Possums may be an iconic part of Australia’s wildlife, but when they invade your property, they can cause significant damage.
These nocturnal creatures often seek shelter in roofs, garages, and gardens, leading to costly repairs and ongoing disturbances.
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with possums in your roof, a business owner concerned about property damage, or a farmer trying to protect your crops, finding an effective possum deterrent in Melbourne is essential.
Without proper deterrents, possums can destroy insulation, chew electrical wiring, ruin garden beds, and create noise disturbances that disrupt your sleep.
Since possums are protected under Australian law, it’s crucial to use humane and legal deterrent methods.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most effective possum deterrent solutions for 2025 to help you safeguard your property without harming these native creatures.
Why Are Possums a Problem in Melbourne?
Possums are an integral part of Australia’s ecosystem, but when they enter urban and suburban areas, they can become a serious nuisance.
Their search for food and shelter often leads them to homes, gardens, and businesses, where they can cause considerable damage.
Possums are protected under Australian law, meaning you cannot harm, trap, or relocate them without proper permits.
However, they can still create several issues, including:
- Roof & attic damage: Possums often seek shelter in roof cavities, leading to insulation damage and noise disturbances.
- Garden destruction: They feed on fruits, flowers, and vegetables, impacting residential gardens and commercial farms.
- Health risks: Possum droppings can contain harmful bacteria and pose sanitation issues for homes and businesses.
- Noise disturbances: Possums can be extremely loud at night, causing sleep disruptions.
- Fire hazards: Chewing on electrical wiring can lead to dangerous fire risks in homes and commercial buildings.
Best Possum Deterrent Solutions in Melbourne
- Secure Your Roof & Entry Points
Possums commonly enter properties through gaps in roof tiles, eaves, vents, and wall cavities.
Conducting a roof inspection and sealing off potential entry points is one of the most effective deterrents.
How to do it:
- Install possum-proof mesh over openings.
- Use one-way exit doors to allow possums to leave but not return.
- Repair broken roof tiles and loose siding.
- Seal gaps in walls and under eaves with strong, durable materials.
- Regularly check and maintain your roof for any new openings.
- Motion-Activated Lights & Sound Devices
Possums are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet spaces.
Installing motion-activated lights and ultrasonic sound deterrents can help discourage them from settling on your property.
Recommended solutions:
- Bright LED floodlights near potential entry points.
- Ultrasonic possum deterrent devices that emit high-frequency sounds.
- Motion-activated sprinklers to startle possums and encourage them to leave.
- Use wind chimes or other noise-making devices near possum-prone areas.
- Natural Possum Repellents
Many homeowners prefer natural solutions to deter possums without harming them. Certain smells and plants can make your property less inviting.
Effective natural deterrents:
- Garlic and chilli spray: Possums dislike the strong scent and taste.
- Quassia chips: A bitter wood extract that repels possums.
- Blood & bone fertiliser: Works as both a repellent and a plant fertiliser.
- Lavender or mint plants: Possums tend to avoid strong-smelling plants.
- Eucalyptus oil spray: A natural repellent that can be applied around entry points.
- Possum-Proof Fencing & Netting
For farmers and garden owners, installing possum-proof fencing and netting can protect crops and trees from damage.
Best fencing methods:
- Use smooth metal barriers to prevent climbing.
- Install electric fencing (low-voltage, humane options) around gardens.
- Cover fruit trees with wildlife-safe netting.
- Make sure fences are at least 1.5m high and have a curved top to deter climbing.
- Removing Food Sources
Possums are drawn to easily accessible food sources, so eliminating these can help deter them from your property.
Ways to reduce possum attraction:
- Secure your rubbish bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Remove fallen fruit and vegetables from your garden.
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight.
- Clean BBQ grills and outdoor eating areas to remove food scraps.
- Professional Possum Deterrent Services in Melbourne
If possums are becoming a persistent issue, it’s best to call in professionals. Licensed possum control services can assess your property, install deterrents, and ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Benefits of hiring a professional service:
- Expert assessment of possum entry points.
- Safe & humane deterrents that comply with regulations.
- Long-term solutions to prevent recurring issues.
- Guaranteed results with expert follow-ups.
What NOT to Do When Dealing with Possums
It’s important to avoid illegal or harmful methods when dealing with possums in Melbourne.
Here are things you should NOT do:
- Do not poison or trap possums — this is illegal without a permit.
- Do not relocate possums more than 50m — they may struggle to survive.
- Do not use harmful deterrents like spikes or electric shocks.
- Do not attempt to remove baby possums from their mother, as they rely on parental care.
Keep Possums Away the Right Way
Protecting your property from possums requires a combination of preventative measures, deterrents, and professional assistance.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or farmer, using legal and humane possum deterrent methods will help keep your space possum-free while respecting Melbourne’s wildlife.
Need Professional Possum Deterrent Services?
At Specific Pest Control, we provide expert possum deterrent solutions in Melbourne, ensuring your property is safe, secure, and possum-free.
Our team uses humane, legal, and effective methods to prevent possums from invading your home or business.
Why Choose Specific Pest Control for Possum Deterrent Services?
- Experienced Professionals – Our licensed pest control experts have years of experience in safely deterring possums from residential and commercial properties.
- Comprehensive Site Assessment – We conduct a detailed inspection to locate entry points, nesting sites, and potential risks.
- Eco-Friendly & Humane Solutions – We use non-lethal, environmentally responsible methods that comply with Australian wildlife protection laws.
- Permanent Possum-Proofing – Our team installs durable barriers, seals entry points, and offers long-term deterrent strategies to prevent future infestations.
- Guaranteed Results – We provide reliable and proven solutions to keep your property possum-free.
Contact Specific Pest Control today for expert possum deterrent melbourne services.