Finding a snake in your garden can be a frightening experience, particularly during Sydney’s warmer months when snakes are most active. While your first instinct might be to panic, staying calm and knowing the right steps to take is essential for your safety and the snake’s welfare.
Snakes are a protected part of Australia’s natural ecosystem, helping control pests such as rats and mice. However, when they enter residential areas, they can cause fear and potential danger, especially if the species is venomous. This guide will walk you through what to do and what not to do if you come across a snake in your garden.
Understanding Snake Behaviour
Snakes are not naturally aggressive. They prefer to avoid humans and only strike when threatened. In many cases, a snake will leave your property on its own once it feels safe. Understanding why snakes appear in residential areas can help you prevent future encounters.
Common Reasons Snakes Enter Gardens
- Food Sources: Snakes are drawn to rodents, frogs, and small birds that might live around your property.
- Shelter: Overgrown gardens, piles of wood, and compost heaps provide perfect hiding spots.
- Water: During hot or dry weather, snakes may seek out garden ponds, pet water bowls, or leaky taps.
In Sydney and surrounding suburbs, you may encounter species such as:
- Eastern Brown Snake – One of Australia’s most venomous snakes, often found in suburban areas.
- Red-bellied Black Snake – Common near water sources, with distinctive black colouring and a red belly.
- Diamond Python – Non-venomous and known for its diamond-patterned skin.
- Green Tree Snake – Harmless and slender, often found in trees or shrubbery.
Do’s if You Find a Snake in Your Garden
When you see a snake, your actions can make all the difference. Following the right steps will protect you, your family, and the animal.
1. Stay Calm and Keep a Safe Distance
Remain still and slowly move away. Snakes will not chase you.
- Keep at least five metres between you and the snake.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle it.
- Observe from a safe distance to note its direction and behaviour.
2. Remove Pets and Children from the Area
Pets, especially dogs and cats, may try to attack or investigate snakes, increasing the risk of bites.
- Bring pets indoors immediately.
- Close doors and windows to keep them inside.
- Keep children supervised and explain the importance of staying away.
3. Watch and Record from a Safe Spot
If possible, take a photo or video from afar using your phone’s zoom feature.
- This helps professionals identify the species quickly.
- Note where the snake came from and where it’s heading.
- Do not attempt to block its path or trap it.
4. Close Off Indoor Entry Points
Snakes sometimes move toward shaded or cool areas, including under doors or sheds.
- Close doors and windows.
- Block gaps under fences and around decks.
- Keep garages and garden sheds closed when not in use.
5. Call a Licensed Snake Catcher
Professional snake catchers, like Medusa Snake Catcher, are trained to handle snakes safely.
- They know how to identify and relocate snakes without harm.
- Using the correct equipment ensures minimal stress to the animal.
- DIY attempts can result in serious bites or injuries.
6. Keep the Snake in Sight (If Safe to Do So)
If you can safely monitor the snake until help arrives, it will make the removal process easier.
- Avoid loud noises or bright lights.
- Let the snake move freely but do not approach it.
- Give clear directions to the snake catcher upon arrival.
Don’ts if You Find a Snake in Your Garden
While fear is a natural reaction, doing the wrong thing can put you and others in danger. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Don’t Try to Kill or Capture the Snake
It’s illegal to harm native snakes in Australia. Attempting to kill or capture one often leads to bites.
- Most snake bites occur during capture attempts.
- Killing snakes can lead to heavy fines under wildlife protection laws.
2. Don’t Use Household Tools or DIY Traps
Common items like rakes, shovels, or buckets are not safe tools for snake removal.
- You could injure yourself or the snake.
- Improper handling can make the snake more aggressive.
3. Don’t Spray Water, Chemicals, or Pesticides
These methods are ineffective and can cause unnecessary harm.
- Snakes do not respond predictably to deterrent sprays.
- Chemicals may harm pets or contaminate soil.
4. Don’t Corner the Snake
Snakes are defensive when trapped. Always give them a way to escape.
- Blocking escape routes can provoke a strike.
- Step back slowly and maintain distance.
5. Don’t Attempt Relocation Yourself
Handling and relocating snakes without a permit is illegal in most states.
- You could face penalties for interfering with wildlife.
- Professionals have the right tools and knowledge for safe relocation.
How to Prevent Snakes from Entering Your Garden
Prevention is key. By keeping your property well-maintained and removing attractants, you can reduce the chances of a snake entering your space.
1. Maintain a Tidy Garden
Snakes prefer cover. Regular yard maintenance is one of the simplest ways to deter them.
- Mow your lawn frequently.
- Clear away logs, firewood, and long grass.
- Remove piles of leaves, compost, or debris.
2. Control Rodent Populations
Rodents are a primary food source for snakes.
- Store pet food and grain in sealed containers.
- Set traps or use pest control if you notice signs of mice or rats.
- Avoid leaving bird seed scattered around.
3. Eliminate Standing Water
Snakes seek water sources during dry spells.
- Repair leaking taps, pipes, and sprinklers.
- Avoid overwatering garden beds.
- Empty pet water bowls overnight if they’re outdoors.
4. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home and garden structures regularly.
- Patch cracks in foundations and seal under-door gaps.
- Use fine mesh around vents, drains, and fence lines.
- Keep sheds and garages closed when not in use.
5. Consider Snake-proof Fencing
If you live near bushland or water, snake-proof fencing can be highly effective.
- Ensure the fence is buried several centimetres underground.
- Angle the top section outward to prevent climbing.
- Regularly inspect the fence for holes or wear.
What to Do if a Snake Enters Your Home
Occasionally, snakes may slip indoors seeking warmth or shelter. If this happens:
- Stay calm and keep a safe distance.
- Close the room off by shutting the doors to contain the snake.
- Block gaps under doors with towels or cloth.
- Call a professional snake catcher immediately.
- Do not attempt removal on your own, even if you think it’s non-venomous.
A professional can locate and remove the snake safely while ensuring no others are hiding nearby.
What Happens During a Professional Snake Removal
When you contact a licensed expert, the process is efficient and stress-free:
- You describe the snake and its location.
- The catcher arrives equipped with safe handling tools.
- The snake is identified, captured, and relocated to a suitable habitat.
- You receive advice on how to prevent future snake visits.
This humane approach ensures the safety of everyone involved, whether humans, pets, or wildlife.
Why You Should Leave It to the Experts
Professional snake catchers undergo extensive training to identify and manage snakes correctly. They are also licensed under NSW regulations, ensuring all removals comply with local wildlife laws.
Relying on an expert guarantees:
- Safety: They minimise risks to you and your family.
- Accuracy: Correct species identification helps determine the best approach.
- Compliance: They follow legal guidelines for relocation.
Attempting removal yourself can lead to unnecessary stress, injury, or legal issues.
Conclusion
Snakes are an important part of Australia’s natural environment, but encountering one in your garden can still be unsettling. By staying calm, keeping your distance, and knowing the correct actions to take, you can protect both yourself and the snake.
If you ever find a snake in your garden, do not take risks. Contact us at 0427775959 today for fast, safe, and humane snake removal anywhere in Sydney. Our experienced team is available to help you handle any snake situation with care, professionalism, and peace of mind.