Roof access & humane management
Possum Removal Brisbane A quieter roof starts with the right plan.
Heavy footsteps above the ceiling? A possum slipping under the eaves? Debugged Pest Control assesses the activity and access points, then explains the removal and proofing work needed to keep your roof space from becoming a home again.
Servicing Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast.
We assess accessible openings and the activity around them. Illustration only.
What is happening overhead?
First, work out what is using the roof.
Noises can carry through a building. Tell us when you hear them, where they seem to come from and whether you have seen an animal entering. An inspection is more useful than a guess from sound alone.
Thumps, movement and calls
Brushtail possums can make heavy footstep sounds in a roof, while rats often scurry. These are clues, not a diagnosis. A recording from inside the room can help you describe the activity without entering the roof space.
An animal near the eaves
If you see a possum entering or leaving, note the location from the ground. Tell us about gaps, loose roof edges or damaged vents you already know about. Avoid blocking an opening before the animals inside have been accounted for.
Stains or disturbed insulation
Show us any visible staining, droppings or disturbed material. Those signs need assessment and may have more than one cause. Do not assume that a roof noise also explains every leak, electrical problem or ceiling mark.
Identification background: Queensland Government: possums and roof activity.
Queensland wildlife rules
Out of the roof. Still part of the neighbourhood.
Possums are protected native wildlife. Managing a roof problem needs to account for the animal as well as the building.
Read Queensland’s possum guidance →Removal requires the right authority
Queensland guidance says removal must be carried out by licensed commercial possum relocators. Any trapping or handling must be covered by the required wildlife authority. A general pest-control licence should not be treated as proof of that authority.
Relocation has a local limit
Captured possums must be released within 25 metres of the capture point under Queensland’s published guidance. Removal does not mean taking the animal to distant bushland. Closing building access is therefore an important part of the plan.
Account for animals before sealing
Proofing must be timed so animals are not trapped inside or dependent young separated from their mother. Tell us if you have seen more than one possum or a young animal. Leave the entry point undisturbed until it has been assessed.
Your possum service
Agree on removal, access and proofing together
A quote should explain what is included and how the work will be completed. The arrangements depend on the building, the animal activity and the access available.
Inspect the accessible areas
We discuss the history, look at reported activity and assess possible entry points. Tell us about roof repairs, previous proofing and any other pest activity. If an area cannot be checked safely, we explain that limitation rather than claiming every opening has been found.
Confirm the management plan
We explain the proposed approach, the wildlife-authority requirements for any removal, access arrangements and the quoted work. The plan should make clear who will undertake each part and how any necessary return visits will be organised.
Coordinate removal and exclusion
Where removal is needed, the authorised operator must follow applicable requirements. The sequence of exclusion work depends on confirming the animal situation. Proofing should address the agreed openings without leaving an animal confined inside the building.
Record the work and next steps
Your service report records the work and recommendations. We identify outstanding maintenance and explain what to monitor. Any additional repairs, cleaning, return visits or warranty cover are confirmed for your booking.
Help prevent another roof resident
Possum proofing is part of the solution.
Removing an animal while leaving a usable opening can leave the roof available again. We assess the building and explain which access points need attention.
Roof edges, eaves and vents
Suitable mesh or other exclusion materials may be used at agreed openings. The choice depends on the location and building detail. Proofing must preserve ventilation and should not interfere with roof drainage or other building services.
Know what needs a tradesperson
Broken roofing, damaged flashing or structural deterioration may need a roofer or builder. Electrical concerns need an electrician. Your pest service quote should distinguish exclusion work from repairs requiring a separate trade.
Access routes and shelter
Branches and fence lines can provide routes to a roof. We can discuss practical access changes and whether alternative shelter, such as a suitable nest box, is worth considering. Ask what advice or installation is actually included.
Proofing and local removal context: Redland City Council: possums in your roof.
A possum in a tree is not the same as one living in the ceiling.
The service focuses on unwanted building access. Seeing native wildlife in the garden does not by itself mean it needs to be removed. Tell us what is being affected so we can discuss a proportionate response.
Preparing for the visit
Helpful information, without disturbing the animal
You can help by describing the problem and arranging access. There is no need to climb onto the roof, handle wildlife or open a ceiling cavity to investigate.
Before we arrive
- Note the times, rooms and places where activity occurs.
- Send any clear photos taken safely from the ground.
- Tell us about roof-hatch access, locked areas and parking restrictions.
- Keep pets and children away from the animal and proposed work area.
- Avoid sealing gaps, setting traps or using deterrent chemicals while awaiting advice.
After the service
- Leave installed proofing and any managed equipment as instructed.
- Complete the maintenance items identified in the report.
- Keep a note of any continuing noise and whether it sounds inside or above the roof.
- Contact us before adjusting exclusion materials or reopening an entry.
- Tell later roof contractors about the proofing so changes can be coordinated.
Renting or arranging work for someone else?
Let us know who can authorise access and building work. If repairs or common areas are involved, we can discuss the proposed scope with the appropriate owner or manager before the appointment is arranged.
Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife
An animal needing care needs a wildlife rescue response.
If a possum appears injured, sick or orphaned, call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for advice. Keep people and pets away and follow the rescuer’s instructions. This is a different situation from arranging roof proofing.
Queensland Government wildlife rescue guidance →Common questions
Possum management, explained.
Clear answers before you arrange work on your home.
Ask about your roof activity →How much does possum removal cost?
It depends on the building, access, management approach and proofing required. Tell us the number of storeys, where activity occurs and any known entry points. We confirm the quoted inclusions rather than assuming removal, repairs and cleaning are one fixed package.
Can you take the possum away to the bush?
No. Queensland’s published guidance requires release within 25 metres of capture. The protected-wildlife section above explains why local release and building exclusion need to be considered together.
Can I trap it myself?
Do not set a trap without the required authority. Queensland guidance states that trapping possums without a permit is illegal. Contact an appropriately authorised operator to discuss the situation.
Can I seal the hole after I hear it leave?
Do not rely on one sound or sighting to decide the roof is empty. Other animals or dependent young may still be present. Have the entry and animal activity assessed before sealing.
Does the service include repairing my roof?
Only the work expressly listed in your quote is included. Proofing an agreed opening is different from repairing roofing, flashing or structural damage. We explain any work that needs a separate tradesperson.
Will a nest box solve the problem?
It may offer alternative shelter, but it does not close an existing roof entry or guarantee the animal will use it. Ask whether a box is suitable for the setting and whether supply or installation is included.
What if I still hear noises afterwards?
Record the time and location and contact us with the visit details. Sounds may be from animals on top of the roof or another source. We review the information and any remaining access concerns before recommending further work.
Is there a guarantee or a free return visit?
Any warranty period, covered work, exclusions and included visits are confirmed with your service. New building damage or changes to proofing may need separate assessment. A free return is not assumed for every later noise.
Local possum management
Brisbane and South-East Queensland
Choose your area below or include your suburb in the quote request. We will discuss the site, access and appointment arrangements.
For other property concerns, explore our bird management and residential pest services.
Start with an assessment
Something moving above your ceiling?
Tell us what you have heard or seen. We will help you work out the next step for your property.