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Possum Removal Sydney

A possum in the roof is removed humanely: a one-way door over its entry lets it leave at night and not get back in, or where a door won't work we cage-trap it and release it at dusk within 150 metres, as NSW rules require. Possums are protected native animals, so they can't be relocated or harmed. Then we seal the entry so no new possum moves in.

Possums are protected under NSW law, so they must be trapped humanely by a licensed operator and released at dusk close to where they were caught, and the entry points sealed, or another possum simply moves in. We trap, release and proof: cage traps, roof-void checks for joeys, and entry-point sealing advice or works.

Brushtail possum humanely cage-trapped by BugCorp for release on a Sydney property
Real job: brushtail possum humanely trapped, ready for lawful release.

The short answer

How do you get rid of a possum in the roof in Sydney?

Possums are protected under NSW law, so they must be humanely cage-trapped and released on the same property, then the entry points sealed. Relocation is illegal and pointless, another possum simply moves in. Removal plus proofing is the only lasting fix.

Typical visit
Initial inspection and trap set-up 45 to 60 minutes, plus return visits
Warranty
6-month warranty on residential treatments
Suited to
Homes, townhouses, commercial roofs and strata buildings

Know the signs

Signs you're dealing with this

  • Heavy thumping or hissing in the ceiling at night (heavier than rats)
  • Droppings in the roof void and a strong, musky smell
  • Stains on ceilings from possum urine
  • Visible entry gaps around eaves, tiles or gables

60-second check

How bad is it? Tick what you can see

No forms, no email required. Tick the signs and we will tell you honestly how urgent this is.

Not sure? Call us and describe what you are seeing, we will tell you over the phone whether you need a treatment.

The fix

How we fix it

  1. Step 1

    Inspect

    We confirm it's a possum (not rats), find entry points and check for dependent young.

  2. Step 2

    Remove & release

    A one-way door, or humane cage trapping with release at dusk no more than 150 metres from the capture point, as NSW rules require.

  3. Step 3

    Seal

    Once the possum is out, we seal or advise on sealing entry points so the roof stays possum-free.

What you get

What's included in the visit

  • Confirmation it is a possum and not rats, the noises are often confused
  • Roof void inspection including a check for dependent young
  • Humane cage trapping in line with NSW regulations
  • Lawful release on the property once the roof is secured
  • Full entry-point mapping around eaves, tiles, gables and vents
  • Sealing works or a clear proofing plan so the roof stays possum-free

Every job is quoted up front. You will know the price and the scope before a technician starts work.

Sydney timing

When this peaks in Sydney

  • Apr to AugPossums move into warm Sydney roof voids as nights get cold, our busiest period.
  • Sep to NovSpring breeding, expect joeys, which changes how and when trapping can lawfully proceed.
  • All yearOnce a roof has been used, the scent trail keeps attracting new possums until it is sealed.

Local knowledge

What we see around Rhodes and Sydney

Leafy, established Sydney streets in Concord, Ryde, Putney and the North Shore have dense brushtail populations, and overhanging gum and fig branches are the usual access route. We work within NSW National Parks and Wildlife requirements on every job.

RhodesWentworth PointHomebushConcordFive DockMeadowbankRydeOlympic ParkParramattaInner WestNorth ShoreWestern SydneyEastern Suburbs
Talk to a local technician

Before we arrive

Your prep checklist

Five minutes of prep makes a real difference to the result. Tick these off before your booking, and ask us anything you are unsure about when you call.

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Where we work

Possum Removal across Sydney

Ross works from Rhodes and covers the whole of Sydney. Bookings confirmed before 4pm are seen the same day. These are the areas we are called to most often.

  • Rhodes and nearby

    Rhodes, Concord, Ryde, North Ryde, Gladesville, Hunters Hill

  • North Shore

    Lane Cove, Willoughby, Artarmon, Chatswood, Pymble, Wahroonga, Hornsby, Beecroft

  • Inner West

    Five Dock, Drummoyne, Rozelle, Leichhardt

  • Eastern Suburbs

    Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra, Kingsford

  • Western Sydney

    Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool

Good to know

Common questions

How much does possum removal cost in Sydney?

Every roof is different, so we give you a fixed, upfront price after a quick inspection, before any work starts. The price covers trapping, lawful on-site release and a clear plan to seal the entry points, so you are not paying twice when another possum moves in.

How long does it take to get a possum out of the roof?

Most possums are trapped within one to three nights once the cage is set at the right spot. We check the trap daily, release the possum on your property at dusk as NSW rules require, then seal the entry so it cannot get back in.

Do you remove possums in my suburb?

Yes. We handle possum removal across Sydney from our Rhodes base, including Concord, Ryde, Gladesville, Lane Cove, Willoughby, Hornsby, the Inner West, the Eastern Suburbs, Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool. Leafy suburbs with older roofs and big trees see possums all year round.

Will you check for baby possums (joeys)?

Always. Before sealing anything we check the roof void for dependent young, because sealing a joey inside is cruel and leads to a dead animal smell a week later.

Can you take the possum away and release it in a park?

No. NSW rules say a possum must be released at dusk no more than 150 metres from where it was caught, which usually means your own yard, because relocated possums rarely survive. The lasting fix is humane removal plus sealing the entry points, which is exactly how we work.

Can I remove a possum from my roof myself in NSW?

Not by trapping it. In NSW it is illegal to trap, relocate or kill a possum without a licence. You can wait until it leaves to feed at night and block the gap, but if a joey is still inside it will die in the roof. A licensed operator traps it humanely, releases it within 150 metres and seals the entry properly.

Will the council remove a possum for free?

Generally no. Sydney councils do not remove possums from private roofs; they point residents to licensed catch-and-release handlers. If a possum is sick, injured or orphaned, call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300.

How do I know if it's a possum or rats?

Possums are heavy-footed, thumps, not scurrying, and are active just after dusk and before dawn. Rats are lighter and gnaw constantly. We'll confirm on inspection.

Last reviewed by Ross, licensed pest technician, October 2026.

Question not answered here? Ask us directly, no obligation.

Call 0424 164 550

Keep exploring

Helpful guides

Available across Sydney

Same-day service for bookings confirmed before 4pm

Dealing with possum removal? Call before 4pm.

Tell us what you're seeing and get a straight answer and an upfront price, with a 6-month warranty on residential treatments.