Melbourne’s unique blend of urban and natural landscapes makes it a prime spot for wildlife activity. While possums are a protected species in Australia, their presence in homes can cause significant disturbances.
These nocturnal creatures often seek shelter in roof spaces, attics, and wall cavities, leading to property damage and health concerns.
If you’ve ever heard scratching noises in your ceiling at night, chances are a possum has taken up residence.
Understanding their seasonal activity can help you prevent infestations before they become a major problem.
Why Possum Activity Changes with the Seasons
Possums are highly adaptable and adjust their habits based on seasonal changes. Melbourne’s climate influences their behaviour throughout the year, affecting their nesting and feeding habits.
Spring: Breeding Season Begins
As the weather warms up, possums enter their breeding season. During this time, they become more active, searching for safe nesting spots to raise their young.
Your roof or attic provides the perfect shelter, making it a prime target for possum invasions.If you notice increased noise at night, it could indicate a mother possum looking after her babies.
Since possums are protected under Australian law, professional handling is essential to ensure they are safely relocated.
Summer: Increased Activity and Nesting
The warmer months see possums actively foraging for food, often venturing into suburban areas for fruit, leaves, and insects.
As their search for food intensifies, so does their interaction with human spaces. They may enter homes through broken tiles, vents, or other small openings in search of cooler, shaded areas.
During summer, homeowners should inspect their properties for entry points and secure them before possums establish a nesting site. Once inside, they can be difficult to remove without expert intervention.
Autumn: Seeking Shelter for the Cooler Months
As the temperature drops, possums begin looking for warmer places to settle. Homes with easy access points, such as open vents or gaps in roofing, are highly attractive to them.
During this season, possums are less visible during the day but remain highly active at night. If you suddenly hear unusual sounds coming from your roof or notice droppings around your property, it could be a sign of possum activity. Early detection is key to preventing a full infestation.
Winter: Indoor Nesting Peaks
Winter is when possums are most likely to take refuge in homes. With the cold weather limiting outdoor food sources, they seek warmth inside roof spaces, garages, and sheds. If left undisturbed, they can remain hidden for months, causing damage to insulation, wiring, and wooden structures.
This is the time of year when homeowners experience the most persistent issues with possums. If you suspect one has made a home in your roof, calling an expert is the best way to manage the problem before it escalates.
Signs of Possum Infestation in Your Home
Recognising the signs of possum activity early can prevent significant damage. Here are some common indicators:
- Nocturnal Noises: Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in the roof at night.
- Droppings & Urine Stains: Dark, pellet-like droppings found near entry points or in roof spaces.
- Unpleasant Odours: Possum urine has a strong, musky smell that can linger in enclosed spaces.
- Damaged Roofs & Entry Points: Loose tiles, torn vents, or holes in walls where possums have forced their way in.
- Disturbed Gardens: Possums feed on fruit, flowers, and vegetable plants, leaving behind chewed leaves or half-eaten produce.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly. Possums are territorial and will return to the same nesting spot if not properly removed.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Possum Removal
Attempting to remove a possum on your own can be risky. Possums are protected under Australian law, meaning they must be handled with care. Relocating them without proper permits can result in fines.
Additionally, possums can become defensive if they feel threatened. A startled possum may scratch or bite when confronted, posing a risk to homeowners.
Professional pest control services use humane methods to relocate possums while ensuring they do not return. They also provide possum-proofing solutions to secure your home against future invasions.
Preventing Possum Infestations: What You Can Do
While professional help is necessary for removal, there are several steps you can take to prevent possums from entering your home:
- Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your roof, vents, and eaves for gaps or holes and repair any damage.
- Secure Outdoor Food Sources: Possums are attracted to fruit trees, pet food, and garbage bins. Keep these areas covered or cleaned regularly.
- Install Possum-Proof Barriers: Wire mesh or metal flashing can be placed over openings to prevent access.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Possums use tree branches as bridges to reach roofs. Keeping trees trimmed reduces their ability to access your home.
- Use Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: Possums prefer dark and quiet spaces. Sudden bright lights or water sprays can discourage them from settling.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the chances of possums invading your property.
When to Call a Pest Control Expert
If preventative measures aren’t enough and possums have already settled in, it’s time to call in the professionals. Trained experts have the knowledge and tools to:
- Conduct a thorough inspection of your home.
- Identify entry points and seal them properly.
- Safely and legally relocate possums.
- Provide long-term proofing solutions to keep your home possum-free.
Ignoring possum activity can lead to increased property damage and health risks. Seeking expert help at the right time ensures your home remains safe and secure.
Possums are a part of Melbourne’s ecosystem, but when they invade homes, they become a major problem. By understanding their seasonal activity and taking preventative steps, you can protect your home from unwanted guests.
If you suspect possum activity, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Contact Specific Pest Control today for expert possum pest control in Melbourne services. Their team ensures humane and effective possum management, giving you peace of mind knowing your home is safe.