Possums

Possum Control for Homes & Properties

Possums are a significant pest in NZ and can be found wherever there is shelter and a good food supply. PPS provides professional possum control for homes, businesses and rural properties across the Bay of Plenty and Central North Island.

Why Possums Are a Problem

• Threat to native wildlife: Possums eat native birds and their eggs. They also eat the nectar and berries that native birds like to eat, so there’s less food for the birds.
• Damage to buildings: Possums can also pose a significant risk to buildings and structures if not addressed. Their droppings and urine can contribute to building and structural damage, and costly repairs.
• Taking over nesting sites: Possums often nest in tree holes that native birds, such as kākāriki and saddlebacks, would otherwise use.

About Brushtail Possums

• Appearance: Brushtail possums can be silver-grey, brown, black or gold, with a thick, bushy tail, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears.
• Size: Adult possums are typically 65–95cm long and weigh 1.4–6.4kg.
• Night feeders: Possums are nocturnal and feed at night. However, they dislike wet weather, which makes possum control much more successful during fine weather.
• An introduced pest: Possums were first brought to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade, and they’re now widespread across most of the country.

Our Possum Control Options

• Live capture: We use live capture in most residential situations, so we can identify and release anything that isn’t the target species – such as a neighbour’s cat!
• Neck traps: We only use these residentially in roof spaces or spaces only pests can access. They can also be used in bush or other settings where non-target species aren’t an issue.
• Leg-hold traps: We only use leg-hold traps in areas where non-target species aren’t an issue.