Are you hearing loud noises in your ceiling after dark? Chances are, a Brushtail Possum has made your roof its new home. In Sydney, these nocturnal marsupials are known for taking shelter in roof voids, especially during cooler months or after their natural habitats have been disturbed.
Identifying the presence of a Brushtail Possum early can prevent costly damage and ongoing disturbances. In this article, you’ll learn how to spot the most common signs and what to do if one is living above you.
Why Brushtail Possums Choose Roofs
Brushtail Possums are incredibly adaptable and opportunistic. Urban environments provide them with easy access to food, safety from predators, and sheltered spaces — especially in roof cavities. Your ceiling offers warmth, protection, and darkness, making it an ideal nesting site.
Unlike Ringtails, Brushtails are solitary and territorial, often claiming entire roof spaces as their own. During the colder months, they’re especially likely to move indoors in search of warmth and shelter. Learn more about how possum activity changes with the seasons.
Brushtails are frequently found in roofs due to the warmth, shelter, and darkness roof spaces provide. To understand why they choose residential areas, see what attracts possums to homes. While Brushtails often invade homes, other species prefer to stay in treetops. Explore the key differences in our guide to tree-dwelling vs roof-dwelling possums.
Top Signs You Have a Brushtail Possum in Your Roof
1. Loud Noises at Night
One of the most obvious indicators is heavy movement overhead during the night. Brushtails are large — weighing between 2 and 4 kg — and their walking, thumping, and climbing noises are hard to miss.
You may also hear:
- Scratching or clawing sounds on ceiling panels
- Growling or screeching — particularly during territorial disputes
- Dragging noises as they move nesting material
To better understand these sounds, visit our guide on possum sounds and vocalisations.
2. Droppings in or Around the Home
Possum droppings are usually found beneath their access points, in gutters, or on decks. Inside the roof cavity, droppings may accumulate in insulation or along ceiling joists.
Brushtail droppings are:
- 1–2 cm long, cylindrical with rounded ends
- Dark brown to black in colour
- Fibrous due to a plant-based diet
Compare possum waste to other pests by reading our article on identifying possum droppings.
3. Strong Odours from the Ceiling
As territorial animals, Brushtail Possums mark their space with scent glands and urine. Over time, this leads to a strong, musky smell coming from the ceiling or wall cavities. In severe cases, the odour may be noticeable inside living spaces.
4. Damage to Roof Entry Points
To gain access, possums often exploit weaknesses in the roof. You might find:
- Dislodged tiles or bent flashing
- Chewed timber around gable vents or eaves
- Scratches or dirt marks on walls and gutters
Brushtails typically use the same entry point each night, so these signs are reliable indicators of activity.
5. Visible Tracks and Claw Marks
Brushtail Possums leave distinct tracks, especially on dusty surfaces or decking. Their large back feet and thumb-like toes help them grip, but also leave behind noticeable claw prints.
To learn what these tracks look like, read our guide on possum tracks and footprints.
6. Nesting Noises and Materials
Brushtails sometimes carry nesting materials like leaves or bark into their den. If you hear rustling or dragging noises, they may be building a nest in your ceiling. This is especially common in winter or if a female is raising young.
Confirming It’s a Brushtail Possum
Brushtail Possums are much louder and more disruptive than Ringtails or Sugar Gliders. Their droppings, noises, and physical size usually give them away. However, if you’re unsure, booking an inspection is the safest and most accurate way to identify the species.
Our full guide on the Common Brushtail Possum includes photos, behaviour tips, and legal removal options.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Ignoring a Brushtail Possum in your roof can lead to:
- Insulation damage and contamination
- Chewed wires and safety hazards
- Ongoing noise and odour problems
- Possums giving birth and raising young in your home
Since possums are protected under NSW law, DIY removal is illegal. That’s why it’s essential to contact a licensed possum removal professional.
What to Do if You Suspect a Possum in the Roof
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, here’s what to do:
- Do not block the entry point — the possum may become trapped
- Avoid using poison or traps — it’s illegal and inhumane
- Contact Possum Ranger for a roof inspection and safe removal plan
Learn more about the laws that apply on our Possum Removal Laws in NSW page.
Preventing Re-entry After Removal
After removal, our team can help with possum-proofing to ensure they don’t return. Prevention strategies include:
- Sealing entry points with sheet metal or heavy-duty mesh
- Installing one-way exit doors
- Trimming back overhanging branches near the roofline
- Covering chimneys, vents, and eaves
For a full guide to keeping your home possum-free, visit our Possum Proofing & Prevention page.
Book a Free Possum Roof Inspection
Think you have a Brushtail Possum living in your ceiling? We offer free inspections across Sydney and provide fully licensed, humane removal services. Let our expert team confirm the issue and take care of it legally and safely.
Book your free inspection online or call us today on 0406 201 996.
