You need to follow stipulated possum pest control regulations to remove one from your roof space.
Possums living in your roof can be more than a minor irritation and lead to many sleepless nights due to noise and possibly bad smells. Brushtail possums are the most common possum species that live in the roof however, Ringtail possums may also take shelter. The first basic step is to locate the entry point of the possum to the roof. Potential gateways are below the eaves from trees and bushes that are next to the house. Monitor these places for possible possum movement. Once you confirm the doorway points the possum is using, seal them. Make sure the possums are out of the roof before sealing. Put a light bulb in the roof and leave it on for a few days to light the roof cavities. This will discourage the possums from taking shelter in the roof because they love sleeping in dark places. You should also remove any food sources around the house that may attract the possums to the roof. You can also hire a possum trap to capture them. Be advised that it's illegal in Australia to release a trapped possum too far from where it's captured. The possum needs to be set free at a nearby tree and the point of entry into the roof sealed.
In Australia, possum species are protected under the law so if you plan to get rid of a possum, do it within stipulated possum pest control regulations. Provide a substitute shelter on your property for the animal. Build a possum box that's weatherproof for brushtail possums and a possum drey for ringtail possums. Place fruits near these shelters to attract them. Make sure the roof is adequately secured to bar these animals from entering. Sealing access points will help prevent the possums from getting into the roof to start with or re-enter after they are evicted. Seal all possible entry points with wood and chicken wire after the possums have left. You can also construct a one-way access door to the roof that can only allow them to leave but not to re-enter. Seek the advice of a qualified pest control expert on how to install one. Alternatively, find a possum trap permit. Hire a trap from your council and put it in the roof or ceiling close to their passage. Make sure you release the possum within 24 hours. Release it at sunset but within 50 metres from its region of capture next to a tree.
Generally, possum removal prices depend on structure size, roof condition and the level of possum infestation. Removal from a single-storey building with a tiled rooftop will cost you around $369 and $594 for a 12 and 24-month warranty respectively. Removal of brushtail and ringtail possums from a two-storey building will cost you around $422 if you want a package that has a warranty of 12 months. If you opt for a package that has 24 months warranty, you have to pay at least $660. For any building that is either single or double-storey and has a steel deck roof be it flat or pitched, you will have to pay a minimum of $500 if you want a one-year warranty option. For a warranty package option of two years, you will be charged around $739. For a weatherboard structure, either single storey or double, charges will be around $500 to $739 for one and two year warranty package respectively.
Their urine and droppings will also cause stains on the ceiling.
They will cause damage to garden fruit trees by eating and destroying the fruits and also damage your vegetables.
The smell from their urine may also affect the breathing of asthmatics.