Can you deter possums and rats from getting into your roof?
Honestly, it’s just about impossible. Both rat and possum populations are very high in Darwin, and habitat is limited, that’s why there’s such a problem with both getting into people’s roofs. Some people think lights, moth balls, snake skins work, but if they do it is very temporary as both are stubborn and will tolerate a high level of discomfort.
The best way to discourage both is to make sure entry points are sealed and trees are not touching the house (1m for rats, 3m for possums as they will jump).
Reducing harbourage areas for rats such as stored items, vegetation piles and clutter around the house helps a lot also, as does reducing/removing food sources like pet food and sealing off chicken coops as much as possible.
Providing alternate habitat for possums such as nesting boxes will also stop them entering a roof space – the only reason they’re there is because they have nowhere else to go.
-Andrew.
