Living with Possums – Making a possum box

Removing a possum from your roof

Steps to successfully and safely remove a possum from your roof;

1. Provide an alternative home for the possum by constructing a sturdy weatherproof possum –house
2. Where possible, get inside your roof and locate the nest. The nest, which has the scent of the possum, should be placed in the new possum house.
3. Securely fix the possum house to a tree in or near your yard. Place it at least 4 metres from the ground so the possum will be out of reach of domestic cats and dogs.
4. To encourage the possum to investigate its new home, put half an apple or banana in or near the possum house.
5. Trim any branches that over hang the roof to remove access to your roof
6. Place a light in the roof cavity and keep it switched on for three days and three nights. The combination of light and smell should drive the possum out of your roof and hopefully into the possum house you have provided.
7. Block off the access points to the roof with timber, chicken wire or both to prevent a possum returning.
8. If this does not deter the possum, you may need to have the possum trapped.

Possum traps

Possums are protected fauna in NSW and catching possums without a license is illegal in NSW. Contact WIRES and we will refer you to a licensed possum removalist. Please see a plan provided by Department of Environment and Conservation for making your own possum box.

Guide to making a possum house

You can use any timber you like to make a possum box (except chipboard, which disintegrates rapidly outdoors). 12mm ply is excellent.

Drill four 5 - 7mm holes through the floor of the box near each corner to allow any water that might get in to drain out. Hinge the roof/lid to allow easy access.

Nesting material isn't essential but a few handfuls of dead leaves would provide comfort and insulation.