Food Sources: Possums are attracted to food. Ensure that all food scraps are securely stored in bins with tight-fitting lids. If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit regularly.

4. Possum Boxes: If you want to provide an alternative home for possums, install a possum box in your garden. This gives them a place to nest away from your home.

5. Consult Professionals: If you’re unsure about potential entry points for possums, consult with a professional pest control service like Complete Pest Control. They can provide guidance and solutions to ensure possums don’t return.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a possum-free environment while still allowing these creatures to thrive in their natural habitat.

Yes, possums can cause damage to properties. While they are generally quiet animals, when they seek shelter in homes, they can become problematic.

Possums may choose to nest in roofs, wall cavities, or under houses. In these spaces, they can displace insulation, chew on wires, or even cause leaks by damaging roofing materials. Over time, their urine and droppings can stain ceilings or walls, and create an unpleasant odour.

Additionally, possums are known to forage in gardens, potentially damaging plants, vegetables, or fruits. They might also rummage through garbage bins, scattering waste in their search for food.

While they aren’t aggressive by nature, they have sharp claws and teeth. If they feel threatened, they might use them, potentially damaging surfaces or even causing harm to household pets.

Lastly, the noise they make, especially at night when they are most active, can be a disturbance. The sound of them moving, scratching, or fighting can disrupt your peace and quiet.

If you suspect possums are causing damage to your property, it’s essential to seek professional help, like that offered by Complete Pest Control, to address the issue effectively and humanely.

Possums are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, like many wild animals, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered. While it’s uncommon, possums can bite or scratch when they are frightened.

In terms of diseases, possums can carry a range of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. They can also be carriers of diseases that can affect humans, like Buruli ulcer and Tularemia, though transmission is relatively rare. Their droppings, if left unchecked, can potentially spread bacteria and fungi which can be harmful to humans if ingested or if they come into contact with open wounds.

Additionally, possum urine and droppings can be a concern, especially if they have made a home in your roof or attic. These can contaminate the area, producing an unpleasant smell and potentially causing health issues.

It’s essential to remember that while the risk is minimal, it’s always best to maintain a distance from wild animals, including possums. If you have concerns about possums on your property, it’s wise to consult professionals like Complete Pest Control to ensure safe and humane handling.

If you discover a possum on your property in Coffs Harbour, it’s essential to address the situation promptly. At Complete Pest Control, we understand the urgency of such situations and strive to provide swift and effective solutions. Once you reach out to us, our team prioritises your request, aiming to send a technician to assess and handle the situation as soon as possible. Depending on availability and the time of day you contact us, we often can arrange a visit within 24 hours. Our trained professionals have the necessary skills and equipment to safely and humanely trap and remove the possum from your premises. We also provide advice on preventive measures to avoid future invasions. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities, and we endeavour to offer timely services to ensure both. If you suspect a possum issue, don’t hesitate to call us for a swift response.