Possums are nocturnal creatures commonly found in urban areas across Australia. While they may appear cute and harmless, their presence in or around your home can lead to significant damage. From chewing through electrical wires to creating nesting spaces in your roof, possums can be a serious threat to your property. If you’ve spotted possums around your home or suspect an infestation, it’s essential to take swift action to prevent further damage.
In this article, we will explore how possums can damage your home and why enlisting possum removal services in Burwood is the best way to handle an infestation safely and effectively.
Understanding Possums and Why They Enter Homes
Possums are opportunistic creatures that are typically drawn to urban environments due to the availability of food, shelter, and warmth. They often seek refuge in the nooks and crannies of homes, particularly attics, roof spaces, and walls, as they offer safe, undisturbed areas for them to sleep during the day. Possums are also excellent climbers and can access hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to detect and remove without professional help.
Possums are nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night, when they search for food. They are known to scavenge garbage, raid bird feeders, and even steal food left outdoors. Unfortunately, when they enter your home, their behavior can lead to several problems that may require costly repairs if left unaddressed.
How Possums Can Damage Your Home
Possums may seem like small, harmless creatures, but they can cause substantial damage to your home in a variety of ways. Some of the most common types of damage caused by possums include:
1. Structural Damage
Possums often make their way into roof spaces or attic areas, where they build nests. They can gnaw on wooden beams, insulation, and even roofing materials. Their constant scratching and clawing can create holes in your walls or ceilings, and if they have access to wiring, they may chew through electrical cables, which can be a major fire hazard. Over time, their activity can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Additionally, possums are not particularly careful when moving around, and they often knock things over or leave a trail of damage in their wake. This can include broken tiles, displaced insulation, and holes in your roof or walls, leading to expensive repairs.
2. Damage to Insulation and Wiring
Possums have a strong tendency to chew on a variety of materials, especially if they are nesting in your attic. Insulation and wiring are common targets, as they provide a cozy environment for the possums to tear apart and create their nests. Chewed electrical wires can lead to short circuits, power outages, or even fires. Additionally, the damage to insulation makes your home less energy-efficient, resulting in higher heating and cooling costs.
3. Contamination and Health Risks
Possums are known carriers of a range of diseases and parasites that pose health risks to humans and pets. They can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted through contact with their urine, feces, or saliva. The waste left behind by possums in attics, walls, and other hidden areas can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Furthermore, possums often carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest your home and spread to your pets. These parasites can cause health issues, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of additional diseases.
4. Noise and Disturbance
Possums are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night when you are trying to sleep. Their constant rustling, scratching, and hissing noises can be incredibly disturbing, especially if they have nested in your roof or attic. The noise can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep and lead to a disrupted household routine. Over time, the noise can also become a source of stress, making it difficult to relax and enjoy your home.
5. Damage to Landscaping and Gardens
Possums are also known to cause damage to gardens and outdoor landscaping. They will often raid vegetable patches, fruit trees, and flower beds, causing extensive damage to your garden. Possums are particularly fond of fruits, berries, and vegetables, which they can strip from your plants. While this may not be as severe as damage to your home’s structure, it can still be frustrating and costly if you’ve invested time and money into maintaining your outdoor space.
How to Prevent Possums from Entering Your Home
Now that we’ve covered how possums can damage your home, let’s discuss the most effective ways to prevent them from gaining access to your property. While some methods may work on a temporary basis, calling possum removal services in Burwood is the best way to ensure that your home is fully protected.
1. Seal Potential Entry Points
Possums are excellent climbers and can enter your home through surprisingly small openings. Common entry points include gaps in the roof, holes in the walls, chimneys, and even vent openings. To prevent possums from entering your home, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your property and seal any potential entry points. This can include installing screens over vents, repairing holes in walls, and ensuring that your roof is fully sealed.
If you notice any gaps around windows, doors, or eaves, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible to prevent possums from slipping through. Keep in mind that possums can squeeze through openings as small as 4 cm, so it’s crucial to be thorough in your inspection.
2. Remove Food Sources
Possums are often drawn to homes due to the availability of food. If you have fruit trees, bird feeders, or even garbage bins outside, it’s important to keep them secured and clean. Remove fallen fruit from trees, secure compost bins, and cover trash cans to prevent possums from scavenging.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring pet food inside at night, as possums are known to raid food left out for pets. By removing food sources, you make your property less attractive to possums and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
3. Install Possum Deterrents
There are several deterrents you can use to discourage possums from settling in your roof or attic. These include motion-activated lights, loud noises, and ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds that irritate possums but are inaudible to humans. Additionally, you can use natural repellents such as eucalyptus oil, which is known to repel possums due to its strong scent.
However, while these deterrents can be effective in some cases, they are often not a permanent solution. Possums may eventually become accustomed to the sounds or smells, so it’s important to consider professional help for a long-term solution.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
Possums are skilled climbers, and they often use tree branches to gain access to your roof. If you have trees or shrubs with branches overhanging your roof, it’s essential to trim them back. This will make it more difficult for possums to jump onto your roof and find entry points into your home.
5. Call Possum Removal Services in Burwood
The most effective and humane way to deal with a possum infestation is to contact professional possum removal services in Burwood. These experts are trained to safely and humanely remove possums from your property. They will also help identify potential entry points and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Possum removal professionals use live traps to capture the animals without harm, ensuring that they are safely relocated away from your property. They are also well-versed in local wildlife regulations and make sure that all removal efforts are in compliance with the law.
Conclusion
Possums may seem harmless at first, but their presence in your home can lead to significant damage and health risks. From structural damage to contamination and noise disturbances, possums can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed promptly. Preventing possums from entering your home involves sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using deterrents. However, for the most effective and humane solution, it’s crucial to call possum removal services in Burwood. These professionals will ensure that the infestation is handled safely and efficiently, allowing you to protect both your home and your peace of mind.