Possums are a familiar sight in Melbourne’s suburbs, but they can create big problems for homeowners, property managers, real estate agents, business owners, and environmental advocates.
From chewing through wires to making noisy disturbances, possums often require expert possum trapping solutions.
Unfortunately, myths about possum trapping can lead to unsafe, illegal, or ineffective practices.
This blog clears up the top five myths about possum trapping in Melbourne, providing practical, humane advice to protect your property while following Victoria’s wildlife laws.
Why Possum Trapping Is Important in Melbourne
Possums, like brushtail and ringtail varieties, are native to Australia and protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. While they’re a cherished part of the ecosystem, they can cause issues such as:
- Damaging roofs, insulation, and gardens.
- Chewing electrical wiring, creating fire risks.
- Making loud noises at night, disrupting sleep.
- Leaving droppings that carry health risks.
For property managers and real estate agents, possum problems can reduce a property’s appeal to tenants or buyers.
Business owners may deal with customer complaints, while environmental advocates seek humane solutions.
Knowing the facts about possum trapping helps you act responsibly and keep your property safe.
Myth 1: You Can Trap and Relocate Possums Anywhere
Many people think they can trap possums and release them far away, like in a park or forest, to solve the problem.
The Truth
- Legal Limits: Victoria’s wildlife laws state that possums must be released within 50 metres of where they were caught. Releasing them further can cause stress, starvation, or death, as possums struggle in unfamiliar areas.
- Impact on Possums: Relocating possums disrupts their territory, making it hard for them to find food or shelter.
- Risk of Fines: Homeowners or landlords who ignore these rules could face penalties from authorities.
- Solution: Licensed possum trapping experts follow regulations, releasing possums safely and legally. This ensures compliance for property managers and supports humane treatment for environmental advocates.
Myth 2: DIY Possum Traps Are Safe and Effective
Some believe that homemade traps or cheap cages are a simple way to catch possums.
The Truth
- Injury Risks: DIY traps can harm possums, leading to legal issues under wildlife protection laws. They may also catch other animals, like birds or cats, by mistake.
- Poor Results: Homemade traps often fail to secure possums or allow them to escape, wasting time and effort.
- Health Hazards: Handling traps without training risks bites, scratches, or exposure to droppings, which can carry germs.
- Example: A Melbourne homeowner once used a makeshift trap, only to injure a possum and face a fine for illegal handling.
- Solution: Professional possum trapping solutions use humane, purpose-built cages. Experts place traps strategically, ensuring safety for businesses and landlords who need quick, reliable results.
Myth 3: Possums Won’t Return After Trapping
Many assume that trapping and removing possums means they’re gone for good.
The Truth
- Territorial Nature: Possums often return to familiar areas if entry points aren’t sealed. New possums may also move in if your property offers food or shelter.
- Common Entry Points: Roof gaps, chimneys, and overhanging trees are easy access routes for possums.
- Prevention Tips:
- Seal gaps in roofs or vents with durable materials.
- Trim branches at least 1.5 metres from your roof.
- Secure bins to remove food sources.
- Solution: Expert possum trapping services in Melbourne include property inspections to block entry points. This is vital for real estate agents and property managers aiming to maintain property value and tenant satisfaction
Myth 4: Possum Trapping Harms the Environment
Environmental advocates sometimes worry that trapping possums disrupts ecosystems or hurts wildlife.
The Truth
- Humane Methods: Licensed professionals use traps that safely capture possums without causing injury, releasing them within 50 metres as required.
- Ecosystem Benefits: Trapping and proofing prevent possums from damaging gardens or competing with other native species, like birds, for resources.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Experts avoid chemicals or harmful methods, using sustainable solutions like mesh or natural deterrents.
- Example: A Melbourne business used professional trapping to remove possums from its roof, protecting both the property and nearby native wildlife.
- Solution: Choose a possum trapping service that prioritises humane, green practices. This aligns with environmental advocates’ values and ensures compliance with Victoria’s laws.
Myth 5: Possum Trapping Is Too Expensive and Unnecessary
Some homeowners or business owners think trapping possums costs too much and that possums will leave on their own.
The Truth
- Cost of Damage: Possums can cause thousands of dollars in repairs by chewing wiring, ruining insulation, or destroying gardens. For businesses, droppings can lead to health code violations or lost customers.
- Why They Stay: Possums are attracted to roofs and gardens for shelter and food, so they rarely leave voluntarily.
- Savings Over Time: Professional trapping and proofing stop recurring issues, saving money compared to ongoing repairs or failed DIY attempts.
- Example: A Melbourne landlord ignored possum noises, only to spend $3000 fixing chewed wiring after a near-fire incident.
- Solution: Invest in expert possum trapping solutions for a cost-effective fix. This benefits property managers and real estate agents who need to keep properties in top condition.
Why Professional Trapping Saves Time and Money?
Hiring experts for possum trapping in Melbourne offers clear advantages:
- Efficiency: Professionals resolve issues quickly, avoiding the trial-and-error of DIY methods.
- Long-Term Results: Proofing prevents future infestations, reducing repair costs.
- Compliance: Licensed services follow wildlife laws, protecting you from fines.
- Safety: Experts handle traps safely, minimising health risks from droppings or bites.
For homeowners, this means a damage-free home. Property managers and real estate agents maintain property appeal, while business owners avoid disruptions. Environmental advocates appreciate the humane approach.
Choosing a Possum Trapping Service in Melbourne
To ensure effective and legal possum removal, consider these factors:
- Experience: Select a company with proven expertise in possum trapping for homes and businesses.
- Licensing: Confirm they’re licensed under Victoria’s wildlife regulations.
- Humane Practices: Choose providers who use safe traps and follow release rules.
- Full Services: Look for trapping, proofing, and inspections for lasting results.
- Customer Reviews: Check feedback to ensure reliability and quality.
- Transparent Costs: Request clear quotes, especially for landlords or business owners.
Tips to Keep Possums Away
After trapping, follow these steps to prevent possums returning:
- Block Access: Seal roof gaps, vents, or chimneys with strong materials.
- Trim Trees: Keep branches 1.5 metres from your roof.
- Secure Food: Use possum-proof bins and store pet food indoors.
- Use Deterrents: Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your property, especially for rental managers.
These steps are eco-friendly and support Melbourne’s wildlife balance.
Risks of Delaying Possum Trapping
Ignoring possum issues can lead to:
- Costly Repairs: Damaged wiring or insulation can cost thousands to fix.
- Fire Risks: Chewed wires increase the chance of electrical fires.
- Health Concerns: Droppings carry germs, risking illness for residents or customers.
- Property Value Loss: Possum problems deter tenants or buyers, impacting real estate agents.
Quick action with professionals prevents these issues and saves money.
Possum trapping in Melbourne is often misunderstood, with myths leading to risky or illegal practices.
By knowing the truth—that trapping requires expertise, humane methods, and legal compliance—you can protect your property and support native wildlife.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, real estate agent, business owner, or environmental advocate, expert possum trapping solutions provide a safe, effective way to resolve issues and prevent future problems.
Don’t let possums damage your property or cause stress.
Specific Pest Control offers expert possum trapping solutions across Melbourne, ensuring humane and effective removal in line with Victorian wildlife regulations.
Their skilled team uses safe, strategic trapping methods to protect homes and businesses from possum-related damage while prioritizing animal welfare.
Whether it’s noises in your roof or a possum in the garden, they provide fast, reliable, and legal solutions tailored to your needs..
Call 1300 434 137 or visit Possum Removal in Melbourne to book a consultation and safeguard your property today.