Hearing scratching, thumping, or heavy footsteps in the roof at night? A possum may have moved in. Possum noises are heavy and deliberate — thumping footsteps, scratching inside the cavity, hissing, and occasional screeching. The sound is noticeably heavier than rats.

In Australia, possums are protected native animals, which means the job must be handled lawfully and humanely. This guide explains what possum noises at night actually sound like, why DIY fixes rarely work, and what to do if you want the noise to stop for good.

For homeowners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, the goal is simple: stop the noise, prevent damage, and keep the possum from coming back.

What Possum Noises Sound Like

Possums are nocturnal. They emerge from their den around dusk, forage through the night, and return before dawn. When a possum is living in your roof cavity, every movement produces sound.

Thumping and Footsteps

A brushtail possum weighs 1.5 to 4.5 kilograms. When it walks across ceiling joists, the sound is like a cat walking across the ceiling — heavy, deliberate footsteps. This is usually the first thing people notice, and it typically happens between 11 pm and 3 am.

Scratching

Possums scratch as they move through insulation, turn around inside tight cavities, or climb along timber beams. The scratching is slower and heavier than rats — more of a drag than a skitter.

Hissing, Clicking, and Screeching

Possums communicate with hissing, clicking, and coughing sounds. During territorial fights or mating disputes, they let out loud screeches or screams that often startle homeowners awake. Noise levels spike during breeding season (autumn through winter) when disputes are more frequent.

The noise follows a pattern each night:

• Thumping footsteps across the ceiling between 11 pm and 3 am
• Scratching as the possum moves through insulation or turns around
• Hissing, clicking, or coughing during communication with other possums
• Growling or harsh chattering when threatened
• Loud screeching or screaming during fights or mating

Possum Noises vs Rat Noises — How to Tell the Difference

Not every noise in the roof means you have a possum. Rats, birds, and other pests can sound similar. Getting it wrong can waste money and even make the problem worse by sealing the wrong holes too soon.

Weight Is the Difference

A rat weighs 100 to 500 grams. A brushtail possum weighs 1.5 to 4.5 kilograms. The sound matches the weight. Rats are quick, light, and skittery — they sound like fast scratching inside walls and ceilings with constant movement through the night. Possums are slow, heavy, and deliberate — they sound like footsteps above the ceiling with occasional hissing or screeching.

Common Signs It Is a Possum

• The noise sounds heavier than rodent movement
• Activity is strongest after dark
• You hear bumping, vocal sounds, or repeated movement along the same path
• Droppings near the roofline — dark, oval, the size of an olive pit
• A musky ammonia smell near the ceiling, especially after rain
• Staining on ceiling plaster around downlights or along wall edges
• Lifted roof tiles, damaged fascia, or gaps in the eaves

If you are also finding droppings in the roof, check our guide on how to identify possum droppings to confirm what you are dealing with. A proper inspection matters because the fix depends on the pest.

Why DIY Possum Noise Fixes Often Fail

DIY may look cheaper at first, but in many cases it only delays the real fix. People often block holes, use lights, try repellents, or hope the possum leaves on its own. These steps rarely solve the access problem.

Sealing the Possum Inside

If you block an entry point too early, the possum may still be inside the roof or wall cavity. That can lead to panic, strong smells, and a much harder job later involving dead possum removal — or you could end up with a dead possum in the roof — see our guide on the signs and what to do.

Sealing the Wrong Entry Point

Possums can use more than one way in. If you seal only the obvious gap, they may come back through another opening nearby. Full possum proofing requires a full roof perimeter inspection.

Relying on Lights, Radios, or Repellents

Lights, noise devices, and repellents may bother a possum for a while, but they rarely solve the real problem. Possums habituate quickly. Without proper proofing, the possum comes back and the quick fix costs more in the end.

Ignoring Legal Requirements

Possums are protected wildlife. There are strict rules around trapping, handling, and relocation that vary by state. Random online advice can backfire. A possum problem is rarely solved by simply catching the animal — it needs humane removal plus proper proofing.

How Professional Possum Removal Works

Many people think possum removal means trapping the animal and taking it away. Good service is broader than that. Professional possum removal services follow a clear process that removes the possum safely and stops it from getting back in.

1. Initial assessment. A phone call or booking review to understand the signs, how urgent the issue is, and whether it is a possum or something else.
2. Property inspection. A technician checks the roofline, eaves, outside walls, and all likely access points. Finding the real entry points is what stops the problem coming back.
3. Humane exit strategy. One-way exit doors let the possum leave on its own at night. Once it is out, it cannot get back into the roof cavity.
4. Entry point proofing. Removal alone is rarely enough. Every gap of 50 mm or more needs to be sealed with durable materials — not foam or tape.
5. Follow-up visit. The one-way device is removed and final sealing is completed once the possum is confirmed out.
6. Warranty protection. A good company stands behind its work with a warranty that reflects confidence in the job.

Tips for Preventing Possum Noises in Your Roof

Once the possum is out and the roof is sealed, taking a few extra steps can stop the problem from repeating:

• Trim tree branches away from the roofline — possums use them as bridges to access the roof
• Inspect the roof regularly for lifted tiles, damaged fascia, and open eaves
• Install a possum box in a nearby tree to give the displaced animal a legal, safe alternative den
• Seal any gap larger than 50 mm around the roof perimeter
• If you manage a rental property, schedule annual roof inspections to catch problems early
• Address small access problems before they turn into repeat callouts and expensive roof repairs

When to Call a Professional

Some people wait because the noise comes and goes. Waiting can make the job harder. What starts as occasional possum noises can develop into a full possum living in your roof with accumulated damage. Damage accumulates — urine soaks into insulation, droppings pile up, and wiring gets chewed.

Call if any of these apply to you:

• The roof noise keeps coming back night after night
• Your sleep is being disrupted
• You can see gaps or damage near the roofline
• You manage a rental property and want to prevent tenant complaints
• You have an inspection, open home, or handover coming up
• You are not sure whether it is a possum and want the right diagnosis first

For homeowners in Melbourne, a local possum removal service can inspect the property and provide a same-day solution.