How to remove a possum or snake from your house
Issued: 30 Jan 5 mins read

Got some unwanted visitors in your home? Here’s how to safely and humanely discourage snakes, possums, and other wildlife from moving in.

Queensland is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, which can lead to beautiful encounters with many of our fascinating native creatures. On the flip side, this proximity to so many animals means our homes and backyards can host some not-so-welcome guests.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to respect our native wildlife, even if they accidentally find their way into your home. All animals play a vital role in maintaining Queensland’s unique ecosystem, from the prey-controlling ways of snakes to the possums that protect our native plants from parasites.

That being said, these curious creatures can cause damage and pose risks when they cross over into residential spaces – even when they don’t mean to. Your aim should always be to safely and humanely discourage wildlife from entering your home, as their presence outside of their natural habitat isn't in anyone’s best interest.

We've got the lowdown on how to (gently) evict these well-meaning intruders without harming anyone, as well as tips to stop them getting inside in the first place.

Don’t touch or handle native wildlife

Before we dive into some tips and tricks for removing wildlife from your home, it’s important to note that you should never touch or handle native wildlife. They are not used to being touched by humans, and even innocent-looking animals can cause you injuries or disease – so keep your hands to yourself.

How to remove a possum from your roof

Any Queenslander who’s heard the late-night scurrying of these little nocturnal nesters will tell you – possums aren’t exactly subtle with their movements. They may look cute, but possums can quickly become a nuisance if they reside in your home’s roof cavity.

Remember – trapping possums is illegal in Queensland unless you have a permit, and you should never touch native wildlife. You can search the internet for qualified possum removalists in your area. If you want to attempt to evict a furry roof resident without professional intervention, you can follow these simple steps to get rid of possums in your house.

Identifying possum entry points

It can be hard to figure out where possums are getting into your roof, especially if they have many ways to enter. The good news? With some clever detective work and loose wastepaper, you can easily crack the case.

During the day, cram the paper into all suspected entry points around your house. After dark, the possum will push its way out and leave you with a literal paper trail where it’s getting in and out.

How to possum-proof your house

Once you’ve found the possum hideout, it’s time to make it less attractive to potential tenants. Depending on the size of the opening, block or seal it with strong metal mesh or galvanised metal sheeting. Make these alterations around 8-10 pm, when the possums will be out feeding.

Another measure is to splash old entry points with a strong-smelling substance, such as disinfectant or peppermint oil. Possums use their scent glands to mark their den’s entry, so if you don’t wipe out their scent, they’ll try to get back in.

Brushtail possums love to nest in the tops of overgrown palm trees, so keeping these pruned and removing dead fronds can deter possums from living in your yard.

Provide alternative shelter

So you’ve managed to evict your possum posse – now what? Giving the possums an alternative place to nest will reduce the odds of them trying to get back into your roof. Hang wooden nesting boxes or hollow logs in trees nearby to give the possums some options for a new home.

A carpet python with brown and tan markings coiled around a tree branch at night.

Carpet pythons are common in Queensland and can often find their way into homes or backyards – but they’re not venomous!

How to remove snakes

Whether you find them scary, cute, or fascinating, snakes are a vital part of the Queensland ecosystem, so it’s important not to harm them. Snakes don’t come into people’s houses looking for trouble – they seek shelter, food, and warmth. That said, having a slithering, scaly guest can be a surprising experience for even the most experienced wildlife lover.

We’ve got some essential advice on safely removing snakes from your home.

Dealing with snake encounters

If there’s a chance a snake might get into your house, it’s worth having the number of a licensed snake catcher handy. You can use your preferred search engine to look for qualified snake catchers in your area – trained professionals who know how to capture and relocate snakes safely.

While a snake that’s made its way into your house will likely not be aggressive or dangerous, it’s important to let professionals remove it. If you encounter a snake in your house, remember these tips:

Stay calm and keep your distance: Panic can lead to rash decisions. Snakes react to sudden movement – if you're moving around, you're a potential threat but if you stand still, you'll be seen as a tree (so less likely to be bitten).

Isolate the snake: If possible, gently guide people and pets away from the area. Close doors to confine the snake to a room. Place a rolled-up towel at the base of the door to prevent escape until the snake catcher can arrive. If the snake is in a shed or garage you can leave the main door open to allow the snake to move off on its own.

Contact a licensed snake catcher: Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake yourself. It is an offence to capture, kill, or remove snakes from the wild in Queensland.

Wait for the professional: Keep a safe distance until the snake catcher arrives.

How to snake-proof your house

Want to deter snakes from entering your property? Learn how to snake-proof your home to avoid welcoming them in the first place.

Clear the clutter: Snakes love hiding in piles of wood, bricks, and garden debris.

Screen doors and windows: Adding flyscreens or any fine mesh over the outside of your doors and windows is a great way to block entry without blocking airflow.

Seal entry points: Check for gaps around pipes, doors, and windows. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal them.

Trim overhanging branches: This prevents snakes from accessing your roof.

Maintain your lawn: Keep your lawn short and tidy so snakes have fewer places to hide.

Bird cages: Pet birds scatter seed which attracts rats and mice. When rodents move around, they leave urine trails which snakes can follow. By regularly cleaning up discarded bird seed you can avoid attracting rodents.

Professional help: If you have a severe snake problem, consult a professional snake catcher.

A rat with brown fur and large ears sitting on a green mesh surface inside a structure with corrugated metal walls, surrounded by fallen leaves.

Rats and mice can cause significant damage to your home by chewing through wires, insulation, and stored items, making them more than just unwelcome guests.

Dealing with non-native pests in your home

Not only are vermin a risk to your health and home, but they're also a food source for snakes – so it's in your best interests to address any pest issues as soon as you notice them.

With non-native pests like rats and mice, prevention beats a cure any day of the week. Following the same tips for snake-proofing your home – as well as keeping on top of food scraps and general cleanliness – is the best way to reduce your chances of attracting vermin.

The Queensland humidity also creates perfect conditions for food decay, which is a magnet for insects and other pests. Try to keep your home as dry as possible.

If you’ve still got a vermin problem after undertaking DIY preventative measures, it’s best to seek help from trained pest removal professionals.

When in doubt, trust the professionals

Wildlife and vermin can be cunning and persistent – so sometimes it’s best to know when to call the pros.

Licensed pest control services have the expertise and specialised equipment to safely and effectively remove unwanted guests like rodents, insects, and even wildlife. Similarly, professional pest removalists specialise in capturing and relocating animals like snakes, possums, and bats.

You can use your preferred internet search engine to look for pest control experts near you, with the option to tailor your search to the animal you’re having issues with. Be sure to check reviews for any potential operators you want to engage.

Hiring professionals saves you time and effort while ensuring the job is done right. These folks are experts at what they do, so they can solve your wildlife issues as effectively and humanely as possible.

How to remove a possum or snake from your house Issued: 30 Jan 5 mins read