Poisons such as pindone are often added to oats or carrots, and lead to a slow, painful death of internal bleeding. Australian possums often consume rat bait such as warfarin, which causes extensive internal bleeding, usually resulting in death. There is a very poor chance of survival.
Brodifacoum can be useful for controlling low numbers of possums and is suitable for use on private property. Also effective on rats. Pellets are dyed blue. It's a second-generation toxin with a high risk of secondary poisoning.
It's illegal for an unauthorised person to trap or harm possums. Trapping, removing or killing a possum without a licence will result in severe penalties.
What Foods Are Poisonous to Possums?
Easy methods to get rid of possums include:
“Possums hate anything that overwhelms their senses—sharp odors like ammonia or garlic, sudden bursts of bright light, and noises or scents that hint a predator is nearby. Put those three triggers together and they'll bolt for the nearest tree instead of hanging around your porch.
“When a possum is hanging around your house, it usually means it's found something it needs—like food, shelter, or safety. Your yard might be offering easy meals, cozy hiding spots, or both. It's not just a random visit; it's a sign your property is meeting this wild animal's basic survival needs.”
Small mammals including possums and bandicoots often consume poisons such as snail bait, or rat bait that has been laid out to attract and kill rats, mice, and rabbits. Poisons such as pindone are often added to oats or carrots, and lead to a slow, painful death of internal bleeding.
Possums are nocturnal and highly vocal — especially in urban areas where space is limited. They use sounds to: Defend their territory. Attract a mate.
Even though opossums aren't as dangerous as other wildlife, they can still damage your home, shed, and deck. They may also harm humans and pets if they feel threatened and try to defend themselves. Find a Critter Control near you.
Having opossums around can be beneficial because they are known to eat harmful insects and annoying pests such as cockroaches, rats, and snakes. A single opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks a year. They also help control the population of other pests, acting as natural pest controllers in your garden.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking Possum Laws? Fines for breaching possum removal laws in NSW are substantial. If you trap, harm, or relocate a possum without authorisation, you could face: Fines of up to $6,600 for individuals.
During the day, the Common Ringtail Possum will sleep in its soccer-ball-sized nest, called a drey, which will be located several meters high in dense foliage, sometimes with several other individuals. They have been known to live in roofs of houses and sheds.
If you need some help to keep their little paws off your hard work, we recommended these 5 simple possums deterring steps:
It is also possible that someone in your neighborhood put out poison bait in an attempt to control mice or rats - with no intention at all of harming the opossums - but unfortunately the opossums either ate the bait, or ate the remains of the poisoned rodents.
You can start with these deterrents.
While possums rely more on their sense of smell and environmental cues, they can remember familiar individuals, including humans, over time. Their memory plays a significant role in navigating their surroundings and identifying potential threats or food sources.
Generally, no opossums, the only marisupal in North America, are not directly dangerous to people. When encountered directly, the creatures hiss and growl. Even though they have sharp teeth and claws, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely.
What time do possums come out at night in Australia? Possums are very strict with their schedule. They will typically leave their den, whether a tree hollow or a roof space at the same time every day, usually just after dusk in their endless search for food.
Do not feed possums almonds, cheese, onions, dairy products, green potatoes or junk food.
Possums cannot attack dogs and cats because of their sizes, however, Possums have been found to attack smaller rats, birds, and insects.
This is because rats and mice are nocturnal animals and tend to come out around 12am – 3am looking for food. If you do see rats or mice in the daytime then you have a much larger problem.
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. Opossums are usually not aggressive, so you may be able to help them on their way by gently nudging them with a broom.
In general, possums do not remain in one location for extended periods. They are transient animals, usually staying only 2-3 days in the same den site before moving on to another location. However, they may keep your yard in their rotation of den sites if it provides a suitable hiding place for them during the day.
Solution: In general, opossums are docile, non-aggressive animals and will not attack your pets. They prefer to avoid confrontations. If escape is not possible then the threatened opossum may “play 'possum”, show its teeth, or bite in self-defense, as any animal would.