How to Stop Frustrating Possums In Your Roof

If you’ve ever heard thumping, scratching, or dragging noises in the ceiling at night, you’re not imagining things. You’ve probably got a possum on the roof.

At Home Scope, this is one of the most common wildlife issues we come across in Queensland rentals. While we love our native creatures, nobody wants them living overhead. Here’s what you need to know, and do, if possums move into your roof space.

What’s That Noise?

Possums are nocturnal, so you’ll usually hear them:

Around dusk, when they leave to forage
Around dawn, when they return to their nest
Moving about inside the roof cavity (scratching, stomping, or dragging sounds)

If it’s quiet during the day and noisy at night, a possum is the likely culprit. Rats, on the other hand, are active at all hours and make smaller, faster scurrying sounds.

If You’re a Tenant: What to Do

Possums in the roof are considered a maintenance issue, not something you should have to deal with alone.

Here’s what you should do:

Contact your property manager immediately. Let them know what you’re hearing and when it started.
Avoid blocking any holes or gaps. If a possum is inside, sealing its exit could trap it and cause further damage, or worse.
Don’t try to remove it yourself. In Queensland, it’s illegal to catch, relocate, or harm possums without a wildlife permit. DIY solutions can also void your tenancy or damage the property.
Be patient, but keep communication clear. Most removals require a licensed professional, and follow-up sealing work may take a few visits.

At Home Scope, we act quickly on reports like this to keep everyone safe: tenants, landlords, and the possums themselves.

If You’re a Landlord: What You Need to Know

Possum roof invasions are more than just annoying. They can:

Damage insulation, wiring, and ceiling plaster
Create entry points for other pests (rats, birds, insects)
Result in strong smells from urine or faeces
Breach your maintenance obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act

Here’s how we handle it:

Arrange a licensed possum removal. We’ve worked with Pete the Possum Man for years. His team is fully licensed to remove possums safely, legally, and with care for the animal.
Seal all entry points. This is the important second step. If it’s not done properly, the possum, or another one, will return.
Check for secondary issues. We often recommend a roof cavity inspection for damage or hygiene risks after removal.
Keep your property protected. We’ll also advise on simple upgrades like tree pruning, roof vent guards, and flashing to prevent future access.

Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Removal

Possums only need a small gap to get into your roof, around the size of a fist. They can squeeze in through:

Broken or lifted roof tiles
Gaps around eaves or vents
Uncapped chimneys
Overhanging branches near the roofline

A simple seasonal inspection can save you hundreds of dollars in removal, repairs, and follow-up treatments.

Who Pays?

In most cases, landlords are responsible for the removal and repair work. But acting quickly benefits everyone, tenants get their quiet nights back, and landlords protect their property.

At Home Scope, we don’t just lodge a work order and forget about it. We stay in touch with tenants, coordinate trades efficiently, and make sure the job is done properly the first time.

Keep It Legal, Keep It Kind

Possums are protected wildlife in Queensland. That means:

You cannot harm, trap, or relocate them without a licence.
They must be released within 25 metres of where they were captured.
Only licensed catchers can do this legally and safely.

We work with trusted, qualified professionals who know how to handle possum removals with care and compliance.

Need Help?

If you’re a tenant hearing suspicious ceiling noises, or a landlord who wants peace of mind about their property, get in touch with the team at Home Scope.

We’ll take care of the details, quickly, legally, and with the same care we bring to every property we manage.