Gutter Guard: How to Protect Your Homes Against Possums

Posted on April 10, 2023

By Aussie Gutter Protection

Home » Blog » Gutter Guard: How to Protect Your Homes Against Possums

As urbanization expands, the interaction between humans and wildlife, such as possums, becomes increasingly common. While possums are an essential part of the ecosystem and contribute to a healthy environment, they can sometimes cause problems for homeowners when they decide to take up residence in and around our homes. From property damage to noisy nights, these furry marsupials can become unwelcome guests if not properly managed.

So, do gutter guards keep possums out? Specific gutter guards will help prevent pesky possums from invading your roof space or damaging your gutters system. However, gutter guards alone may not be enough for possum-proofing. You should consider other preventative measures, such as trimming overhanging branches, sealing potential entry points, and removing food sources, to create a comprehensive possum deterrent strategy.

In this blog, we’ll explore a simple yet effective solution for protecting your home from possum intruders: gutter guards. Gutter guards help maintain your gutter system and deter possums looking for shelter or nesting sites. We will discuss the issues this Australian marsupial causes problems with homeowners, how the homeowner can use a gutter guard for possum proofing, and additional steps you can take to create a comprehensive possum proofing strategy.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to protect your home and maintain a harmonious relationship with our wild neighbours using gutter guards!

Common Possum Species in Victoria

A possum is a semi-tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia and the surrounding islands, and they play an important role in the ecosystem. There are many different species of possums in Victoria, but commonly found species in urban areas include:

Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): This is Australia’s most widespread possum species (about the same size as a domestic cat). They have a brushy tail and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and woodlands.
Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus): The common ringtail possum is smaller than the brushtail possum and has a distinctive, lengthy prehensile tail with a white tip. They mainly live in forests and woodlands but can also be found in urban environments.
Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri): Also known as the fairy possum, this critically endangered species is native to the Central Highlands of Victoria. They are nocturnal and live in eucalyptus forests.

The common brushtail possum and ringtail possum are the most common species that cause issues with humans. Possums are not always simply cute furry animals seen scurrying across overhead branches.

Speak to us about getting gutter guard installed for your home.

Human & Possum Habitation Issues

While possums are cute furry animals seen as important to the ecosystem, they can sometimes be frustratingly destructive pests for people living in urban and suburban areas. Some common issues that homeowners might face include:

Property damage: Possums may cause damage to buildings and structures by chewing through materials like wood, insulation, and wiring. Possums chew and scratch roofing materials, gutters, walls, eaves or downspouts to access sheltered areas like an attic, roof cavity, eave or crawl space.
Roof & guttering damage: The weight of a possum and its movements on your roof and gutters can put pressure on these structures, potentially causing warping, bending, or other damage over time.
Urine and droppings: Possums may leave urine and droppings in your roof and gutters, which can cause stains, odour, and potential health concerns for humans. Possum faeces also carry bacteria, which cause skin ulcers in humans. Possums living in the roof space cause urination damage to the ceiling lining, resulting in having to replace ceiling sheeting. Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 but can be removed from your roof spaces of dwellings.
Damage to shingles and tiles: When possums move across the roof, they may dislodge or damage roof tiles, leading to leaks and water damage.
Noise: Possums are nocturnal and can create considerable night noise while active. Possum feet overhead wakes homeowners. Their movement, vocalizations, and fights with other possums can be a nuisance for homeowners trying to sleep.
Disease transmission: Although possums are not major carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, they can sometimes carry parasites or pathogens that could pose a risk to humans or pets if they come into direct contact with the animals or their droppings.

Possum Proofing With Gutter Guard

Gutter guards, also known as gutter screens or covers, can help deter possums from homes in a few ways:

Prevent access to roof space: Gutter guards can help block off potential entry points for possums trying to access a home’s roof. By covering gutters, homeowners make it more difficult for possums to climb up and find their way into your attic, eaves, or other sheltered areas.
Strengthen your gutter system: Installing a gutter guard strengthens your guttering system against the weight of possums, large birds and other rodents.
Reduce nesting materials: Gutter guards can prevent the accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris in your gutters, which possums may use as nesting materials. By reducing the availability of nesting materials, you can make your home less appealing to possums seeking shelter.
Discourage nesting: Gutter guards can make it harder for possums to create nests within gutters. Possums are less likely to reside near your home without a secure and comfortable place to nest.

It is important to note that gutter guards alone may not be enough to deter possums from your home completely. To create a comprehensive possum deterrent strategy, you should consider other preventative measures, such as trimming overhanging branches, sealing potential entry points, and removing food sources.

Speak to us about getting gutter guard installed for your home.

Additional Possum Proofing Measure

To minimize conflicts with possums, homeowners can take several steps:

Secure access points: Seal any openings or gaps in your home’s exterior to prevent possums from entering. This includes repairing broken vents, sealing gaps around pipes, and adding screens to chimneys, vents, or guttering systems, stopping possums’ access.
Remove food sources: Secure garbage cans, avoid leaving pet food outside and pick up fallen fruits and vegetables in your garden.
Trim overhanging branches: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof or are close to your house, as they provide easy access for possums when scurrying across overhead tree branches at night.
Use deterrents: There are commercial repellents available that can help deter possums. However, their effectiveness may vary, and some people prefer using homemade deterrents like a mix of water and garlic or chilli pepper spray.
Provide alternative shelter: If possums seek refuge on your property, consider installing a possum box in a nearby tree to provide them with a safe place to live away from home.

Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, meaning they must not be harmed or kept in cages; they can be removed from your roof cavity but must be released within 50 metres of the capture site that day. Suppose you have an ongoing problem with possums. In that case, it may be necessary to consult a possum removal expert or your local wildlife agency for guidance on dealing with the situation humanely and legally.

Speak to us about getting gutter guard installed for your home.

Get Gutter Mesh For Possum Protection

Safeguarding your home from possum intrusions is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your property and ensuring a peaceful coexistence with these native marsupials. Gutter guards play a crucial role in this endeavour by making it more challenging for possums to access your roof and nest within your gutters.

For optimal protection against possum damage, we highly recommend investing in TuffMesh Gutter Guard. Specially designed to withstand possum attacks, TuffMesh is 50% stronger than other gutter mesh products on the market. Its robust construction ensures that your gutters remain clear and your home remains possum-free.

TuffMesh™ Aluminium

An expanded aluminium with a diamond pattern 50% heavier to stop possums, vermin and birds. Huge benefits where wider material is required. Added strength to span wider areas.

Specifications:

Features and benefits:

Installation by AGP:

Don’t wait for possum feet to wake you up in the middle of the night or for a brown stain that suddenly appears that smells pungent and is unhygienic—possums to wreak havoc on your property. Take action now and protect your home with the superior strength and durability of TuffMesh Gutter Guard. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about TuffMesh and how it can help you keep possums at bay while preserving your gutter system’s health. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences of possum damage. Secure your home with TuffMesh Gutter Guard and enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’ve made a smart investment in the safety and well-being of your property.

Aussie Gutter Protection is a leading professional gutter company, working with high-quality materials; products GutterMesh, TuffMesh, SteelMesh and SolarMesh; installation methods for leaf guard, bird proofing, rainwater harvesting, bushfire prevention and protection for solar panels. AGP offers professional installation at affordable pricing to keep your gutters clean and ensure rainwater flows freely. Get a free consultation that brings you one step closer to ridding yourself of clogged gutters.