The warmer weather has resulted in seeing a lot of snakes on the move.
While it is impossible to totally snake proof your yard there are some things you can do to minimise the amount of snakes that you may potentially encounter.
Snakes pass through – they usually aren’t looking to set up residence at your place but if there is no constant food source and safe place inviting them to stay, they will move on a lot quicker.
Right now they will be looking for two things – food and a mate to breed with. By keeping a tidy yard you will cut down the food option.
Keep yards mowed as low as possible. Long grass provides somewhere for not only snakes but the animals and amphibians they prey upon somewhere to hide. If it is not possible to keep grass as short as possible wear closed in shoes and long pants. If you are worried about your four-legged friend and snakes, train your dogs to stay beside you in these areas.
- Don’t leave rubbish lying around. If it doesn’t fit in the bin take it to the tip. Like long grass, rubbish will provide protection for both snakes and rodents alike.
- Make sure any retaining walls are complete – holes in the walls are perfect hides for snakes.
- Sheds and garages should be clutter free. Most of the time they are not completely closed in like houses, so it is extremely common for pythons to seek shelter in garages and sheds. If they are organised it is easier to see if you have a visitor. (things will be moved, objects that were stored higher up may suddenly appear on the floor, and you may find excrement on the floor)
- A high fence is not a guarantee that you will not have visitors. There is an old wives tale that venomous snakes don’t climb only pythons do. Not true. Venomous snakes may prefer to utilise the ground but won’t hesitate to climb a tree or fence if they are able to find food.
- Always wear closed in shoes, especially at night. Whilst thongs are a lot more comfortable to wear in summer, they provide no protection should strike toward you.
- Don’t put your hands where you cannot see them. Snakes don’t go out of their way to bite people, but when startled it is their mode of defence.
- If you have outside pets make sure their feeding area is always clean and preferably away from the house. Food attracts rodents. Rodents attract snakes.
- Wiring on cages and enclosures should be as small as possible. A snake won’t differentiate that the guinea pig is a pet, not a rodent.
There are some “repellers” on the market. They don’t work. Please don’t use glue traps either.
If you are worried about your dog and live near bush, or a vacant property etc, look into some snake aversion courses.
If a snake has found it’s way onto your property — LEAVE IT ALONE!
Move away to a safe place/distance.
Ensure your children & pets are safe.
Keep the name of your local snake catcher handy. A business card on the fridge for both a snake catcher and your vet will help out anyone whilst you’re not home, and save the snake catchers number in your phone. Save it under snake catcher so you don’t need to remember their name in a hurry!
Familiarise yourself with the species of snakes that are in your area, and with their appearance.
If you are unable to confidently identify a snake you spot, from a safe distance take a photo and send it to your local snake catcher. They should offer a free identification service.
Excerpt from article by Nature4U – shared with permission. Originally published: December 2024 ACE Newsletter.
