Possum Removal Sydney
Possums in the roof mean thumping at night, mess and a smell that lingers. They are also protected native animals, so the job has to be done the right way. We use humane, NSW-compliant methods to get them out and keep them out.
A possum in the roof void is one of the most common wildlife problems in Sydney homes. The heavy thumping and scratching overhead at night is unmistakable, and the droppings and urine that build up in the ceiling can leave a stubborn smell. As frustrating as it is, the answer is not what many people expect, because possums are not a pest you are allowed to simply get rid of.
Bob Pest Control handles possums across Bankstown, Liverpool, Fairfield and the wider South West, always within the law and always humanely. The reliable solution is to encourage the possum out and then seal the home so it cannot return, paired with a nest box so it has somewhere else to go.
Possums Are Protected in NSW
This is the single most important thing to understand before you do anything about a possum.
What's Legal
Possums are protected native wildlife under NSW law. It is illegal to harm or kill a possum, and you cannot relocate one away from your property. If a possum is trapped, the rules require it to be released nearby, usually on the same night and very close to where it was caught, otherwise it will simply not survive. Because of this, the lawful and effective answer is humane exclusion, encouraging the possum to leave and sealing the home so it cannot get back in. We work strictly within these regulations.
Removal vs Exclusion
Given how the law works, exclusion is not just the humane choice, it is the only approach that actually solves the problem for good.
Exclusion (What Works)
We let the possum leave on its own at night, then seal the home behind it so it cannot return, and provide a nest box as an alternative home in the yard.
- Humane and fully NSW compliant
- Solves the problem permanently
- Gives the possum somewhere else to live
Trapping (Restricted)
Trapping is tightly regulated and only done under the proper authority, with strict release rules. On its own it rarely fixes anything, because a new possum moves into an unsealed roof.
- Heavily restricted under NSW law
- Must be released close by, not relocated
- Pointless without sealing the entry points
Roof Void Possum Treatment
Once the possum is out and the home is sealed, the roof void usually needs attention. Droppings and urine left behind cause the smell that lingers in the ceiling, and that odour can actually draw possums back to the same spot. Clearing and treating the area is an important final step.
We check the roof void carefully, including for any dependent young, before sealing, since separating a mother from her babies would be both cruel and against the rules. We then clean and deodorise the affected area. This often pairs with our roof void treatment service for a complete result.
What We Do Up There
- Confirm the possum has left before sealing
- Check for any dependent young first
- Clear droppings and soiled material
- Deodorise to remove the lingering smell
- Reduce the scent that lures possums back
Sealing Entry Points
Sealing the home is the part that makes the result last. We do it only once we are sure the possum is out, so none are trapped inside.
Find the Entries
We locate the gaps the possum is using, such as broken tiles, eaves gaps and open vents.
Let It Leave
A one-way exit lets the possum out at night to feed, without letting it back in.
Seal the Gaps
Once it is out, we close the entry points with durable materials so they stay shut.
Offer a Nest Box
A nest box in the yard gives the possum a new home and helps it settle away from the roof.
Cost Overview
Possum jobs vary because every roof is different. The cost depends on how the possum is getting in, how many entry points need sealing, the height and access of the roof, and whether clean-up is needed. We always inspect first and give you a clear, upfront quote. You can see indicative figures on our pricing page, then we confirm the exact cost after looking at your home.