No one likes discovering pests around the home, but what should you do if the pest problem you have is actually a native animal, and a protected species?

The most common native wildlife that can become a household pest is the possum, notably Brushtail possums and Ringtail possums. Both have adapted easily to urban life, and can make their homes in roofs. Because they’re nocturnal, they can be heard scrabbling around in ceilings, leaving droppings and urinating. They are protected, so cannot be baited or killed. Fruit bats or Flying Foxes are also protected, and can be a nuisance in trees, especially at dusk. But do not try and catch them yourself – they can transmit disease. It’s best to get a pest control expert out to remove them.

Native snakes are also protected, such as the Red-bellied Black Snake, the Tiger Snake and the Brown Snake. These can be found in suburban areas, and as they are venomous, it’s again best to leave their capture and release to professionals. Similarly, native bees are protected, and while they are more beneficial than pest-like, and stingless (unlike introduced bee species), their hives need to be removed by professionals.