$5K+
Penalty for harming
50m
Max relocation distance
2
Possum species in ACT
$250+
Exclusion cost
ACT Possum Laws — Know Before You Act
Possums are protected wildlife under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014. It is illegal to harm, poison, or kill possums. You cannot relocate them more than 50 metres. Penalties of $5,000+ apply. Only humane exclusion methods are legal in the ACT.
Possums in your roof can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and timber — but you can’t just trap and relocate them. Here’s the legal way to deal with possums in Canberra.
If you’re hearing heavy thumping across your ceiling at night, you almost certainly have a possum. Brushtail and ringtail possums are common throughout Canberra’s leafy suburbs, and they love the warmth and shelter of residential roof spaces. While possums are charming in the garden, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage inside your roof — chewing wiring, destroying insulation, and leaving urine stains on ceilings. The challenge? You can’t just remove them. ACT law requires humane exclusion methods only.
Possum Species in Canberra
Two possum species are commonly found in Canberra homes. Identifying which species you’re dealing with helps determine the best exclusion approach.
Common Brushtail Possum
The most common roof invader in Canberra. Cat-sized, grey fur with a bushy black tail. Solitary and territorial — usually only one per roof space.
- Loud, heavy thumping at night
- Can weigh up to 4.5kg
- Territorial — marks entry points
- Active year-round in Canberra
Common Ringtail Possum
Smaller and quieter than brushtails. Grey-brown fur with a distinctive white-tipped curling tail. Often found in groups of 2-3 in nests (dreys).
- Lighter, softer sounds in roof
- Weighs only 700g–1.1kg
- May nest in pairs or small groups
- Prefers leafy suburban gardens
Signs You Have Possums in Your Roof
Possums leave distinctive signs that differ from other roof-dwelling pests like rats. Here’s how to tell if a possum — not a rodent — is living in your roof space.
Loud thumping at night
Heavy, deliberate footsteps across the ceiling — much louder than rats or mice. Possums weigh 1-4.5kg, so you’ll feel as well as hear them. Most active between dusk and dawn.
Ceiling stains & odour
Yellow-brown urine stains appearing on ceiling plaster. Possum urine has a distinctive strong, musky smell that permeates the house. Stains worsen over time and can damage plasterboard.
Scratching & hissing sounds
Scratching, gnawing, and hissing noises in roof cavities or wall spaces. Brushtail possums are vocal and will hiss, growl, and screech — especially during mating season (March-May).
Droppings on roof or near entries
Dark, pellet-shaped droppings (15-20mm) near gutters, decking, or entry points. Possum droppings are larger and darker than rat droppings. You may also find chewed fruit and leaves.
Damaged insulation & wiring
Possums nest in roof insulation, flattening and contaminating it. They also chew on electrical wiring, creating a serious fire hazard. If your lights flicker or insulation is disturbed, check for possums.
The Cost of Ignoring Possums in Your Roof
Many Canberra homeowners assume possums are harmless. While they’re cute in the garden, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage inside your roof. Here’s what’s at stake.
Professional Exclusion
$250-500
One-time cost
- Full roof inspection
- One-way exit installation
- All entry points sealed
- Possum box provided
- Legally compliant method
Ignoring the Problem
$2,000+
Potential repair costs
- Insulation replacement ($1,000+)
- Electrical rewiring (fire risk)
- Ceiling plaster repair
- Ongoing urine/odour damage
- Problem gets worse over time
Bugs Patrol’s Legal Possum Exclusion Process
Our four-step process is fully compliant with ACT wildlife laws and designed to permanently resolve your possum problem without harming the animal.
Professional Roof Inspection
Bugs Patrol inspects your entire roof space, identifies all entry points, checks for babies (joeys), and assesses any existing damage to insulation or wiring. We photograph all findings for your records.
One-Way Exit Installation
We install professional one-way exit devices that allow possums to leave naturally at dusk but prevent re-entry. This is the most humane and effective method approved under ACT legislation.
Complete Entry Point Sealing
Once the possum has exited (confirmed via inspection), every gap, hole, broken tile, and potential entry point is professionally sealed with durable materials including galvanised steel mesh, timber, and silicone.
Possum Box Installation
We install a quality possum nesting box in a nearby tree to give the displaced possum an alternative home. This significantly reduces return attempts and is considered best practice by ACT wildlife authorities.
Possum Legal Do’s and Don’ts in the ACT
- Use humane exclusion methods approved by ACT Parks & Conservation
- Provide alternative shelter (possum box) when excluding
- Check for joeys before sealing entry points
- Contact a licensed professional like Bugs Patrol for expert exclusion
- Don’t poison, harm, or kill possums — penalties up to $5,000+
- Don’t relocate possums more than 50m from capture point
- Don’t seal entry points during the day — possum may be trapped inside
- Don’t use DIY methods — improper exclusion often fails and harms the possum
Humane Possum Exclusion in Canberra
Bugs Patrol provides fully legal, humane possum exclusion services across all Canberra suburbs. We inspect, exclude, seal, and provide alternative shelter — all in compliance with ACT wildlife legislation.
| Free Inspection Full roof assessment | Legal Method ACT compliant | Possum Box Alternative shelter | Warranty Re-entry guarantee |
Still have questions?
The best pest control company will solve your issue for a long time. Bugs Patrol is Canberra’s trusted choice for professional possum removal in Canberra with lasting results.
Legal Possum Removal in Canberra
Bugs Patrol handles possum exclusion humanely and legally — protecting both your home and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Under the ACT Nature Conservation Act, possums are protected wildlife. You cannot trap and relocate them more than 50 metres from where they were caught. Bugs Patrol uses legal exclusion methods that comply with ACT regulations.
The legal method is exclusion: wait until the possum leaves at dusk, then seal the entry point. Bugs Patrol identifies all entry points, installs one-way exit devices, and seals gaps to prevent re-entry.
Yes. Possums can damage insulation, wiring (fire risk), and timber. Their urine stains ceilings and creates odour. Bugs Patrol’s possum-proofing service prevents this damage humanely.
Possums can carry Leptospirosis, Tularemia, and various parasites including ticks and fleas. Their droppings in roof spaces can also cause respiratory issues. Professional removal by Bugs Patrol minimises health risks.
Possum exclusion services in Canberra typically cost $250-$500 depending on the number of entry points. Bugs Patrol provides a free inspection and upfront quote with no hidden fees.
If entry points aren’t properly sealed, yes. Bugs Patrol’s possum-proofing includes comprehensive sealing of all entry points plus installation of a possum box to provide an alternative shelter nearby.
Possums are active year-round in Canberra, but they’re most likely to enter roof spaces during autumn and winter when they seek warmth and shelter. Babies (joeys) are typically born in autumn, so spring is when you’ll hear the most activity as joeys grow and explore.
Never block entry points during the day — the possum may be inside and you’ll trap it, which is cruel and can cause it to die. Always wait for the possum to leave at dusk, then seal the entry. Better yet, let Bugs Patrol install a one-way exit device.
