Thumping, scratching and running across the ceiling at night is one of the most common calls we get in Melbourne, especially in leafy suburbs with big trees close to the house. Possums are cute in the garden, but in the roof they can leave urine stains, smells, chewed wiring and insulation damage. Here’s how to tell if it’s a possum, what Victorian rules say, and how to keep it out for good.
Is it a possum or a rat in the roof?
| Sign | Possum | Rats or mice |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Heavy thumps and running, mainly at dusk and dawn | Light scratching and scurrying through the night |
| Droppings | Larger, pellet-shaped | Small, dark, like grains of rice |
| Stains and smell | Yellow-brown ceiling stains, strong urine smell | Musty smell, grease marks along edges |
| Damage | Flattened insulation, lifted tiles, broken vents | Chewed wiring, boxes and food packets |
If it sounds more like rodents, see our rat and mouse control page or our guide to getting rid of mice and rats in Melbourne.
What the rules say about possums in Victoria
Possums are protected under Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975. According to Wildlife Victoria’s guidance on managing possums:
- Relocating problem possums is not allowed. Possums taken away from their territory usually don’t survive, and another possum soon moves into the empty spot.
- Common brushtail possums living in a building can be trapped, using a humane cage trap designed to avoid injury.
- Traps must be checked no more than two hours after sunrise. A trapped possum should be kept in the trap in a quiet place, covered with a cloth or bag.
- Release must be after sunset on the day it was caught, on the same property, no more than 50 metres from where it was trapped.
- If release on the property isn’t reasonably possible, the possum must be humanely put down by a registered vet within 24 hours of capture.
Rules can change, so check the latest guidance on the Wildlife Victoria (wildlife.vic.gov.au) website before trapping, and call them if you’re dealing with a ringtail or any other species.
Why trapping alone doesn’t fix the problem
Because the possum has to be released close by, trapping without sealing the roof just means it climbs straight back in, often the same night. The long-term fix is:
- Find every entry point. Common spots are gaps under roof tiles and ridge capping, broken eave linings, gaps around downpipes and solar panels, and open vents.
- Get the possum out. This can be done with a one-way exit flap over the main entry, so the possum can leave at night but can’t get back in, or by humane trapping and release under the rules above.
- Seal the roof. Once the possum is out, close every gap with strong materials like metal mesh, not foam or tape.
- Give it somewhere else to live. A possum box mounted in a tree on your property gives the possum a new home in its own territory, so it’s less likely to keep trying your roof.
- Trim branches. Cut back branches that touch or hang over the roof so they’re no longer a bridge.
Never seal a roof before you’re sure the possum is out. A trapped possum can die in the roof, and then you’re dealing with a smell that’s far worse. If that has already happened, we also provide dead animal removal.
Possum in your roof?
We’ll get it out humanely, in line with Victorian rules, and seal the roof so it stays out. Fixed price before we start.
Things not to do
- Don’t use poison. It’s cruel and not a legal way to control possums.
- Don’t release a trapped possum during the day or drive it to a park. It stresses the animal and is against the rules.
- Don’t handle a possum with bare hands. They can scratch and bite.
- Don’t rely on lights, noise or smell deterrents alone. They may work for a few nights, but they don’t stop a possum from coming back.
Frequently asked questions
How much does possum removal cost in Melbourne?
It depends on how many entry points there are and how much sealing your roof needs, so we give a fixed quote once we know the job. See our Melbourne pest control price guide for typical prices on other services.
Is it legal to trap a possum myself in Victoria?
Wildlife Victoria’s guidance allows common brushtail possums living in a building to be trapped and released under strict conditions, including releasing it after sunset on the day of capture within 50 metres of where it was caught. Check the current rules with Wildlife Victoria before you start.
Can possum urine damage my ceiling?
Yes. Over time, urine can stain and weaken plasterboard ceilings and soak insulation, which is why it’s worth acting quickly.
Why does the possum keep coming back?
Possums are territorial and have to be released close to where they were caught. If the roof isn’t sealed properly, the same possum will keep finding its way back in.
Learn more about our possum removal service in Melbourne.
