Content Updated: February 24, 2026
What Does Possum Poo Look Like
Finding possum poo inside your home usually means the animal has already made itself comfortable in your roof, wall cavities, garage, or under the floor. Unlike outdoor droppings, indoor waste should be handled quickly to avoid odours, contamination, and possible health concerns , especially if you have children or pets that may come into contact with it.
Start by safely removing the possum droppings and keeping the area out of reach of dogs, cats, or wildlife. After cleanup, it’s important to take preventive action so the possum doesn’t return. Thoroughly disinfect affected surfaces because possum waste often leaves a strong, unpleasant smell and can contaminate insulation, storage items, or timber.
Next, inspect your property for possible nesting spots. Common hiding areas include:
- Roof voids and ceiling corners
- Garages and sheds
- Under decks or raised flooring
- Quiet, sheltered cavities protected from weather
If droppings are repeatedly appearing, the possum is likely using the location as a shelter. In that case, blocking entry points and removing attractants becomes essential. Acting quickly not only removes the mess but also discourages the animal from settling permanently inside your home.
Identification Of Possum Droppings
Possum droppings can easily be confused with dog waste because they are similar in size and colour, which makes identification difficult — especially in homes with pets. Possums are omnivores and scavengers, meaning their diet varies widely, so you usually can’t identify them based on what appears inside the droppings. Instead, the strongest early clue is the smell. Possums often urinate and defecate in the same spot, and the ammonia in the urine keeps the droppings moist and produces a strong, rotten odour.
In terms of appearance, possum poop is typically large, cylindrical, and smooth-sided with a dark brown to blackish colour. You’ll commonly find it in clusters because possums repeatedly use the same toilet area, especially inside roof voids or sheltered corners. The droppings may appear piled together and mixed with urine stains.
Another identifying feature is the structure , rather than one continuous piece, possum poo often look slightly segmented or cracked in the middle. If you notice repeated piles in the same location along with scratching noises at night or unpleasant smells, it’s a strong sign a possum may be living nearby or inside your property.
Health Risks Associated With Possum Poop Exposure
Possums can carry diseases that may affect humans and pets, although transmission usually happens only through direct contact with their urine or droppings rather than attacks. Because possums are generally calm animals, bites are rare — the real risk comes from touching contaminated surfaces, soil, food, or water.
One of the main concerns is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira. These bacteria are commonly present in possum urine and feces. People can become infected if the bacteria enter the body through cuts, open wounds, or contact with contaminated water. If untreated, leptospirosis may lead to kidney damage, liver issues, meningitis, or breathing problems.
Another serious condition linked to possum pooping is Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. This bacteria can infect the skin after direct exposure to contaminated material. Early symptoms often begin as painless lumps on the arms or legs, which may later develop into large ulcers and cause long-term tissue damage if ignored.
Pets are also vulnerable because they may sniff or step in contaminated areas. For this reason, it’s important to clean droppings carefully, avoid direct handling, and monitor outdoor spaces. Prompt removal and hygiene precautions significantly reduce the risk of infection for both people and animals.
Where Are Possum Droppings Usually Found?
Possum feces usually occur in places where they regularly travel, feed, or nest. Because they follow the same pathways every night, their waste often appears repeatedly in specific areas around the property rather than randomly scattered.
You may commonly find possum poop in:
- Roof and ceiling spaces — especially under entry holes, roof gaps, or along ceiling joists where they move or sleep
- Outdoor living areas — on decks, patios, or balconies located close to trees, power lines, or fences that act as access routes
- Garden areas — particularly around fruit trees, vegetable patches, or plants they feed on at night
- Property boundaries — along fences, retaining walls, pergolas, and other elevated walkways they use for travel
Because possums are creatures of habit, droppings often appear in small piles directly beneath resting or feeding spots. This repeated pattern is a strong sign they are nesting nearby rather than just passing through.
If you notice possum poo appearing in the same place every morning, it usually indicates an established shelter close to your home. Identifying these high-traffic areas early helps prevent property damage, unpleasant odours, and hygiene risks associated with ongoing possum activity.
Identification Between Possum Droppings vs. Rat Droppings
Many Sydney homeowners assume they’re dealing with rat poop when the culprit is actually a possum. While the droppings may look similar at first glance, careful observation of their size, shape, and location helps identify the pest correctly — which is important because treatment methods differ.
Key Differences
- Size
- Possum droppings: about 1–2 cm long and thicker
- Rat droppings: about 0.5–1.5 cm and slimmer
- Possum droppings: about 1–2 cm long and thicker
- Shape
- Possum: rounded or blunt ends, slightly irregular
- Rat: pointed ends and uniform appearance
- Possum: rounded or blunt ends, slightly irregular
- Location
- Possum: found near roof cavities, nesting points, decks, or trees
- Rat: commonly along skirting boards, cupboards, pipes, and under sinks
- Possum: found near roof cavities, nesting points, decks, or trees
- Texture
- Possum: fibrous, sometimes containing plant material
- Rat: hard, compact, and smooth
- Possum: fibrous, sometimes containing plant material
What This Means
Possum pooping often appears in small piles beneath feeding areas, such as overhanging branches or roof access points. Rat droppings, however, are usually scattered along travel paths inside walls and hidden spaces.
Correct identification matters because possums are protected wildlife and require humane removal, while rats require pest control treatment. Recognizing these subtle differences helps you respond safely and choose the right solution quickly.
What To Do If You Find Possum Droppings
If you’ve identified the possum droppings, it’s important to handle the situation carefully and within legal guidelines. Possums are protected wildlife, so removal must always be humane and carried out correctly. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Inspect the property
Start by checking your roof, attic, garden, and nearby trees for signs of activity. Look for entry holes, scratching noises at night, nesting material, or repeated droppings in the same location. This helps confirm where the possum is living.
Step 2: Avoid DIY trapping
Do not try to trap, relocate, or harm the possum yourself. In NSW, handling protected wildlife without a licence is illegal and can lead to penalties. DIY attempts can also injure the animal or worsen the infestation.
Step 3: Call a licensed specialist
Contact a licensed possum removal professional who can safely capture and relocate the animal according to wildlife regulations. Experts use humane methods and know the permitted relocation distance.
Step 4: Clean and proof the area
After removal, contaminated areas sanitised and deodorised. Seal roof gaps, repair vents, trim branches, and block entry points to prevent the possum from returning.
Acting quickly protects both your home and the animal while ensuring compliance with local laws.
How To Get Rid Possum Poop Out Of Your Yard
Getting rid of possum poop solves the mess , but not the real problem. Exposure to possum droppings can pose serious health risks, so quick and careful removal is essential — especially if children or pets are around. Once you confirm possum poo, clean it safely based on the location and amount present.
Safe Cleaning Steps
1. Wear protective gear
Wear proper protective equipment before cleaning, including disposable gloves, rubber boots, a face mask or respirator, and long-sleeve clothing or a protective suit. Using this gear helps prevent direct contact with harmful bacteria and reduces the risk of inhaling contaminated airborne particles.
2. Dampen the droppings first
Lightly spray water over dry feces before handling them, as moistening the droppings helps prevent contaminated dust and particles from becoming airborne during cleaning.
3. Carefully collect waste
Use a shovel or scoop to carefully collect the droppings, place them into sealed plastic bags, and dispose of the bags in an outdoor covered bin, ensuring they are not burned or buried indoors.
4. Disinfect thoroughly
After removing the possum droppings, clean the affected area thoroughly with hot water and a suitable disinfectant, and note that porous materials such as insulation or heavily contaminated items may need to be replaced to ensure proper sanitation.
5. Deep sanitation
Apply a deodorising or disinfectant spray or fogger in roof voids and other tight spaces to sanitise hard-to-reach areas, then thoroughly clean your tools, boots, and hands once the job is complete to avoid spreading contamination.
6.Outdoor areas & pools
For garden areas, remove the waste carefully and disinfect the soil surface, and for pools, clear out any debris and rebalance the water using an appropriate sanitiser treatment to restore safe conditions.
7. Call Pest Control Expert
If droppings keep appearing or you suspect an active infestation, contact EMK Termite & Pest Control professionals to inspect the property, safely remove the animal if required, and seal entry points to prevent future problems.
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