Sydney Wildlife: Amazing Animals Found Around Our City

What Should I Do If Native Wildlife Enters My Sydney Home?

Australian native animals are beloved in the wild — but when possums, bandicoots, or reptiles find their way indoors, they become a safety concern. Unlike cockroaches or ants, wildlife is protected by law, and removing them requires special care.

When trapped inside, wildlife may become frightened, defensive, or aggressive. They can damage property, chew wiring, and spread disease — plus carry ticks and fleas that affect pets and people.

For a full inspection and safe assessment, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.

How Can Wildlife Bring Ticks And Fleas Onto My Property?

Paralysis ticks are active across Sydney from winter through spring. Bandicoots, wallabies, and other native animals carry these ticks naturally — with no visible signs of illness.

When these animals visit your yard, ticks can drop off or transfer straight to your cats and dogs. Data from the University of Sydney shows 65% of tick paralysis cases in pets happen after contact with areas visited by native wildlife.

If your home borders bushland or reserves, check pets daily and keep yards clear of thick undergrowth.

Last year alone, our team responded to 127 calls across Greater Sydney about bandicoots, possums, snakes, and lizards entering homes or yards.

When you spot wildlife activity or tick risks, call us on 1800 819 189 — we can inspect and advise on safe, legal steps.

Why Is Native Wildlife Protected In Sydney?

We share our suburbs with wildlife — we are building on their land, not the other way around. As housing and developments expand, natural habitats shrink. Protecting native species helps keep our local ecosystem balanced.

Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), harming or relocating native animals without a licence is illegal. Penalties can reach $220,000 for individuals.

Our role is not to remove wildlife forever — it is to help you live safely alongside them.

Which Sydney Homes Are Most Likely To Get Wildlife Visitors?

You are more likely to see native animals if your property is near:

• National parks, bush reserves, or forested areas
• Golf courses, rivers, or railway corridors
• Vacant blocks or older buildings
• Mature trees or dense vegetation close to roofs

Even well‑established suburbs like Hornsby, Sutherland, and Northern Beaches see frequent wildlife visits because green spaces are still very close by.

What Is The Right Way To Solve Wildlife Intrusions?

Never ask for wildlife to be destroyed — we cannot and will not do that. Our licensed team can place humane cages (for possums, for example), then release them safely back into suitable habitat.

If we cannot assist, we will refer you straight to WIRES — Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service on 1300 094 737. They are the authorised experts for rescue and relocation.

You can also help wildlife stay outside by installing nesting boxes or possum homes — giving them shelter without needing to enter your roof or walls.

Important: Do not try to catch or move wildlife yourself. You risk injury, disease, and breaking the law. Trained handlers know how to act safely for both you and the animal.

Common Native Wildlife Found In Sydney

There are dozens of native species you may encounter. For a full reference list, visit the Australian Museum Wildlife Page.

The most frequently reported visitors include:

• Common Brushtail & Ringtail Possums
• Southern Brown Bandicoots
• Native rats and antechinus
• Blue‑tongue lizards and native snakes
• Bats and microbats

How Can I Prevent Wildlife From Entering My Home?

Use these practical steps to help everyone co‑exist safely:

• Repair damaged flyscreens and seal gaps under eaves
• Fit caps to open chimneys
• Cover exhaust fan openings
• Cut tree branches back at least 1.5m from your roof
• Store firewood away from walls and foundations
• Lock rubbish bins and compost lids
• Pick up fallen fruit daily
• Keep pet food and birdseed indoors or secured
• Ventilate crawl spaces and fix leaks
• Never feed native wildlife — this encourages dependence

Comparison: DIY vs Professional Wildlife Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to remove possums in Sydney?

Yes — you cannot trap or move possums without a licence. Only authorised pest controllers or rescue groups may do this legally.

What do I do if I find a snake inside?

Keep your distance, secure pets, and call a licensed snake catcher or WIRES immediately. Do not approach or handle it.

Can wildlife give my pets ticks?

Yes — paralysis ticks carried by bandicoots and wallabies easily transfer to dogs and cats. Tick prevention is vital in Sydney.

How do I stop possums getting in the roof?

Seal all entry points, trim back overhanging branches, and install a possum box nearby as an alternative shelter.

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