Possums are common native animals found throughout Adelaide and South Australia. While many people enjoy seeing possums around trees and gardens, possums can become a serious nuisance when they invade homes, roofs and outdoor living areas.

Possums are generally shy animals, but they can still create problems around residential properties including:

roof damage
loud noises at night
unpleasant smells
contamination from droppings
garden damage

EcoPest Group provides professional:

possum control Adelaide
roof possum removal
roof inspections
possum proofing solutions
humane wildlife management

across Adelaide and surrounding South Australian regions.

What Is A Possum?

Possums are small nocturnal marsupials roughly the size of a house cat. They are commonly recognised by their:

grey fur
white face
pointed nose
flexible tail
climbing ability

Possums are highly skilled climbers and use their tails for:

balance
grip
movement through trees and roofs

During the day, possums often shelter inside:

hollow trees
roof voids
sheds
garages
under decks
ceiling spaces

Are Possums Blind?

No. Despite common myths, possums are not blind.

Possums actually have:

strong night vision
large dilated pupils
excellent low-light eyesight

Their nocturnal eyesight helps them:

navigate rooftops
locate food
avoid predators at night

Are Possums Dangerous?

Possums are generally not aggressive animals, however they can still create health, hygiene and property concerns when they invade homes.

Can Possums Bite?

Yes. Possums may:

hiss
growl
scratch
bite

if they feel threatened or cornered.

Possums often try to avoid conflict first by:

freezing
playing dead
releasing unpleasant odours

However, they may defend themselves if handled improperly.

Can Possums Harm Pets?

Possums may injure:

cats
dogs
small pets

during defensive encounters.

Possums may become more aggressive:

during breeding season
when protecting young
if trapped inside confined areas

Can Possums Damage Gardens?

Possums commonly feed on:

fruits
vegetables
flowers
garden plants

They may also:

trample garden beds
damage crops
chew vegetation

while searching for food around residential properties.

Can Possums Kill Chickens?

Possums are opportunistic feeders and may eat:

chicken eggs
small chickens
poultry feed

particularly when other food sources are limited.

Can Possums Carry Diseases?

Although possums are considered lower risk for rabies transmission, they may still carry bacteria, parasites and diseases that can affect humans and pets.

Diseases associated with possums may include:

leptospirosis
tuberculosis
toxoplasmosis
tularemia
spotted fever
Chagas disease

Possums may also carry:

fleas
mites
ticks
lice

which can contribute to additional pest problems.

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

Possums can technically contract rabies because they are mammals, however they are considered very low risk carriers.

Their naturally low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive effectively.

Why Possums Enter Adelaide Homes

Possums commonly enter homes searching for:

food
warmth
shelter
nesting areas

They are often attracted by:

pet food
rubbish bins
fruit trees
roof cavities
warm ceiling spaces

Possums may remain inside roofs or attics for extended periods if:

food is available
shelter is secure
entry points remain open

Signs Of Possums In Your Roof

Noises At Night

Possums are nocturnal and commonly create:

scratching sounds
thumping noises
hissing
shrieking
running noises

inside roof cavities and ceiling spaces.

Learn more:
What Animals Are Living In Your Roof?

Roof & Gutter Damage

Possums often enter roofs by damaging:

eaves
roof gaps
soffits
roof tiles
gutters

Exterior damage around the roofline may indicate possum activity.

Strong Unpleasant Smells

Possum urine and droppings may create:

strong odours
stained insulation
contamination inside roof spaces

Possum droppings are generally:

larger than rodent droppings
dark in colour
strongly odorous

Missing Pet Food

Possums are attracted to:

cat food
dog food
bird seed
rubbish

Repeated disappearance of pet food may indicate possum activity nearby.

How To Get Rid Of Possums

1. Trapping & Relocation

Professional trapping may be used to:

safely capture possums
relocate them appropriately
reduce roof infestations

Because possums are protected wildlife in Australia, removal must be handled carefully and legally.

2. Remove Food Sources

Reducing access to:

pet food
garbage
fallen fruit
accessible water

may help discourage possums from returning.

3. Use Repellents

Some homeowners use repellents such as:

garlic
ammonia
spicy peppers
pet fur

to discourage possum activity.

These repellents generally require regular reapplication for ongoing effectiveness.

4. Professional Possum Control Adelaide

Professional wildlife specialists can:

identify entry points
remove possums safely
install proofing solutions
reduce future infestations

Professional possum control focuses on:

humane removal
prevention
long-term exclusion

Professional Possum Control Adelaide