Possum removal Melbourne

Possum removal in Melbourne typically costs between $250 and $350 for a standard job, trap placement, one overnight check, release within 50m, and sealing one identified entry point. Properties with multiple entry points, difficult roof access, or tiled roofs requiring tile removal for proofing cost more and are quoted after a site inspection. A possum box can be added from $120.

Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Victoria). It is legal to trap a nuisance possum, but only under a Wildlife Controller Licence, and the possum must be released within 50 metres of the trapping site. It is illegal to relocate a possum to a park, bushland, or any location beyond 50 metres from where it was trapped. This is because possums are highly territorial, releasing them in unfamiliar territory more than 50 metres away typically results in the animal's death from starvation, territorial attack, or road trauma.

Possums naturally live in tree hollows, but Melbourne's urban environment has fewer hollow trees than they need, roof cavities are the next best alternative. Melbourne's two common species, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), both use roof cavities as nesting sites. Common entry points include gaps at the roofline where tiles meet the gutter, damaged eave ventilation covers, gaps around fascia boards, and overhanging branches that provide roof access.

If the entry point is not sealed within 24 hours of removal, the same possum will return that night. Possums are strongly site-faithful and will persistently attempt to re enter a previously used nesting site. This is why the three step process, trap, release within 50m, proof the entry point, must be completed as a sequence on the same day. Sealing the entry point is the most important step; trapping without proofing is a temporary inconvenience for the possum, not a solution. Installing a possum box in a nearby tree after proofing significantly reduces the chance of the possum seeking a new entry point.

Possums make heavy thumping and bumping sounds, typically just after dusk and before dawn, with a loud hissing or screeching call when disturbed. Rats make lighter, faster scratching and scurrying sounds throughout the night in short bursts. If you hear a single, large, heavy movement shortly after dark it is almost certainly a possum. If you hear rapid, light scratching throughout the night it is more likely a rodent.

The standard possum removal process takes 2 to 3 days. Day one: trap is placed in the roof at dusk. Day two morning: trap is checked, a possum typically enters on the first night. The possum is released within 50 metres and the entry point is sealed before dark the same day. A follow-up check at 48 hours confirms no re entry. Properties with multiple possums may require additional trap nights.