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NZ Pest Control

Possums control in Auckland

A possum in the roof is usually obvious - the noise is much heavier than a rat, often with distinct thumps and a low guttural call at night. Possums get into roof spaces through overhanging branches and gaps at the eaves, and once in they compact and foul insulation, chew wiring, and leave droppings and urine that soak into ceiling material. They also carry parasites that move into the building with them. Beyond the property damage, possums are a significant pest for native bush and birdlife, which is why control is well supported in New Zealand.

Signs you have possums

  • Heavy thumping or dragging in the ceiling at night
  • A deep, guttural call or hissing from the roof
  • Damaged, flattened or fouled insulation
  • Stains on ceilings from urine soaking through
  • Scratched or worn access points at the eaves or roofline
  • Stripped foliage and damaged fruit trees near the house

Why it matters

  • Fouled and compacted insulation loses its effectiveness and needs replacing
  • Chewed wiring is a fire risk
  • Urine and droppings soak into ceiling linings and cause lasting odour and staining
  • Possums bring fleas and mites into the roof space
  • Significant damage to gardens, fruit trees and native planting

How we treat possums

  1. 1

    We confirm it is a possum rather than a rat - the treatment is completely different and the noise can mislead.

  2. 2

    Control is carried out appropriately for the site, taking pets, children and neighbouring properties into account.

  3. 3

    We identify the access point, because a roof that stays open will simply be reoccupied.

  4. 4

    We will tell you if insulation needs replacing - fouled insulation does not recover.

What our customers say

It was the Sunday of a long weekend, and after having set off multiple bombs and cleaning for hours we realised we needed to get someone in. I expected to leave messages and hear back on the Tuesday - but no. Marie phoned me back about 15 minutes after I left the message. Half an hour later she called back - she had found one of your workers to come and spray our house that day. On a long weekend, on a Sunday, and at no extra cost. We were in a pretty dire situation, and the kindness and efficiency made the world of difference. The roaches moved out, and we now have a clean, happy home.
Amelia OwenCockroach infestation after moving house
It's really hard when you've never had any pest issues before to know where to start. I rang several different companies but Marie's lovely calming and reassuring manner helped me choose you guys. Both Mike and Stuart have been fantastic to deal with - Mike has taken quite a few phone calls from me, I called him my bed bug counsellor! You've made a horrible stressful situation seem like it was all under control.
Venecia MartinBed bug treatment

Qualified, accredited and accountable

Member of the National Pest Management AssociationNational Pest Management Association
Member of the Pest Management Association of New ZealandPest Management Association of NZ
Site Safe memberSite Safe member

Possums - common questions

How do I know if it's a possum or a rat in my roof?
Weight and rhythm. Rats are light, fast and scratchy. A possum is heavy enough that you can usually hear individual footfalls or thumps, and they often make a distinctive low growl or hiss. If it wakes you up, it is more likely a possum.
How are possums getting into my roof?
Almost always via a branch overhanging the roofline, then in through a gap at the eaves, a lifted roofing sheet or an open soffit. Trimming branches back from the roof is one of the most effective things you can do, and it costs nothing but an afternoon.
Do I need to replace the insulation?
Often, yes. Possums compact insulation as they move through it and foul it heavily, and once soaked with urine it neither insulates properly nor stops smelling. We will tell you honestly what state it is in.

Got possums? Let's sort it.

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Stuart's team is fantastic to work with. Consistently prompt, reliable, and easy to communicate with. It's our second ye…
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I can highly recommend Stuart and his team - knowledgeable, professional, prompt, and reasonably priced. Their service w…
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We needed to have a wasps nest removed. The booking process was easy and it made sense to send some quick photos of the…
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