Possums may appear harmless as they wander around in your backyard, but when they make their way into your roof, the damage they can cause is significant. From chewing through insulation to leaving droppings in your attic, possum infestations can lead to serious property issues. In Australia, possums are protected under wildlife law, so possum removal has to be done humanely, but the impact they can have on your home is often underestimated. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the ways possums damage your roof and what you can do to protect your home from these uninvited guests.
How Possums Enter Your Roof?
Possums are highly adaptable creatures and are skilled at finding ways to enter homes. Your roof provides them with warmth and protection, making it an attractive spot for nesting.
- Gaps in the Roofline: Possums can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, often using cracks or spaces between roof tiles, vents, or loose shingles.
- Chimneys: Uncovered chimneys provide easy access for possums looking for a cozy, sheltered spot to nest.
- Overhanging Trees: Tree branches that touch or are close to your roof act as a bridge for possums to climb directly onto your home. These entry points often go unnoticed until the damage becomes evident, leading to long-term issues that require costly repairs.
Structural Damage Caused by Possums
Possums are known for being persistent once they find a way into your roof. They can cause significant structural damage to your home, including:
- Chewed Wires and Cables :Possums, like rodents, tend to chew on electrical wiring, which can lead to dangerous short circuits or even fire hazards. Damaged cables may also disrupt your home’s electrical system.
- Damaged Insulation – Once inside, possums often tear apart insulation materials to create nests. This reduces your home’s energy efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs as your home loses its ability to regulate temperature effectively.
- Holes in Walls and Ceilings – Possums may chew through timber, drywall, and other building materials to expand their access to different parts of your home. This leaves visible holes in walls or ceilings, leading to drafts and possible water leaks.
- Water Damage – Roof tiles or shingles that possums dislodge during entry can expose your home to water damage. Rainwater can seep through these exposed areas, leading to mold growth and weakening your roof’s overall structure.
- Noise Disturbances and Droppings – Possums are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. This can cause several disturbances to homeowners.
- Noises at Night – One of the first signs of a possum infestation is the sound of scratching, scurrying, and thumping noises coming from the roof or attic. Possums are quite loud when moving around, especially if they are building nests or caring for young.
- Droppings and Urine – Another unpleasant consequence of possums living on your roof is the waste they leave behind. Possum droppings and urine can accumulate over time, creating unsanitary conditions. The smell of the droppings can spread through the house, and the moisture from the urine can lead to mold and mildew growth, which may affect your family’s health.
Health Hazards from Possum Infestations
Beyond the noise and structural damage, possums also pose potential health risks. Possum droppings can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that pose health risks to humans. Prolonged exposure to possum feces on your roof can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Possums are known carriers of fleas and ticks, which can be brought into your home and cause additional problems for your pets and family members. Flea and tick infestations can quickly spread, leading to itching, discomfort, and possible infections.
How to Prevent Possums from Entering Your Roof?
Taking steps to possum-proof your home is essential in avoiding the damage and risks that come with these animals. Take a look at these possum pest control tips to keep them at bay.
Seal Entry Points – Regularly inspect your roof for gaps, cracks, and loose tiles. Any small openings should be sealed with durable materials such as steel mesh or weatherproof sealant to prevent possums from squeezing through.
Install Possum Barriers – Consider installing possum barriers along your roofline. These are specially designed to prevent possums from climbing into your roof, ensuring they cannot find their way inside.
Trim Overhanging Trees – Possums often use tree branches to access rooftops, so trimming branches that are too close to your home can prevent them from reaching your roof.
Secure Chimneys and Vents – Make sure that your chimneys and vents are covered with sturdy wire mesh to block possums from entering through these routes.
What to Do If You Have Possums in Your Roof?
If you suspect possums have already made their way into your roof, it’s important to act quickly to minimise damage.
Contact a Professional Possum Removal Service – Due to the protected status of possums in Australia, it is illegal to harm them, so it’s essential to call a licensed possum removal service like Possum Removal Melbourne. As professionals, they will use humane traps and removal methods to relocate the possums to a suitable habitat.
Repair and Restore Damage – After the possums have been safely removed, make sure to repair any damage to your roof or attic. This may involve replacing damaged insulation, sealing entry points, and repairing wires or water damage.
Consider Preventative Measures – After the removal, it’s a good idea to install preventative measures, such as possum barriers or entry point seals, to ensure possums do not return in the future.
Possums may be protected animals, but that doesn’t mean you should tolerate them damaging your roof. When left unchecked, possum infestations can lead to costly structural damage, health risks, and ongoing noise disturbances. If possums have already made their way in, call our professional possum removal service from Possum Removal Melbourne to ensure they are removed safely and humanely. By acting quickly, you can protect your home from further damage and keep your family safe from the hazards that possums can bring.
With the right approach, you can safeguard your roof and enjoy peace of mind, knowing that possums won’t cause trouble in your home. For professional possum control services in Melbourne, call Possum Removal Melbourne at 03 9021 3762 today.
