Seeing a snake in your backyard can be alarming, especially if you live in areas of Sydney where snakes are more active during warmer months. While most Australian snakes prefer to avoid humans, encounters do happen. Knowing what to do if you spot a snake in your backyard is essential for keeping your family, pets, and property safe.
This guide will walk you through the right steps to take when dealing with a snake in your backyard, why professional help is important, and how you can prevent snakes from returning. By understanding snake behaviour and knowing who to call, you can act quickly and confidently in any situation.
Why Snakes Appear in Backyards
A snake in your backyard is usually there for a reason. Snakes are attracted to food, shelter, and water sources. Backyards with long grass, wood piles, pet food, or garden ponds can unknowingly provide the perfect environment for snakes.
In Sydney and surrounding areas, snakes are more active in spring and summer as they hunt for food and mates. This is when homeowners are most likely to encounter them around their gardens. Understanding why snakes appear helps in reducing the risk of future visits.
Even simple features like rock gardens, garden edging, or compost piles can offer attractive hiding spots. If your property backs onto bushland or water, the chance of seeing a snake increases even further.
Stay Calm When You See a Snake
The most important thing you can do if you see a snake in your backyard is to remain calm. Sudden movements can startle the snake and increase the chance of defensive behaviour.
Avoid trying to chase it away, hit it, or attempt to capture it. Not only is this dangerous, but in New South Wales, it is also illegal to harm or kill snakes, as they are protected native wildlife.
Instead, keep your distance and observe from a safe spot until help arrives. Snakes will often move on by themselves if left undisturbed, but calling a professional ensures the situation is managed properly.
Keep Children and Pets Away
When there is a snake in your backyard, move children and pets inside immediately. Dogs and cats are naturally curious and may approach the snake, which can lead to bites. Keeping pets safe indoors also prevents unnecessary stress for the animal and reduces the chances of an accident.
If you cannot bring pets inside, ensure they are restrained away from the snake until the situation is handled. Even if you believe the snake is non-venomous, the risk is not worth taking. A bite can be dangerous for pets and traumatic for children.
Teaching your family basic safety rules around snakes is also valuable. Let children know that if they ever see a snake, they should stay calm, avoid approaching it, and tell an adult immediately.
Call a Licensed Snake Catcher
The safest and most effective way to deal with a snake in your backyard is to contact a licensed professional. Medusa Snake Catcher provides fast and reliable snake removal services across Sydney and surrounding regions.
A licensed snake catcher has the training, experience, and equipment to safely remove the snake and relocate it without harm. Attempting to handle the snake yourself puts you at unnecessary risk.
Professional snake catchers also know how to spot signs of more than one snake. If a property has ideal conditions, there may be multiple snakes nearby, which makes expert assessment essential.
If you see a snake, call 0427 775 959 immediately for assistance.
Do Not Try to Identify the Snake Yourself
While you may be tempted to figure out whether the snake in your backyard is venomous, this is not recommended. Many species look similar, and misidentification is common.
Rely on an expert snake catcher who can correctly identify the species and handle it appropriately. Remember, all snakes should be treated with caution, regardless of whether they are venomous or not.
Trying to take photos up close to identify the snake is also risky. If you want to show the snake catcher, take a picture from a safe distance without approaching or startling the animal.
How to Prevent Snakes from Entering Your Backyard
Dealing with a snake in your backyard once can be stressful enough. Taking preventative steps helps reduce the likelihood of another encounter. Here are some practical measures you can take:
Keep Your Lawn and Garden Tidy
Snakes prefer long grass, shrubs, and cluttered areas where they can hide. Regularly mowing your lawn and trimming bushes reduces hiding spots. Clean up leaf litter, unused pots, and timber piles that could become shelters.
Remove Food Sources
Rodents attract snakes, so effective rodent control is key. Store pet food securely and clean up fallen fruit from trees to reduce food sources. By keeping your yard clean and free from clutter, you make it less appealing to both rodents and snakes.
Seal Gaps and Entry Points
Snakes can enter through small gaps under fences or sheds. Inspect your property and block any openings that could allow snakes to slither in. Sealing gaps in garage doors, under houses, and around water tanks can make a big difference.
Install Snake Proofing
Professional snake-proofing solutions, such as specialised fencing or barriers, can help protect your property. Medusa Snake Catcher provides expert snake-proofing services across Sydney to give you peace of mind. This is especially important for families with young children or pets, as prevention is always better than a dangerous encounter.
What Not to Do if You Find a Snake in Your Backyard
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are common mistakes homeowners make:
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake
- Do not pour chemicals or attempt to scare it away
- Do not corner the snake, as this can trigger defensive behaviour
- Do not delay calling a professional
Acting incorrectly can increase the danger for you, your family, and your pets. Even well-meaning actions, such as trying to guide the snake out with a broom, can lead to an unnecessary accident.
Snakes Commonly Found in Sydney Backyards
While Sydney is home to a variety of snakes, some are more common around residential areas. These include:
- Red-bellied Black Snake – Often seen near water, recognisable by its dark body and red underside.
- Eastern Brown Snake – Highly venomous and frequently encountered in suburban areas, especially during summer.
- Diamond Python – A non-venomous constrictor that helps control rodent populations but still requires careful handling.
- Green Tree Snake – Non-venomous and slender, usually found climbing in trees or shrubs.
Each species has different behaviours and habitats, but all should be left to professionals to manage safely.
Why Choose Medusa Snake Catcher
Medusa Snake Catcher is a trusted name in Sydney for snake catching, snake proofing, and snake removal. With years of experience, we provide safe, reliable, and fast services for homeowners, businesses, and properties across New South Wales.
We operate with a strong focus on safety, animal welfare, and customer care. Our team is available for 24/7 emergency snake removal, ensuring that help is only a phone call away.
By choosing Medusa, you are choosing a professional service that puts your safety first. We pride ourselves on quick response times, expert knowledge of local snake species, and the ability to protect your property long-term.
Conclusion
Finding a snake in your backyard can be unsettling, but with the right steps, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Always stay calm, keep children and pets away, and never attempt to handle the snake yourself.
For a fast, safe, and professional solution, contact Medusa Snake Catcher at 0427775959. Our licensed team is available around the clock to remove snakes from your property and provide expert advice on prevention. Don’t take risks when it comes to your safety, let the experts handle it.