Yes, they do.

Direct contact or exposure to possum droppings and urine can pose real health risks.

Possums may not attack unprovoked, but they carry parasites and bacteria that don’t belong in your ceiling or kitchen.

What Diseases Can Possums Spread?

Here’s where it gets serious. According to research and local wildlife experts:

• Leptospirosis can spread through the urine of certain animals, such as possums, especially in damp roof spaces.
• Salmonella has been found in possum droppings, which can contaminate surfaces and food.
• Mites, ticks, and fleas that live on possums can be transferred to pets or humans.
• Possums are known to be reservoirs for buruli ulcers, a flesh-eating bacterial infection, although it’s rare.

While possums look cute, they’re still wild animals. Handling them without gloves or letting kids play near possum nesting material is risky.

Possums are a common sight in South Australia. So, rather than panic, take preventative steps.

Here’s how to keep the peace between humans and possums:

• Remove food sources, such as open compost bins, fallen fruit trees, or pet food, from verandas.
• Block entry points in your roof, wall vents, and eaves. Possums love a cosy roof space.
• Trim trees near your roofline to reduce access. They can leap 2–3 metres if needed.
• Avoid confrontation. Never try to trap or move one yourself.
• Install nest boxes in your yard to redirect them away from your ceiling.

If you ever need help with roof inspections, sealing or possum removal in Adelaide? Allstate Pest Control can sort that out quickly. Call us on 08 8371 1277.

What to do if a possum enters your home

First, stay calm.

Second, don’t touch it.

Turn off the lights and leave a door or window open. Give it space to escape on its own.

If it refuses to leave or appears distressed, contact a licensed wildlife handler or pest control service, such as Allstate Pest Control. Trapping common brushtail possums is regulated in South Australia. They can’t be relocated more than 50 metres and must be released safely near their capture site.

Who can trap common brushtail possums?

In South Australia, only licensed wildlife handlers can trap or relocate possums.

According to the Australian Department for Environment and Heritage, it’s illegal to kill or move a possum without permission under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. 

At Allstate Pest Control, we collaborate with licensed professionals to ensure that every solution is safe, legal, and humane. We won’t harm your wildlife. We help control it with proper approvals.

Is it bad to have possums around your house?

It can be. Possums are wild animals. When near your roof, they may cause significant damage, especially if they chew insulation, scratch ducts, or urinate on your ceiling. They also attract predators, especially if you leave pet food out at night.

Are Australian possums dangerous?

Yes and no. Australian possums, such as the common brushtail possum, are protected wildlife. They’re not inherently dangerous, but they may scratch or bite if handled. Their droppings can spread disease, so it’s best to avoid direct contact.

What do you do if a possum approaches you?

Stay still. Don’t scream or run. Let it pass, and avoid blocking its escape route. If it doesn’t move, back away slowly. Then call a pest control professional at Allstate for help.

Will a possum try to bite you?

Only if it feels threatened. Possums generally avoid confrontation but will bite if cornered, scared, or picked up. Never attempt to remove one from your yard or roof without professional support.

Do possums nest in roof spaces or gardens?

Yes. They often seek dry, dark spaces, such as ceiling voids or sheds, especially when searching for nesting material. Possums may also settle in nest boxes in your garden if there are nearby trees and shelter.