Possums are marsupials of the Family Phalangeridae. Two species of possums are encountered by pest controllers as temporary pests of houses:
Ringtailed Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus): 
This possum has a short head, pointed muzzle, short round ears and a tapered tail, the terminal three-quarters of which is pale. It occurs along coastal Australia from Queensland to South Australia.
Brushtailed Possum (Trichosurus vulpecular):
This possum is often encountered where there are trees. It feeds naturally on buds, fruits of trees and shrubs, but also likes to feed on bread, cake and fruit. It occurs from Northern Queensland to South Australia and is the possum most frequently encountered.
Possums enter roof voids mainly through broken tiles, damaged eaves and displaced ridge capping. When in the roof they make noises at night, urinate and defecate on ceiling plaster, causing stains and odours.  Chimneys are also favoured sheltering places.
Possums are protected animals and MUST NOT be killed with intent.
All noises in roof voids should be investigated and not assumed to be possums, since roof rats also create noise. Faeces, footprints and odours are characteristic of these two animals, and are easily identified by and experienced operator. | 
