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Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia. Known for their nocturnal habits, possums are adaptable creatures that can thrive in diverse environments ranging from forests to urban areas. These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems, aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining ecological balance. Despite their often-cute appearance, possums can sometimes become pests, particularly when they invade homes and gardens in search of food and shelter.
It is an important fact that possums are capable of creating many problems for homeowners and gardeners as they make nests in the homes and gardens and also become carriers of many diseases. Understanding their behaviour and ecological significance is essential for managing human-possum interactions effectively. The following guide will outline the necessary steps on how to get rid of possums in a safe, efficient and humane manner.
Possums are native animals of Australia and are protected under the Law of Wildlife Act of 1975. People are prohibited from capturing, molesting or killing a possum without the permission of the DELWP. Homeowners have no options but to make sure that they only apply humane and legalized means to deal with possums.
While possums are mostly nocturnal animals that do not pose a threat to humans, they may be destructive and a nuisance if they choose to live in your house or your backyard. Here are some common signs of a possum problem:
Chewed wires: Possums have teeth like rodents and may use their teeth to bite into electrical wire and this is very dangerous since it may lead to fire.
Scratched walls and furniture: When they are in motion, possums can create scratches on the walls, furniture and any other surface they come across.
Damaged insulation: Possums can rip insulation to shreds to make themselves comfortable.
Garden damage: They can eat fruits, and vegetables, and even harm plants.
Scratching and scurrying: You can hear them in your attic, walls, or roof at night, if any, and possibly during the day.
Vocalizations: These animals can produce different sounds such as hissing, grunting, and growling.
Sightings: The most evident sign is when one sees a possum moving around within your compound or even inside your house.
Droppings: The droppings of possums are as big as the droppings of a cat and are usually left in obscure places.
Nests: These animals may make their homes in the attic, chimney, or underneath a deck.
Physical exclusion is the most practical way of preventing possums from invading your compound or farm. High fences have to be at least 1. 5 meters tall, together with fence spikes and are also able to deter possums from jumping over. Make sure that the spikes are not damaging the animals in any way. These types of fences, if properly installed, can greatly minimize the possibility of possums getting into your compound.
Possums are known to scavenge for food and water areas. Store garbage bins in a way that they don’t leak and are tightly sealed; do the same for compost containers. Do not include meat leftovers, scraps, or other cooked foods in the compost pile. Give food to pets inside the house and remember to clear the remains as well. By removing the foods that possums can easily access, your property will be less appealing to them.
Possums particularly attack vegetable gardens and look for food in compost heaps. Exclude possums by fencing off your vegetable garden with wire mesh and constructing strong barriers around piles of compost. These are measures that will help guard your garden and compost against possum intrusions.
One thing that most people may not know is that possums gain entry into homes through spaces found on the roof. Check for rust or blisters, cracked or missing tiles, and signs of leakage or damage around vent hoods and eaves. To prevent the entry of such pests, seal off all these points using wire mesh or metal flashing. Possums can easily climb into your house and make a nest on the roof thus limiting access to the roof will eliminate this problem.
Possums climb up trees and other structures to get on the roofs and that is why you find them on these parts of the house. Cut overhanging tree branches, and ensure shrubs and trees are neatly clipped to eliminate hiding places. This will effectively reduce the chances of possums being able to access the roof of your building.
Ultrasonic devices work well in repelling possums. These devices produce ultrasonic sounds that are painful to possums but unfortunately, beyond the range of human hearing. Put the devices near potential entry points and areas where the possums are likely to be active. One of the methods of repelling possums is through the use of ultrasonic repellents which are harmless for the possums and the other animals.
One way of forcing possums to leave your home is by making sure they have an alternative shelter to run to. The local authorities recommend installing possum boxes in trees some distance from your house. Make sure the boxes are put in an area where there is no noise and where they will be safe. This ensures that possums have a place they can dwell in without having to cause issues within one’s house.
Some plants that you put around can help to keep possums away. Grow mint and garlic around your garden and your home. Some plants with a repellent smell to possums also include lavender, and rosemary, among others since they repel possums due to their strong smells.
Feeding them in a particular location can ensure that possums do not access delicate areas of your compound. Feed your birds in a location separate from your garden and house, and frequently monitor the place for cleanliness and safety. This method can help to divert the possums’ attention away from your garden and compost.
Another organic agent that can deter possums is garlic. This one is as simple as crushing garlic and mixing it with water before spraying the solution around your garden. Or you can put whole garlic cloves in areas that need it most or at places where the occupants are frequently found. The smell itself will help in preventing possums from getting to your garden especially if it is strong like garlic.
Use Spotlights and Motion-Activated Sensors: Use spotlights to frighten possums around your house with some bright light. Install motion-activated lights or sound to chase the possums away.
Get Help from Pets: One of the ways of keeping possums off your property is by having a cat since the presence of the cat alone may deter the possums.
Purchase Humane Traps: Capture the possums alive using bait boxes or traps whereby the possums can be safely released later. Consult the appropriate laws from your area to know the legal way of trapping.
Electronic Pest Control Devices: Install gadgets that make shrill sounds to scare possums away. It is best to install them at strategic locations within your premises for optimum efficiency.
Finally, if you have been using other methods and the possum is still around, then it is time to hire local possum removal specialists. Persistent problems after your treatment mean that the infestation is more extensive and should be dealt with by a professional. Although possums are not considered carriers of diseases, their presence can be problematic due to the possible exposure to diseases and allergens. If you are worried about the health risks that might be involved, then you must hire professionals.
Comprehensive Solutions: The pest control services provided by professionals include physical inspections to determine or diagnose the specific entry points of the pests, and eradication or prevention measures.
Expert Knowledge: Possum handlers are licensed and bound by legal restrictions and they also employ sophisticated tools that are not easily accessible to homeowners.
Warranties and Guarantees: Most pest control companies provide some form of warranty or guarantee for the job that they do and this gives the customer confidence that the problem will be solved to their satisfaction and that of the company, in case of any complications in future.
They can easily control and eradicate these pests hence avoiding constant infestations in your premises and little or no destruction of property.
It is therefore important to deal with possum problems humanely and competently to foster a safe environment. If you follow the methods described in this guide, you will be able to prevent and control possums that are legal and ethical. However, do not harm the possums or go against the Wildlife Act 1975 of Australia when undertaking this process.
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