Possums are known to break roof tiles, damage ceilings and chew on electrical wires. These problems are all expensive ones to fix, and the longer it goes on, the more you'll have to pay in repairs once the possums are caught and released.
Possums can gain entry through loose roof tiles and holes the size of a tennis ball in timber or bricks.
Possums are strong for their size, which is why the larger brushtail can do so much damage to roofs. They can easily lift loose roofing materials (galvanised iron or tiles) while looking for a new 'tree hollow' to call home.
Repel possums by sprinkling the roof cavity with quassia chips (from hardware stores), and putting a light into the roof cavity and leaving it on for three days and nights. The combination of the light and the smell should drive the possum out of your roof and hopefully into the possum house you have provided.
If your house has an exposed subfloor then a possum may be able to navigate it's way from under your house, up a wall cavity and into the roof space. Possums are expert climbers so they can easily scale a down pipe or plumbing pipe to reach your roof.
Possums normally sleep in one place, which can cause a hole through plasterboard. These rodents are known to excrete a significant amount of urine capable of staining a huge area of your ceiling. With some experience, the distinctive smell that comes as a result of this may be easily recognized.
Possums can squeeze through a nine-centimetre gap! Make the necessary temporary repairs (prepare something during the day) to prevent re-entry after the possum has gone out to feed at night (they usually leave their shelter about an hour after sunset).
Possums are repelled by the stench of garlic, ammonia and mothballs. So go ahead and scatter those around where you think possums might hang out. Garlic works best when it's crushed. If you decide to use ammonia, be careful!
Opossums can chew through walls and destroy structures when there is ample time and space to do so. One of the ways through which they get into buildings is by chewing wooden and other malleable barriers. From living under garden sheds, opossums have been known to cause the destruction of many gardens.
In addition to ammonia and mothballs, possums will also steer clear of odors of vinegar, garlic, onion, peppermint, and camphor. These strong scents are often used as natural repellents to keep opossums away from gardens, trash cans, and other areas where they may be unwanted.
Common pest birds that are most likely to live in your roof in Australia include: pigeons, seagulls, house sparrows, starlings, and Indian mynas. Some of these birds nest in large numbers and can cause a serious problem when they infest your property.
Mothballs and bleach effectively deter possums because of their unpleasant smells. Mothballs and bleach both effectively scare away possums. The reason these repellants work is simple: possums can't stand the smell. Their sense of smell is extremely keen, keener than any of their other senses.
If you hear any scratching noise at night, or a tapping noise in your walls and roof, well they're probably rats chewing on your electrical wiring and plumbing, which can cause a house fire if left untreated.
SQUIRRELS IN THE ATTIC
Squirrels are most active in the morning and evening, so most people report hearing the sounds at that time. Squirrels are fast and light, so much of the noise sounds like fast scurrying or running, usually in the attic, near the edge of the roof, and sometimes noise in the walls or chimney.
Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable. Wildlife experts agree that if opossums were eliminated from an area, the population of roof rats and other pests would proliferate.
Carbon dioxide gas is the most appropriate technique to euthanize opossums. Opossums also can be humanely killed with a gunshot to the head, if legal and safe in your area.
Main predators include dogs, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, large hawks, and great horned owls. The chance of rabies in opossums is extremely rare.
Mixing either peppermint oil, ammonia, cayenne pepper, hot sauce or garlic with water in a spray bottle and misting it in possum-prone areas can be effective home remedies.
Possums respond negatively to noxious odors. They abhor the smell of ammonia, garlic, and napthalene (chemical found in moth balls). They are also afraid of lights at night, and don't like to be wet.
Produce loud noises
Possums are shy animals, and they will usually avoid areas with a lot of noise. You can make noise by playing music, banging on pots and pans, or using a loud air horn.
Similar to their interactions with humans, an opossum is not likely to prey on cats, dogs or other furry friends. If frightened by your pet, the opossum will likely play dead or emit a horrible stench.
Roof or Building Damage. As a larger pest, opossums can cause substantial damage to your roof or building structure when attempting to access your attic. Once inside, they will often expand their entry hole and create new points of entry to make it easier for them to quickly find their way in and out of the area.
PEST PROOF ENTRY TO YOUR HOME
Opossums can squeeze through even the seemingly smallest of holes by actively working to make the hole bigger. Examine the eaves and underhangs of your roof as well for areas that may need maintenance to prevent opossums from forcing their way into your home and structures.
Every now and then, an opossum will get into a house through a pet door. Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. Opossum are usually not aggressive, so you may be able to help them on their way by gently nudging them with a broom.