What Are You Hearing in Your Roof
Strange noises coming from your ceiling after dark? You’re not alone. Many Sydney homeowners hear unfamiliar thumps, growls, and screeches at night and aren’t sure what they’re dealing with. In most cases, those unsettling sounds are caused by possums — not rats or birds.
This article breaks down the most common possum sounds, how to recognise them by species, and what they mean. If you suspect a possum has made itself at home in your roof, learning to identify their noises is the first step toward solving the problem.
Why Do Possums Make Noise?
Possums are nocturnal and highly vocal — especially in urban areas where space is limited. They use sounds to:
- Defend their territory
- Attract a mate
- Warn off rivals
- Communicate with offspring
Most possum activity begins after dusk and continues through the night, with peak noise occurring between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Their sounds can range from soft chattering to full-blown screaming, depending on the situation and species.
Common Possum Sounds in Sydney
1. Heavy Thumping
This is one of the most frequent complaints from homeowners. Brushtail Possums are relatively large and heavy, and when they walk or jump across your ceiling joists, it can sound like a person stomping through your roof.
2. Scratching or Scuttling
Possums use their claws to climb and grip, so scratching noises are common. However, if the sounds are quick and continuous, you may want to also consider whether you’re hearing rats instead.
3. Growling and Hissing
These aggressive vocalisations usually happen when two possums cross paths. They’re extremely territorial and will growl, hiss, and screech to assert dominance — particularly Brushtail Possums.
4. Screeching or Screaming
High-pitched screeches often alarm people because they sound violent or unnatural. This is a typical mating or territorial call. In some cases, it could be mistaken for a cat fight or a distressed animal.
5. Clicking and Chirping
These softer sounds are most often made by Ringtail Possums. They use quiet clicking or chirping to communicate within family groups, especially between mothers and joeys.
Which Species Makes Which Sounds?
Different possum species produce different vocalisations, which can help identify who’s living in your roof:
- Brushtail Possum: Loud thumping, growling, deep grunts, and screeches
- Ringtail Possum: High-pitched chirps, clicks, and soft rustling
- Sugar Gliders: Barking or chirping sounds, usually fainter and only near bushland
To learn more about each species’ behaviour, visit our Types of Possums in Sydney overview page.
If you’re not hearing them, you might still spot them by their glowing eyes. Read more in our guide on possum eye shine and night vision.
Possum Sounds vs. Other Animals
It’s easy to confuse possum sounds with those of other nocturnal animals. Here’s how they differ:
| Animal | Typical Sounds | How to Tell |
|---|---|---|
| Possum | Thumping, screeching, growling, clicking | Louder and more varied, often human-like |
| Rat | Light scurrying, gnawing, squeaking | Faster and quieter, more repetitive |
| Cat | Yowling, growling, scratching | Usually outside, more erratic and lower in pitch |
| Bird | Chirping, flapping, cooing | Occasional or early morning, not during the night |
Still unsure? Learn more about the physical signs in our guide to identifying Brushtail Possums in your roof.
What Should You Do If You Hear Possum Noises?
If you’re hearing sounds at night and suspect a possum, here’s what you should not do:
- Don’t try to trap or relocate the animal yourself — it’s illegal in NSW
- Don’t block entry points while the possum is still inside
- Don’t ignore the issue — noise and damage will worsen
Instead, take these steps:
- Observe the timing and type of noise
- Look for droppings, footprints, or damage
- Contact a licensed possum removal expert for an inspection
Legal and Humane Removal Options
Possums are protected under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act. Only licensed professionals can handle removal, and they must release the possum within 150 metres of where it was found.
Visit our Possum Removal Laws page to understand your legal responsibilities.
Book a Sound Diagnosis and Inspection
Not sure if you’re dealing with a possum? Our team can visit your property, identify the animal based on sound and physical evidence, and provide a safe, legal removal strategy.
Book your free sound inspection today or call 0468 166 733 to speak with a licensed possum expert in Sydney.
