If you’ve ever been woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of scratching feet racing along your fence, chances are you’ve got possums using it as their personal highway.
Possums are natural climbers, and fences provide them with an easy, elevated path to travel between trees, roofs, and gardens. While they’re cute from a distance, constant fence traffic can mean:
- Noise disturbances at night
- Damage to fences, paint, or plants nearby
- Easier access to roofs, attics, and fruit trees
The good news? With the right strategies, you can discourage possums from using your fence as a runway — without harming them. Check out all the tips to protect your garden and fences.
Why Possums Use Fences
Possums are clever and opportunistic. Fences often become their favourite travel route because:
- Easy Access – Fences act as ready-made pathways that connect trees, roofs, and gardens.
- Safety from Predators – Elevated fences help possums avoid ground predators like cats and dogs.
- Shortcut to Food – Fruit trees, veggie patches, and compost bins often lie just beyond the fence line.
- Natural Instincts – As nocturnal climbers, possums instinctively look for elevated routes that give them an advantage.
In short, your fence isn’t just a boundary — it’s a possum superhighway.
Problems Caused by Possums on Fences
While possums mean no harm, their nightly fence patrols can create a few headaches for homeowners:
- Noise Disturbances: Loud thumping, scratching, or scampering sounds as possums run along wooden or metal fences at night.
- Fence Damage: Sharp claws can scratch paint, leave marks, or weaken wood over time. Some fences may even sag if possums frequently jump on and off.
- Garden Trouble: Fences often give possums a launch point into veggie patches or fruit trees. They may nibble on leaves, flowers, and fruits once they’re in.
- Roof Access: A fence close to your home can give possums an easy step-up to the roof, leading to potential roof invasions.
- Neighbour Disputes: If possums use fences to travel between properties, it can cause tension between neighbours about who’s responsible for managing them.
Humane Ways to Stop Possums Running Along the Fence
Possums are protected in Australia, so any solution must be safe and non-harmful. Here are practical ways to keep them off your fence without breaking the law:
1. Install Possum Rollers
- Cylindrical rollers are fixed to the top of the fence.
- When possums try to run along, the rollers spin, making it impossible to balance.
2. Use PVC Pipe Barriers
- Place wide PVC pipes over fence rails.
- Possums can’t grip the smooth, round surface, so they slide off.
3. Add Spiky (But Safe) Strips
- Plastic spikes or prickly strips (not sharp enough to harm).
- These create an uncomfortable surface, discouraging possums from walking on the fence.
4. Trim Nearby Trees
- Overhanging branches act like bridges.
- Keep branches trimmed at least 1.5 metres away from the fence.
5. Motion-Sensor Lights
- Possums are nocturnal and dislike sudden bright lights.
- Installing sensor lights near fences can deter them from returning.
6. Apply Natural Repellents
- Sprays with garlic, chilli, or commercial wildlife-safe repellents along the fence line.
- Needs reapplication after rain.
All of these methods are DIY-friendly, non-lethal, and effective in keeping possums from using your fence as a runway.
When to Hire Possum Catchers
Sometimes DIY solutions just aren’t enough. If possums continue to use your fence despite your best efforts, it may be time to bring in the expert possum catchers.
You should consider professional help if:
- Possums are damaging your roof or garden despite deterrents.
- Noise becomes unbearable, especially if they’re also in the roof space.
- You’re unsure about the legal steps for dealing with possums in your area.
- You want long-term possum-proofing for fences, roofs, and gardens.
Licensed wildlife handlers and pest control professionals can:
- Safely identify entry and travel points.
- Install possum-friendly deterrents.
- Advise on compliance with Australian wildlife protection laws.
Professional assistance ensures the problem is solved quickly, legally, and humanely.
Conclusion
Possums running along your fence may seem harmless at first, but over time, they can lead to noise, garden raids, fence damage, and even roof invasions. Since possums are protected in Australia, the focus should always be on humane deterrents like rollers, PVC barriers, spiky strips, and trimming tree branches.
If DIY methods don’t work, calling a licensed professional ensures you handle the problem legally, safely, and effectively. Get in touch with a licensed possum control expert for safe, humane, and long-lasting strategies to keep possums off your fence — and out of your home.
