To trap possums in Australia, use a humane wire mesh cage trap with small mesh (<19mm) and bait like fruit or peanut butter, placing it in quiet, flat areas near entry points, then check traps regularly and release or humanely destroy the possum according to strict state laws, often within 50m on the same property, as relocation laws are very specific and generally prohibit moving brushtails. Always check your local council and state government (e.g., DELWP, DENR) for permits and rules first, as possums are protected.
The recommended possum trap is a wire mesh box trap with mesh less than 19mm square. A trap with larger mesh can cause injury to possums. The trap should have a spiral bait holder or foot treadle with a spring-activated door. Traps with bait hooks can cause serious injury to possums contained within the trap.
It is illegal to relocate or kill a possum and to trap or catch and release them without a licence. It is possible to rehouse a possum without needing to apply for a licence and trap them.
Have you got a possum enjoying the fruits of your garden? Check out our simple steps to deter these friendly marsupials.
Easy methods to get rid of possums include:
Peanut butter A long-standing favourite and the mainstay of hundreds of reserve trapping groups and backyard trappers. Reapply as often as is convenient. Apple A slice of apple often works a treat, especially with a dusting of ground cinnamon.
The best time of year to trap an opossum is late fall through early winter, before the breeding season. Stabilize your trap by placing a brick or weight on top. This will prevent animals from knocking the trap over, and will keep the trap from rattling when an opossum enters it.
Depending on whether the box is going to be used for ringtail possums or brushtail possums the opening hole will need to be 100mm or 120mm. This size is not suitable as a release box. The inside of the box must have a piece of timber or mesh for the possum to use to climb up on and out of the box.
While active, possums can cause a lot of disturbance to pets and make a lot of noise while foraging through garbage cans. But, what attracts them to a yard? They are attracted to your yard whenever food is plentiful, so leaving food scraps in your garbage will definitely keep them around.
Possums hate strong, pungent smells like garlic, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ammonia, as well as sudden physical disturbances like motion-activated lights/sprinklers and unpleasant tastes (like chilli or bitter sprays), which disrupt their sensitive noses and sense of security, but they can get used to static deterrents, so regular reapplication or movement is key.
Australian possums are nocturnal, meaning they become active after sunset, typically leaving their nests (like roof spaces or tree hollows) around dusk to forage for food, with activity peaking in the first half of the night before they return around dawn. You'll usually hear them start moving, scratching, or thumping around after dark, with noises often heard closer to 10 pm as they venture out.
Possums come to your house seeking easy food, water, and safe shelter, attracted by unsecured garbage, fallen fruit, pet food, and dark, quiet spots like roofs, crawlspaces, or woodpiles that mimic tree hollows. They are opportunistic nocturnal scavengers, so your yard becomes a convenient buffet and resting place, especially if natural habitats are scarce.
You generally shouldn't worry about a possum in your yard as they are shy, beneficial pest-eaters that usually move on, but you should be cautious if it seems sick, injured (out during the day, acting lethargic), or trapped, as they can bite in defense and carry diseases, so keep pets away and call wildlife rescue if needed. The main concerns are preventing them from nesting in your home and avoiding contact, not immediate threat to people or pets unless cornered.
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.
To get rid of possums fast, eliminate their food and water sources (trash, pet food, fallen fruit), secure entry points to your home (roof, vents, under decks) with mesh, and use strong deterrents like motion-activated lights/sprinklers, ammonia-soaked rags, or predator urine, while also trimming tree branches near your house to block access. For persistent issues, humane trapping and professional removal are options, but always check local wildlife laws first.
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.
DO NOT TRAP. Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable.
Although they aren't particularly finicky eaters, the best possum bait is fish or apples. Baiting opossum traps with canned pet food also works well. While there are differences of opinion as to the best bait for opossums, all professional trappers agree, the smellier the better.
These creatures exhibit nocturnal behavior and mainly come out during the night to fulfill their critical needs. Possums typically emerge from their dens just before sunset and remain active until dawn.
The most common areas you consider for placing a trap are:
Possums are mostly herbivorous animals, which means the bulk (no pun intended) of their diet is plant-based. Australian possums eat: Leaves - Just like koalas, possums are suckers for eucalyptus leaves. If there is no eucalyptus around, they settle for other plants, such as green plum, acacia, red bush apple, and more.
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