LocalePulse / Pest control / Possum and wasp missed-call texts
Guide for pest control and wildlife removal businessesSomeone with a possum thumping in the roof or wasps by the back door wants an answer now. If you're up a ladder, a good text back keeps them from ringing the next number.
Direct answer
When you miss a call about a possum, wasp nest or bee swarm, text back within minutes with your business name, when you'll call, and two or three questions that let you quote: the suburb, where the animal or nest is, and for wasps and bees, whether anyone nearby is allergic to stings. Don't promise to take a possum away. Possums are protected, and in NSW and Victoria the rules require release on the same property, close to where it was caught. For stings, tell people to keep clear and call 000 for a severe reaction.
What to ask, by job type
| Job | Ask in the text | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Possum in the roof | Suburb, where they hear it, how long it's been going on | Lets you plan the visit, the trap or one-way door, and the entry points to seal |
| Wasp nest | Suburb, where the nest is (eaves, ground, wall), anyone allergic | Tells you the access and how urgent it is |
| Bee swarm | Suburb, where it's settled, how long it's been there | A fresh swarm may move on; one in a wall cavity is a different job |
| Not sure what it is | Suburb and a photo, if they can take one safely | A photo saves a wasted trip |
Wording to avoid
- Don't promise relocation. Possums are protected native animals. NSW catch-and-release licence conditions require release on the property where the possum was caught, within 150 metres, after sunset. In Victoria, brushtail possums must be released on the same property within 50 metres of the capture site after sunset on the day of capture. Say "remove it from your roof", not "take it away".
- Don't give medical advice by text. For stings, say to keep clear of the nest and call 000 if someone has trouble breathing or a severe reaction.
- Don't tell people to tackle it themselves. A text that says "just spray it" or "block the hole" can trap a possum inside or stir up a nest. Ask them to keep clear until you call.
- Keep it a reply, not an ad. A text that answers the person who rang you is a reply. Adding offers turns it into a commercial message under the Spam Act.
Free texts you can paste
Possum in the roof
Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call, I'm on a job. I'll ring you back by [time]. So I can plan the visit, reply with your suburb and where you hear the possum (which room or side of the house).
Wasp nest
Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call. I'll ring you back by [time]. Please keep people and pets clear of the nest. Reply with your suburb, where the nest is, and whether anyone there is allergic to stings. If someone is having a severe reaction, call 000.
Bee swarm
Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call. I'll ring you back by [time]. Keep clear of the swarm and don't spray it. Reply with your suburb, where it's settled and roughly how long it's been there.
Not sure what it is
Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call, I'm on a job. If you can safely take a photo of what you're seeing, reply with it and your suburb and I'll ring you back by [time].
Decline-with-text (short)
[Business]: on a job, can't talk. I'll call you back soon. Text me your suburb and the problem.
We don't do this job
Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Thanks for calling. We don't handle [possums / bee swarms], sorry. [Optional: You could try [service or organisation you trust].]
Edit the times and only mention services you actually offer. Wildlife rules differ between states, so check your own state's conditions and your licence before you describe what you'll do on site. This page is general information, not legal or licensing advice.
FAQ
- Can I relocate a possum to a park or bushland?
- Not in NSW or Victoria. NSW catch-and-release licence conditions require release on the property where it was caught, within 150 metres, after sunset. Victoria requires brushtail possums to be released on the same property within 50 metres of the capture site after sunset on the day of capture. Check your own state's rules.
- Do I need a licence to remove possums?
- In NSW, catching and releasing possums requires a licence, and the NSW environment department tells homeowners to ask whether a handler holds a current catch-and-release licence. In Victoria, homeowners and DEECA-licensed wildlife controllers can trap brushtail possums in buildings under set conditions. Other states have their own rules.
- What should a wasp missed-call text say?
- Your business name, when you'll call back, a request to keep people and pets clear, and two questions: where the nest is and whether anyone is allergic to stings. Add a line to call 000 for a severe reaction.
- Should I text back or just call back?
- Do both. A text within a few minutes tells the caller you're coming back to them, and the details they reply with make the call quicker.
- Is a missed-call text marketing under the Spam Act?
- A plain reply to someone who called you, with your business name and when you'll call back, is a response. The ACMA says messages that offer or promote goods or services are commercial and need consent, identification and an unsubscribe option. Keep offers out of it. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- NSW Environment and Heritage: Catch and release possums and standard licence conditions (PDF)
- NSW Environment and Heritage: How to remove a possum from your roof
- Wildlife Victoria (DEECA): Possums and vic.gov.au: Wildlife controller licence conditions
- ACMA: Avoid sending spam