Australia’s warm climate makes it a comfortable habitat for snakes, especially around Sydney’s residential areas. While most snakes prefer to stay hidden, they can sometimes find their way into backyards, garages, or even homes when seeking food, water, or shelter. Recognising the early signs of a snake infestation can prevent unwanted encounters and keep your property safe.
This guide highlights the most common indicators of a possible snake problem around your home and what you should do if you notice any of them.
1. Shedded Snake Skins Around the Property
One of the clearest signs of a snake infestation is the presence of shedded skins. As snakes grow, they periodically shed their outer layer, leaving behind a papery, translucent casing that resembles their body shape.
You might find these skins:
- Near garden beds or rock piles
- Around sheds or garages
- Under decks or porches
- Along walls or fences
Snake skins are often a warning that a snake has been nearby or still might be. If you find multiple shedded skins over a short period, it may indicate that a snake has taken up residence on your property.
2. Unusual Tracks or Slither Marks
Snakes move by slithering, leaving behind distinctive tracks on dusty, sandy, or muddy surfaces. If you notice smooth, wavy lines across your garden, near entryways, or inside a shed, this could be a sign that a snake has passed through.
Pay attention to:
- Tracks leading toward dark or hidden areas, like holes, pipes, or cluttered corners
- Patterns appearing repeatedly in the same areas
- Any disturbance in leaf litter or mulch beds
Unlike lizards or other small reptiles, snakes leave no footprints. They are just a single, continuous trail.
3. Increased Presence of Snake Prey
A sudden rise in rodents, frogs, or bird activity could mean more than just a minor pest issue. Snakes are opportunistic feeders, and an abundance of prey around your property can attract them.
Look out for:
- Mice droppings or gnaw marks
- Frog calls near damp areas
- Bird nests or eggs in low branches or gutters
If your property has easy food sources, snakes may stick around to hunt. Controlling pest populations is one of the most effective ways to discourage snake infestations in the first place.
4. Unexplained Noises in Walls or Roof Spaces
While snakes generally move quietly, they can sometimes make faint sounds when navigating tight spaces. These noises might be mistaken for rodents at first.
You might hear:
- Soft slithering or scraping sounds behind walls
- Movement in ceiling cavities, especially during warm weather
- Shuffling noises near stored boxes or clutter
If these sounds persist and pest activity seems low, there’s a chance a snake could be the culprit. Always avoid investigating on your own, it’s safer to call a licensed professional.
5. Snake Droppings or Odours
Snake droppings can look similar to those of birds or other reptiles but often contain traces of fur, feathers, or bone fragments from their prey. These droppings may appear dark, moist, and tubular, sometimes with a white, chalky tip (uric acid).
You may also notice a distinct musky odour in areas where snakes frequently move or hide. This scent helps snakes mark their territory and may linger in enclosed or shaded spots such as:
- Under outdoor furniture
- Behind storage boxes
- In garden sheds
If you notice this smell consistently, it could suggest a recurring snake presence.
6. Sudden Pet Behaviour Changes
Dogs and cats often sense the presence of snakes before humans do. If your pets begin acting unusually anxious or alert in certain areas of the home or yard, take it seriously.
You may observe:
- Continuous barking or growling at a specific location
- Hesitation to enter certain rooms or outdoor spaces
- Cats fixating on small gaps, holes, or corners
Pets may even find and attempt to interact with snakes, which can lead to dangerous encounters. Keeping a close eye on your pets’ behaviour is a subtle but important way to detect potential infestations early.
7. Direct Sightings or Repeated Encounters
Seeing a snake more than once on your property is a strong indication that there may be a nesting site nearby. Snakes prefer undisturbed, secure areas, particularly during warmer months when they’re more active.
You might spot snakes in or around:
- Compost heaps and mulch piles
- Retaining walls or rock gardens
- Storage sheds with clutter
- Beneath debris, tarps, or old furniture
If you encounter a snake indoors or repeatedly in your yard, it’s time to call in professionals for a full property inspection. Snakes can enter through gaps under doors, vents, or cracks in foundations and even holes as small as a few centimetres wide.
Common Areas Where Snakes May Hide
Knowing where snakes tend to seek shelter can help you conduct quick visual checks around your property. Snakes are drawn to areas that provide warmth, moisture, and cover.
Some typical hiding spots include:
- Overgrown gardens or lawns
- Piles of wood, bricks, or stones
- Roof cavities or under floors
- Garden ponds or water features
- Unsealed entry points around sheds or garages
Keeping these spaces clean and well-maintained can go a long way in preventing infestations.
What Attracts Snakes to Homes
Snakes are not naturally aggressive, and they don’t enter homes to cause harm. Instead, they’re looking for food, water, and safety. Understanding what attracts them can help reduce the risk of unwanted visits.
Common attractants include:
- Food sources: rodents, birds, and insects
- Shelter: tall grass, piles of debris, and gaps in structures
- Water: leaky taps, pet bowls, or garden ponds
- Warmth: sunny rocks, patios, or garages
By addressing these attractants, you can make your property less appealing to snakes. Seal gaps, store food securely, and keep your surroundings tidy to minimise potential hiding spots.
How to Prevent Snake Infestations
Preventing snakes from settling on your property is easier than dealing with an infestation later. Here are some effective prevention measures:
- Keep your lawn short and gardens trimmed
- Seal holes or cracks around your home and fences
- Store firewood and materials off the ground
- Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outdoors overnight
- Regularly check sheds, garages, and basements for signs of pests
- Use mesh covers for drains and vents
- Reduce rodent populations around your property
Consistent maintenance and awareness can help keep snakes at bay, especially during their active seasons from spring to early autumn.
What to Do If You Suspect a Snake Infestation
If you suspect snakes are living on your property, it’s best to remain calm and avoid disturbing them. Snakes can be defensive when cornered, and some species in the Sydney region are venomous.
Here’s what you should do:
- Keep pets and children indoors
- Avoid handling or approaching the snake
- Close off the area if possible
- Call a licensed snake catcher for assistance
Attempting to remove a snake yourself can be risky and is not recommended. Professional snake catchers are trained to identify species safely and relocate them in accordance with wildlife regulations.
Stay Safe with Professional Snake Inspections
Recognising the early signs of a snake infestation in your home can protect your family and property from unwanted surprises. From shedded skins and odours to unusual pet behaviour, each clue tells a story about potential snake activity nearby.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. A thorough inspection from a qualified expert ensures snakes are identified and removed safely.
Contact us at 0427775959 today to schedule a professional property inspection across Sydney. Our team provides safe, reliable snake removal and prevention advice to help you keep your home snake-free all year round.