Do possums pose a health risk

Lucy · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2012 2:25 pm

IS that one of those large plastic statues they sell at bunnings?

BossyGoose · **Joined:** Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:09 pm **Posts:** 4

Since we got 2 cats the possums seem to stay away we have seen them but not near the house of the coop which are the two main places the cat hang out

BrookeForestHill · **Joined:** Thu Jan 03, 2013 9:33 am **Posts:** 2

Possums chewed their way into our coop through the plastic sheeting so we had to put wire over the top to stop them doing it again to the new sheets

BossyGoose · **Joined:** Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:09 pm **Posts:** 4

Not surprising after all they are just large rats and they can chew most things

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

That's a bit unfair on the possums, Bossy goose

Rats are rodents whereas possums are marsupials. We have moved into their world, set up tempting accommodation and then complain when they take up residence. It's hardly their fault.

It's up to us to prevent access if we don't want them there,

Anyway, welcome to the APF!

Raf · **Posted:** Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:09 am

parvo wrote:

That's a bit unfair on the possums, Bossy goose

Rats are rodents whereas possums are marsupials. We have moved into their world, set up tempting accommodation and then complain when they take up residence. It's hardly their fault.

It's up to us to prevent access if we don't want them there,

Anyway, welcome to the APF!

Us human tend to do that allot don't we

Raf

BrookeForestHill · **Joined:** Thu Jan 03, 2013 9:33 am **Posts:** 2

Yes we all have to coexist so we need to be more tolerant as they are of us

doggo · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:10 am

It's a pity that possums numbers have reached plague proportions in larger cities but there is hope for those who like to garden. http://australianmuseum.net.au/Where-Theres-Prey

SpiceHens · **Joined:** Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:32 am **Posts:** 3

Yes there has to be a balance and mother nature to the rescue. Good to see the owl has made a good comeback

PossumsCorner · **Joined:** Sat Jan 12, 2013 10:47 am **Posts:** 1

How can I live happily with the possums on my property?

Brushtail and ringtail possums are both native marsupial species that have adapted well to urbanisation and are commonly found dwelling in Australian gardens. Ringtail possums are a social species that build nests of bark and leaves called ‘drays’ in which they usually dwell as a family. Brushtail possums are larger, more territorial possums that usually reside in tree hollows. Both species of possum may occasionally take shelter in the roofs of houses.

Many households are fortunate to share their property with one or more possums however they can become a nuisance if they nest in roof spaces. If you have possums residing in your roof you should provide them with an alternative home before attempting to evict them. The key steps are:
•Place a nest box in a sheltered area of your property
•If possible, locate the possum's nest inside your roof and place this in the new possum-house to encourage the possum to move in. You can also put fruit near the house (half an apple or banana) to encourage investigation of the possum-house.
•Take action to make the roof space unattractive to the possum. This can be done by spreading quassia chips in the roof space (alternatively place blocks of camphor in the roof cavity). Place a light in the roof cavity and keep it switched on.

•When the possum has relocated to its new home, locate their entry point to your roof space and block off access. Make sure the possums are not in your roof before blocking off access. Make sure there are no baby possums in the roof before blocking off access.
•Prune any tree branches that give the possums access to your roof. If these steps are unsuccessful and you need further assistance to remove and relocate the possums you will need to check the legal requirements for possum trapping with your state or territory government (see below). In some states and territories a license or permit is required

RSPCA
http://kb.rspca.org.au/How-can-I-live-h ... ty_63.html

The following links will take you to the relevant State/Territory government website for information on managing possums:

ACT: http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/pcl/wil ... ithpossums
NT: http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/plants-and- ... ing/possum
QLD: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-eco ... ssums.html
TAS: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/We ... 2F54T?open
WA: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/plants_ani ... ossums.pdf
NSW: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/anima ... Possum.htm
VIC: http://www.rspcavic.org/health-and-beha ... th-possums

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