Prepared by Home Triage Australia. Updated 6 November 2026. General guidance, not a diagnosis. Not independently reviewed by a qualified tradesperson. How these guides are prepared.
What to do now
Do not poison, handle or relocate possums. Do not seal an entry while an animal or dependent young may be inside. Stay out of the roof space and seek authorised wildlife advice.
What could explain it?
- Roof or eave access
- Tree or structure providing access
- Damaged roof components
- Another animal making roof noises
These are possibilities to discuss with the professional, not a confirmed cause.
Observe from outside at a safe distance
Note the time, sound and any visible entry route from ground level. Do not climb up, corner the animal or reach into the roof. If it appears injured or trapped, seek wildlife-rescue advice rather than treating the situation as routine pest control.
Rules differ across Australia
Victoria permits limited management of brushtail possums in buildings under an order, with release restrictions. NSW requires a licence for trapping and release. Do not transfer one state’s rules to another or assume an ordinary pesticide licence covers wildlife work.
Removal alone is not the whole job
Ask how the animal will be identified, what authorisation is required, how young will be checked and which entry points will be repaired. Clarify whether replacement roof materials, difficult access and repeat visits are included.
What the professional may do next
- Confirm species and entry route
- Check wildlife authority requirements
- Plan lawful humane exclusion
- Repair access after checking animals are clear
Australian cost guidance
Prices checked 25 October 2026. All figures are AUD. These are attributed published examples, not Home Triage quotes or independently verified market averages. Region, access, scope and GST treatment matter. No supplier is endorsed.
Sydney and Perth provider example
Xpress Pest Control lists $350–$1,200 for possum removal and proofing. This is a provider-specific range; confirm lawful method, access repairs, number of visits and GST.
Price source: Xpress Pest Control: Sydney and Perth indicative prices ↗
Separate wildlife work from building repairs
A controller’s attendance may not cover extensive roof or eave repairs. Get the exclusion plan and building-work scope in writing, with clear responsibility for checking that animals are out.
Before booking
- Check your state’s wildlife rules and any authorisation needed for handling or relocating the identified animal. A pesticide licence alone does not authorise possum handling.
- Ask what inspection, parts, labour, GST and follow-up visits are included.
- Get exclusions and approval of extra work in writing.
Find the relevant official licence or authority →
Tenants should report the problem promptly. Responsibility depends on the cause, agreement, common property and local rules; do not assume the person who notices it must pay.
Sources and review status
Safety, licensing and technical starting points are linked below. Price sources are labelled separately. Sources were checked on 25 October 2026; this is not an expert review or an assessment of your home.
Use the checker to organise what you have observed and prepare questions for a professional.
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