There is no legal DIY method to remove a possum from your roof in Australia. Let us be clear about that upfront. Possums are protected native wildlife under Australian law, and trapping, handling, or removing one yourself without a licence is illegal in every state and territory.

You will find plenty of advice online — mothballs, bright lights, loud music, sealing the hole yourself. Almost none of it works, and some of it can land you with a fine of up to $25,740 or create a dead possum in your roof that costs even more to fix.

This guide covers the DIY methods that do not work, explains the only lawful way to remove a possum, and gives you a clear picture of what the professional process involves, how long it takes, and what it costs. Before you start, confirm you are dealing with a possum — read our possum in roof guide for the signs, or our possum vs rat comparison to rule out rodents.

DIY Methods That Do Not Work (And Some That Are Illegal)

The internet is full of possum removal advice. Almost none of it works. Here is what actually happens with the most common DIY methods.

Mothballs

Mothballs are not a registered pesticide for possum control. Using them this way is illegal under the Australian Pesticides Act. On top of that, possums ignore the smell within 48 hours. You end up with a roof cavity full of toxic fumes and a possum that could not care less.

Bright Lights

Some people leave lights on in the roof cavity hoping the possum will leave. Possums adapt to lights within two days. In the meantime, the heat from the lights creates a fire risk, especially near insulation and dry timber. This method does more harm than good.

Loud Music or Ultrasonic Devices

There is no scientific evidence that ultrasonic pest repellers work on possums. Loud music may bother the possum for an hour or two, but it will come back. It will also bother your neighbours, which can lead to noise complaints. Not a solution.

DIY One-Way Flaps

One-way exit doors sound like a good idea, but installing one without a licence is illegal in every Australian state. If the flap jams or the possum cannot exit properly, you are looking at an animal welfare issue and a potential cruelty charge. Leave this to licensed operators.

Blocking the Entry Yourself

This is the most dangerous DIY method. If you seal an entry point while the possum is still inside, you trap it in the roof cavity. It will die in there, and you will end up with a severe odour problem, flies, and a dead possum removal job that costs significantly more than professional removal would have in the first place.

Every one of these methods shares the same flaw: they deal with the symptom, not the cause. The possum is in your roof because it found an accessible entry point. Until that entry point is properly sealed, the problem will keep coming back.

The Professional Possum Removal Process

There is only one legal way to remove a possum from your roof, and that is through a licensed possum removal operator. Here is exactly what the process looks like step by step.

Step 1: Inspection

A licensed technician inspects the roof cavity, roofline, and exterior of the property to confirm the species, locate the den, and identify every possible entry point. Thermal imaging equipment is often used to find the exact den location without disturbing insulation or ceiling sheets.

Step 2: Humane Removal

The technician installs a one-way exit door at the main entry point. This lets the possum leave on its own at night to forage, but it cannot get back in. In some cases, approved possum traps are used instead. Both methods comply with state wildlife regulations and animal welfare standards.

Step 3: Confirmation

After 2–3 days, the technician returns to confirm the possum has exited. The one-way door or trap is removed, and a final check ensures no other possums are present in the cavity.

Step 4: Roof Proofing

Every gap of 50 mm or larger around the roof perimeter is sealed with durable materials — steel mesh, metal flashing, or commercial-grade sealant. This is the most important step. Professional possum proofing is what stops the problem from repeating. If you do not seal the entry points, another possum will find them.

Step 5: Possum Box Installation (If Required)

In some states, wildlife regulations require a possum box to be installed in a nearby tree when a possum is removed from a roof. Even when it is not required, installing a box gives the displaced animal a legal, safe alternative den and reduces the chance that a different possum will try to move into your roof.

Step 6: Decontamination and Repairs

If the possum has been living in the roof for a while, insulation may need to be replaced and affected areas disinfected. Chewed wiring may need an electrician. Your operator can advise on what is needed after the removal is complete.

How Long Does Professional Removal Take and What Does It Cost?

Most professional possum removal jobs take 5–7 days from start to finish. The one-way door is typically left in place for 2–3 nights to ensure the possum has exited, followed by proofing on the final visit.

Costs vary depending on the species, the number of entry points, and the complexity of the roof. A standard possum removal with proofing typically ranges from $400 to $900. For a detailed breakdown, see our possum removal cost guide.

What Happens After the Possum Is Removed

Removal is only half the job. Once the possum is out and the roof is sealed, you need to make sure the problem does not come back. That means:

• Inspecting the roof every 6–12 months for new gaps or damage
• Trimming tree branches away from the roofline to remove access routes
• Keeping the possum box maintained if one was installed
• Addressing any staining or damage to insulation promptly

For homeowners in Perth, a local possum removal service can handle the full process from inspection through proofing and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use mothballs to repel possums?

No. Using mothballs for possum control is illegal under the Australian Pesticides Act. They are not registered for this purpose. On top of that, possums ignore the smell within 48 hours. You end up with toxic fumes in your roof cavity and a possum that is still there.

How long does professional possum removal take?

Most professional removal jobs take 5–7 days. The one-way exit door is left in place for 2–3 nights to ensure the possum has exited, then the technician returns to seal all entry points. Timelines can vary depending on the species and the complexity of the roof.

What if I seal the possum inside the roof?

If you seal an entry point while the possum is inside, the animal will die in the roof cavity. This creates a severe odour problem from decomposition, attracts flies and insects, and requires dead possum removal services that cost more than professional removal in the first place.