A Beginner's Guide to Possum Control in an Urban Setting

Possums are a common pest in urban environments, where they can cause significant damage to gardens and roofs. Controlling possum populations in cities requires a strategic approach that balances effectiveness with safety and environmental responsibility. This guide will introduce you to the basics of possum control in urban areas and how Connovation’s innovative solutions can help.

Understanding Possums in Urban Areas

Possums, particularly the common brushtail possum, have adapted well to urban environments. They are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, fruits, and even small animals. In urban settings, possums can:

• Damage Gardens: By eating fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
• Invade Roofs: Seeking shelter in attics and roofs, causing noise and structural damage.

Importance of Possum Control

Controlling possum populations therefore is crucial to:

• Protect Property: Preventing damage to gardens, roofs, and electrical wiring.
• Maintain Health and Safety: Reducing the risk of diseases transmitted by possums.
• Preserve Urban Biodiversity: Minimising competition with native species for food and habitat.

Integrated Possum Management Strategies

Effective possum control in urban environments requires an integrated approach, combining prevention, monitoring, and direct control measures.

1. Prevention

Deny Access:

• Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal gaps, holes, and other potential entry points in your home’s roof and walls.
• Trim Trees: Keep tree branches trimmed away from your roof to prevent possums from gaining access.

Remove Attractions:

• Secure Rubbish Bins: Use tight-fitting lids to prevent possums from scavenging.
• Garden Maintenance: Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables promptly, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

2. Monitoring

Regular Inspections:

• Check for Signs: Look for droppings, tracks, and damaged plants as signs of possum activity.
• Use Monitoring Tools: Motion-activated cameras and tracking tunnels can help identify possum presence and activity patterns.

3. Direct Control Measures

Live Capture Traps:

• Connovation’s Live Capture Traps: Designed for safe and effective use in urban environments, these traps help control possum populations. 

Lures:

• Smell-Based Lures: Connovation offers various lures, such as aniseed or cinnamon-scented, to attract possums to traps or bait stations.
• Edible Lures: Products like Eggsellent Lure mimic the natural scent and flavour of eggs, enticing possums to consume the bait.

Connovation’s Role in Urban Possum Control

Connovation is a leader in developing more humane and environmentally friendly pest control solutions. Our products are designed to be safe and effective in urban settings, providing reliable options for homeowners and pest control professionals. Some key products include:

• Bait Stations and Traps: Safe, robust, and easy to use, perfect for urban environments.
• Lures and Prefeeding Solutions: Non-toxic options to attract and condition possums for successful baiting.

Managing possum populations in urban areas is essential for protecting property, maintaining health and safety, and preserving urban biodiversity. By adopting an integrated approach and using Connovation’s innovative products, you can effectively control possums and create a safer, more pleasant urban environment.