Hotter weather means an increased chance of an encounter with a snake on your property or, even worse, in your home.
In Queensland, we have a range of snakes from harmless carpet and green tree snakes to the more venomous red-bellied black snakes, taipans and eastern brown snakes. A snake should always be given a wide berth even if you think it might not be venomous. And never try and kill or remove a snake yourself if it enters your home.
Snakes aren’t fussy about where they make their nests. As long as the spot they choose is warm, secure and near a potential food source, they’re happy. A prime entry spot is open doors and windows because of the hot summer weather. installing window and door screens is a good idea if you’re worried about a snake getting in and setting up its home under your sink or in your pantry.
A favoured spot for snakes is roof cavities. In fact, many homeowners cohabitate with a snake in the roof and aren’t even aware of it. A Brisbane snake catcher, Andrew Smedley suggests that snakes are safe enough to have in your roof as long as they’re not disturbing the peace. He says that one python he caught in Collingwood Park had been living in the roof for about 10-15 years until it ate the neighbour’s cat.
But if the thought of this bothers you then it’s best to make your home as uninviting to a snake as possible. Here are some ways to keep your home and garden snake free:
Keep it tidy – mow grass short, keep gardens weeded and remove debris or wood piles lying around your property that might attract a snake to nest there.
Seal holes – Make it harder for snakes to get into your home by sealing any potential entry holes.
Keep pets safe – Keep small household pets such as cats and dogs indoors at night to be on the safe side and get your chickens and guinea pig a snake-proof enclosure.
Keep your bins tidy – Always put household rubbish in a sealed bag and into a secure bin.
Plant taller – Low lying shrubs and bushes make ideal shady hideouts for snakes, so taller trees and plants could be a better option for your garden.
Get rid of rodents – Homes that have mice and rats are going to attract snakes so concentrate on getting rid of these.
Then again, as snake catcher Andrew says there’s no better rat catcher than a snake. “I’d like to encourage people to leave them there because they’re real good for vermin control. They’ll clean out your rats, your possums – you name it.” Just make sure it’s a friendly, non-venomous snake!
Austates are Brisbane’s specialists in Pest and Weed Equipment and makers of AusBox Custom-Made Ute Canopies.