Possums are a familiar part of life in many Australian neighbourhoods, especially in areas with heavy tree coverage and suburban housing close to bushland. While these native animals play an important role in the ecosystem, they can become a nuisance when they enter roofs, create noise at night, or damage property. Understanding seasonal possum behaviour is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted intrusion and safely manage wildlife around your home.
Because possums are highly adaptable creatures, their routines shift throughout the year based on food availability, temperature, breeding cycles, and weather patterns. In this guide, we’ll break down how possum activity by season changes, when possums are most active, and what steps homeowners can take to protect their homes—especially during peak periods of activity.
Understanding Year-Round Possum Activity
Possums are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active after sunset and throughout the night. Understanding what time possums come out at night can help identify potential intrusions. Typically, possums emerge from shelter:
- Shortly after dusk
- Most actively between 10pm and 4am
- Becoming louder and more noticeable during breeding season
The nocturnal habits of possums include searching for food, marking territory, moving between trees and rooftops, and communicating vocally—often the source of nightly screeching, thumping, or scratching sounds.
But behaviour isn’t the same all year. Possum movement patterns change significantly across seasons.
Summer Possum Activity Patterns
During summer, possums tend to be more active outdoors, as food sources such as fruit, flowers, and insects are plentiful. Warm nights allow them to travel bigger distances without expending excess energy.
Typical summer possum behaviour includes:
- Increased movement through tree canopies
- Less reliance on man-made shelters like roofs and sheds
- Loud calling and territorial behaviour
- Higher visibility in backyards and gardens
Because natural resources are abundant, summer usually brings fewer possums in roof spaces. However, if a roof already contains a nest, sound levels may increase due to territorial conflict.
Autumn Possum Seasonal Habits
Autumn marks an important transition period, especially as nights become cooler and natural food begins to decline.
In autumn, expect:
- More foraging activity and preparation for winter
- Increased attempts to enter warm, sheltered structures
- Roof inspections as potential nesting sites
This is when many homeowners first notice seasonal possum entry points in homes, such as broken tiles, vents, and gutters.
Winter Possum Behaviour
Winter is the peak season for possum intrusion and noise complaints. Cold temperatures and reduced food supplies cause possums to seek warm and secure shelter—often choosing roof cavities.
Winter possum behaviour includes:
- Greater activity at night indoors, leading to noises like thumping and scratching
- Possums in roof during winter seeking warmth and protection
- More aggressive behaviour due to competition over territory
- Increased likelihood of encountering possums in roof during cold months
Many homeowners ask why possums become more active in winter—the answer is simple: survival. Roofs provide ideal insulation from harsh weather.
You may also notice possums more active before rain, as they search for dry shelter and food before storms hit.
Spring: Possum Breeding Season in Australia
Spring is the busiest season for possum movement. The possum breeding season Australia typically runs between September and December, when food availability increases again.
Spring behaviour includes:
- Increased noise due to mating calls and territorial disputes
- Possum mothers seeking secure nesting spots for joeys
- Higher likelihood of multiple possums sharing a single roof space
- Frequent sounds of babies chirping or squeaking
This is also the time when homeowners most benefit from prevention strategies. Understanding how to prevent possums during breeding season can save significant stress and expenses later.
Signs of Possum Activity by Season
You may hear or notice different indicators depending on the time of year. Common signs include:
| Season | Signs you may hear or see |
| Summer | Loud calls at night, running on rooftops, garden damage |
| Autumn | Exploring roof areas, scratching sounds, marking odour |
| Winter | Heavy thumping, nesting noises, heat-seeking behaviour |
| Spring | Baby possum noises, aggressive interactions, roof entry attempts |
Seasonal changes influence not only movement, but also where possums choose to live.
How Weather Affects Possums?
Possums respond strongly to extreme weather conditions. Understanding how weather affects possums can help predict behaviour spikes.
- Before rain or storms: Increased running, roof testing, and food gathering
- During heatwaves: Possums become quieter and stay sheltered during the day
- Cold nights: Roof entry attempts increase dramatically
- Windy weather: More roof noises as possums move between structures
Temperature shifts have a strong link to how temperature change affects possums, often leading them toward man-made warmth sources.
Why Possums Seek Shelter in Roofs?
Possums choose roof cavities because they provide:
- Warmth and weather protection
- Safety from predators
- Secure space for raising young
- Access to nearby trees and food
If you’ve started hearing possum noise at night for seasonal reasons, chances are they are settling in.
Seasonal Prevention Tips to Keep Possums Out
The best way to manage possums humanely is prevention. Here’s what homeowners can do:
Seasonal Possum Prevention Checklist
Summer
- Trim tree branches clearing 2–3 metres from the roof
- Secure fruit trees and compost bins
Autumn
- Inspect roofs and seal small openings
- Repair damaged or loose tiles and flashing
Winter
- Add secure mesh to vents and chimneys
- Watch for new noises indicating active nesting
Spring
- Avoid blocking entry while babies are inside
- Call professionals for safe removal
If removal is needed, always use licensed experts. Attempting to trap or relocate possums illegally can lead to fines and harm to native wildlife.
Professional services such as Possum Removal Balwyn North and Possum Removal Malvern East use humane legal processes and ensure animals are safely returned to their habitat.
Final Thoughts
Understanding seasonal possum behaviour helps homeowners predict activity peaks and take proactive, humane measures to prevent roof invasions. By being aware of possum seasonal habits, winter possum behaviour, and summer possum activity patterns, you can protect your property without harming wildlife.
Preventing possum entry is always easier than removing them after they settle in. If you suspect activity in your roof, act quickly and contact qualified professionals for inspection and humane management. Reach out to Same Day Pest Control North Lakes for fast, ethical possum removal and long-term prevention solutions designed to keep your home safe and possum-free.