Hearing strange noises coming from your roof at night? Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds could mean that a possum has made its way into your roof space.
Possums are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the night. If you hear loud disturbances after sunset, there’s a high chance a possum is responsible.
Ignoring these noises could lead to serious problems, such as damage to insulation, electrical wiring, and even health risks from their droppings. The longer they stay, the more damage they can cause, making it crucial to act fast.
Understanding what these noises mean and how to deal with them is crucial for protecting your home from unwanted guests.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of noises possums make, why they enter your roof, and the best ways to stop them from coming back.
What Do Possum Noises Sound Like?
Possums are not quiet creatures, and their movements can create quite a disturbance. Here are some common sounds you might hear:
- Scratching and Scuffling: Possums use their sharp claws to grip surfaces as they move around. If you hear scratching sounds, it’s likely they are climbing beams or trying to create a nesting spot.
- Thumping and Banging: Possums are known for their heavy footsteps. Unlike rats or mice, which make light scurrying sounds, possums tend to stomp around loudly. If the sounds are loud enough to wake you up, a possum is likely to blame.
- Hissing and Screeching: These sounds are usually a sign of aggression. If a possum feels threatened or is fighting with another possum, it will make loud screeches or growls.
- Chirping and Clicking: Baby possums use these sounds to communicate with their mothers. If you hear high-pitched chirps, there could be a family living in your roof.
Why Do Possums Enter Roof Spaces?
Possums seek shelter in roofs for several reasons, and understanding these can help prevent future infestations:
- Safety from Predators: Roofs provide a secure and elevated space where possums can hide from predators like foxes and dogs. With fewer threats, your roof becomes a perfect hiding place.
- Warmth and Comfort: During colder months, possums seek out warm places to sleep, and a well-insulated roof space is an ideal spot.
- Nesting Sites: Possums often look for safe places to raise their young. Roof cavities provide a quiet and undisturbed area for nesting.
- Easy Access: Overhanging trees, power lines, and fences make it easy for possums to access rooftops and find entry points into homes.
The Risks of Having Possums in Your Roof
While possums are protected under Australian law, having them in your home can lead to several issues:
- Property Damage: Possums can chew through wiring, causing electrical hazards, and tear insulation, leading to costly repairs. Over time, these damages can result in expensive maintenance work.
- Health Risks: Possum droppings and urine can create unpleasant odours and spread bacteria, leading to potential health problems.
- Sleep Disturbances: Their loud movements and vocalisations can keep you awake at night, affecting your quality of sleep.
Removing possums from your home safely and legally is essential to prevent these issues from worsening.
How to Prevent Possums from Entering Your Roof
Prevention is the key to keeping possums away. Here’s what you can do:
- Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps in your roof, broken tiles, or holes in eaves and block them off with durable materials like metal mesh. A thorough inspection is the first step in keeping your home possum-free.
- Trim Overhanging Trees: Possums use tree branches to access roofs. Trimming branches at least 1.5 metres away from your house can reduce their access.
- Install Possum Boxes: Providing an alternative shelter like a possum box in your backyard can encourage possums to move out of your roof and into a safer space.
- Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights, ultrasonic devices, and strong-smelling repellents like garlic or camphor can discourage possums from returning.
What to Do If a Possum Is Already in Your Roof
If you suspect a possum is living in your roof, follow these steps:
- Confirm Its Presence: Listen for noises at night and look for droppings or signs of damage. Identifying their entry point will help you take the right action.
- Leave an Exit Route: Open the entry hole at dusk when the possum is likely to leave in search of food. Once it’s out, seal the hole to prevent re-entry.
- Use a One-Way Door: Installing a one-way door allows the possum to exit but not re-enter.
- Avoid Trapping Without Permission: Possums are protected in Australia, and handling them without a permit can result in fines.
If the possum refuses to leave or keeps returning, it’s time to call a professional.
Call a Professional Possum Catcher in Melbourne
Dealing with possums on your own can be tricky, especially when legal restrictions are involved. If you need expert help, contacting a licensed possum catcher in Melbourne is the best solution.
Specific Pest Control specialises in humane possum removal and proofing to ensure your home remains possum-free. Our team follows all legal guidelines to relocate possums safely and prevent future infestations.
We use safe and proven methods to ensure possums don’t return to your roof.
Don’t let possum noises in your roof disturb your home—contact Specific Pest Control today for a reliable and effective solution.
Possum noises in the roof can be frustrating and disruptive, but knowing what they mean and how to handle them can help you take the right action.
By taking steps like sealing entry points, trimming trees, and using deterrents, you can prevent possums from invading your home. A proactive approach can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
If possums continue to be a problem, seeking help from a professional possum catcher in Melbourne ensures a safe and legal resolution.
For expert assistance, get in touch with Specific Pest Control today and keep your home possum-free for good!