Possums Home
Problems caused by possums in urban areas
The Common Ringtail Possum and the Common Brushtail Possum are the focus of complaints by some urban residents for a variety of reasons.
- Noises in the roof cavity
The Common Brushtail Possum frequently spends the day in the roof cavity of houses, where its urine may damage plaster and it may chew wiring or cause anxiety because of the loud vocalisations and thumping in the ceiling when two possums are squabbling. These noises may continue at night, as possums may not emerge from the roof until well after dark.
- Noises on the roof
Possums frequently cross house roofs on their way to feeding areas. A Common Brushtail Possum that is running makes heavy thumping noises that may waken some people. If two possums are fighting on the roof, the heavy thumping noises are accompanied by loud squealing calls that can be alarming.
- Garden plants being damaged
A large part of the diet of both the Common Brushtail Possum and the Common Ringtail Possum comprises the leaves, buds, flowers and fruits of many garden plants. Certain plants may be the focus of repeated feeding by possums for many days or even weeks. Such concentrated feeding may cause severe defoliation or even death of plants, or may result in most or all the flower buds being eaten. In some areas, certain plants cannot be grown unless they can be protected from possums.
- Droppings on paved areas
Where possums spend time in trees or other plants overhanging paved areas such as driveways, paths and patios, their droppings accumulate on those areas or on parked cars and may be seen as offensive by some people.
- Possums causing dogs to bark
Some dogs bark persistently at possums, causing annoyance to their owners and to neighbours.