HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POSSUMS & RATS?
Possums are usually nocturnal and are therefore active at night whereas rats can be active at any time
of the day. Without a proper inspection into a roof cavity, it is very hard to tell by just the noises.
HOW CAN POSSUMS & RATS ACCESS A ROOF?
Possums only need a gap the size of a golf ball to squeeze through whereas rats can get through much
smaller gaps. Possums can therefore be blocked out of a roof by professional proofing whereas rats can
only be treated by baiting.
WHY CAN’T POSSUMS BE RELOCATED OFF A PROPERTY?
Possum are protected under Federal Law and therefore cannot be relocated. They are very territorial
and will fight other possums for territory.
CAN THEY CAUSE DAMAGE IN THE ROOF?
Both possums and rats can cause damage in the roof by eating through electrical wires. If they are
nesting on the insulation in the roof, this can become damaged through constant urination and will
require replacing.
WHY CAN POSSUMS AND RATS BE HEARD IN THE WALL CAVITIES?
Possums prefer sleeping in the wall cavities during the day as it is warmer and darker than a roof cavity.
Rats can also be heard in wall cavities as they scurry between floors etc.
WHY ISN’T THE TREATMENT AN INSTANT FIX?
As possums are protected and cannot be touched, they need to leave the roof of their own accord. They
may not leave the roof every night either as it can depend on the last time that they ate. This is why
as part of the treatment to block the possums out of the roof that the technician comes back to the
property every three-four days.
Rats and mice don’t approach new things straight away. This is why after bait has been laid that it won’t
be touched for at least three days. There will not be a significant difference in the noises heard for at
least three weeks and the noises may get worse before they get better.
IF A RAT OR POSSUM DIES IN THE ROOF, HOW LONG CAN THE ODOUR LINGER FOR?
Depending on the time of year determines whether an odour is prevalent or not. In the winter, the roof
doesn’t heat up as much as it would in the summer for example. If a possum has died in the roof, the
odour can be present for at least six-eight weeks whereas a rat can linger for up to four weeks.
WHY IS IT SUGGESTED THAT A SUBFLOOR BE SECURED?
As possums cannot be relocated off a property, they will try and find another way to access the roof.
This can be via an open subfloor and wall cavities. Rats can also access the roof via this method as well.
For a subfloor to be secured properly, a strong, aviary type mesh needs to be put around the perimeter
of the house and dug into the ground at least two inches. Chicken wire unfortunately is too flimsy and
possums will push their way back through.
HOW DO POSSUMS & RATS GAIN ACCESS ONTO THE ROOF?
Trees and vines that overhang a roof need to be cut back off the roof line by at least two meters. This
will stop the possums and rats jumping the distance to the roof. Electricity and telephone cables that
lead from the street to the house can also allow access onto the roof. Tubing and or a disc need to be
placed on these wires but this will need to be done by a qualified trades person as the Peter the Possum
Man technicians don’t hold the required qualifications to complete this safely.
IS INTERNAL ACCESS NEEDED FOR THE TREATMENT?
This depends on the type of roof and whether the technician feels better access will be gained via a
manhole. Not all properties will have a manhole ie. properties with a flat roof, but this is a must for those
with colourbond, corrugated iron or slate roofs. Access may not be required for all visits but definitely for
the initial visit. The technician will advise if access is needed.
