POSSUMS
Do you fix the possum holes?
Yes, fixing the holes or ‘proofing’ is the most important thing with possums as under all wildlife permits they must be released nearby and they will certainly try to get back in again. So our servicemen specialise in finding how they are getting in and also blocking off any other potential holes. When we let them go, they will come back and check the roof, realise they can’t get in and move on. We can also install possum boxes if you would like to give your possum a new home.
What damage can they do?
Unfortunately possums will poo and pee in the roof which may smell and stain the ceiling. Both possums and rats do definitely chew wires and possums have even been accused of starting house fires. They also destroy and make a big mess of your insulation. We have had a number of cases where a possum has chewed right through the wall or ceiling and just sits there happily looking out!
How much does it cost to get possums out of my roof/between floors area?
As possums are protected under government legislation and no-one is permitted to simply relocate them. Our Servicemen will inspect your property and provide you with a written quote to block off the entry points. That way we can provide you with an accurate price to complete the job. A free service period of 12 months is usually applicable to proofing work completed.
How long does it take to do the job?
After completion of inspection and acceptance of the quote our Serviceman will return to do the building repairs. The repair time will vary depending on the complexity of the job. Any possums inside will also need to be removed. We must ensure no possums are left trapped in the cavity this may require a number of visits to your property.
Do you have possum boxes available?
Yes, you can either purchase a possum box from our head office in Newmarket or have one of our Servicemen deliver and install a box for you. Installing a possum box will not stop them from accessing your roof or between floors area, however it provides an alternate home once proofing work has been completed.
What can I do about possums on top of my roof?
If possums are moving across your roof, trimming back trees around the roofline can often reduce the traffic. Our Serviceman can also inspect your property to ensure that the possums are not getting inside the roof, because, if they are, that could be the reason they are frequenting the area.
How do I stop possums eating my plants?
Possums can be quite partial to parsley, roses, mango trees and many other plants. We always have an increase in distressed callers during times of no rain when the possums are having trouble finding food and can completely strip entire trees. There are some products on the market such as D-ter and Poss Off which may help for a while but in our experience possums have learnt to adapt and live with us very well and there is nothing that really works. As possums are protected and cannot be relocated, long term solutions like proofing are the best. Placing sheet metal around the base of trees can help as this prevents them from climbing up the tree. Also ensure that no extra attractants like cat or dog food are left out at night.
Why can’t possums be relocated?
Research by government wildlife agencies has demonstrated that a very high percentage of relocated possums will die because they cannot find a safe place to hide from predators during the day or they are unable to find enough food in an area they are not familiar with.
RATS OR MICE IN ROOF
How do you treat rat problems?
The serviceman lay commercial grade dehydrating baits which the rats eat and then leave the cavity. We can also look for any main entry points, and advise on long term solutions.
Do the rats die inside the roof?
As our servicemen are licensed pest controllers they have access to commercial grade baits which are very effective. These baits dehydrate the rats, which means the rats will leave the cavities and go looking for water. It is not common that they die inside.
What damage can rats do?
Rats and mice are rodents which mean their teeth continually grow, so they have to chew to wear their teeth down, not just to eat. So rats will chew anything. They like warm spots so often chew light fittings and electrical cables. They also chew wood and often make holes in walls and insulation.
Will my child or dog be harmed?
When our servicemen lay rodent baits they take extreme care to place them in secure locations where children and pets can’t access them. We work with children and pets everyday and will advise on pet safety during the consultation.
BEES IN WALL OR TREE & WASPS
Can you remove bees in a wall or tree cavity?
If bees are entering the cavity of a tree or the wall of your property we have servicemen who can be of assistance. They will either eradicate the hive or if possible evacuate the hive & then seal off the area where the bees have been entering. A 3 month free service period usually applies to these treatments.
What do I do if bees are swarming?
Swarming bees form a ball of living animals that may be the size of a football. We recommend that you leave the bees alone and stay away from the area. Also ensure that other people stay away from the swarm because many people are allergic to bee stings. The bees will usually move on within 24 hours. If the problem persists please give us a call & we will advise as necessary.
I have found a bee hive hanging from a branch, can you assist?
If the hive is visible and we can reach it, it can be removed by one of our servicemen.
How do you remove wasps?
We use a chemical treatment to eradicate them and then also remove the nest if possible.
Will the wasps come back again?
They are eradicated so should not return but we offer a 3 month service free period to ensure that all wasps from those nests have been removed.
BRUSH TURKEYS
Why do you relocate male turkeys?
It is the male turkey who is generally the most destructive because he builds the nest/mound and tends to it. We work under a wildlife permit to relocate male turkeys. Once the male is taken away, the females usually disperse.
Why do you need a permit to relocate a Bush Turkey?
We have a special permit form the Environment Department that allows us to relocate turkeys under strict conditions. Brush Turkeys are native wildlife so are protected. Members of the public are not allowed to relocate or harm them.
Should there be a mound?
If a male turkey is actively mounding we can guarantee results because we use his territorial behavior to catch him. If there is no mound or they are not actively mounding we can still try to catch them but cannot guarantee a result.
What will happen with the mound and the females?
Once the male turkey has been taken away we recommend you destroy the mound immediately so that other male turkeys don’t take over the nest. The female turkeys will generally disperse once the male turkey has been removed.
Where do you take the turkey?
We take the turkey 10 – 20kms away and guarantee you won’t get him back. As we can’t guarantee you won’t get others, we would suggest you remove the mound straight away.
PEST BIRDS
