People sometimes think that the best solution is to catch the possum themselves and relocate it in a bushland area, but relocation is often fatal for possums as they are highly territorial.

Relocation often forces the newly arrived possum to compete for territory with existing possums in the area.

What's more, when you remove a possum from your property there is always another one waiting to move right in.

So, if you've had enough of your free-loading tenant, follow this four step plan and you will be well on your way to a good night's sleep and a very happy possum:

Firstly check your roof resident is actually a possum. Rats commonly enter roofs, but make light scampering and gnawing sounds as opposed to a possum's guttural hiss and heavy thumping.

Find where they are getting in by watching the possum as it goes out to feed just after dark. Then block the hole and ensure all other possible entry points are blocked. Check for broken tiles, a gap in the boards or space under the eaves. Sometimes there will be a tell-tale dirty mark.

Night time is the best time to block off an entry point, after you're sure the possum has left the roof. Remember there may be more than one possum in the roof a mother with a baby or young possum so check to make absolutely sure no possums are left inside the roof before blocking up the hole.

Remove tree branches hanging close to or over the roof to prevent possums from jumping onto the roof.

Lastly, but most importantly, erect a possum-box in your yard as an alternative home that will encourage the possum to stay. You want the possum to keep your yard as its territory to discourage other possums from moving into your roof and yard. To build your own possum palace visit:

http://www.environmen t.nsw.gov.au/animals/GuideToMakin gAPossumHouse.htm