Chris Williams 21/10/23 Chris Williams 21/10/23

How to Snake-Proof Your Yard: Ultimate Tips for a Safe Oasis

Tips and tricks to help snake proof your home and yard.

Outdoor enthusiasts and homeowners alike value the serenity of a yard. However, the prospect of snakes can often dampen this peace. Worry not! Here's a definitive guide to help you make your yard less inviting to these reptiles, ensuring a safe environment.

1. Regular Yard Maintenance: High grass and unkempt shrubbery are invitations for snakes. Regular mowing and trimming are crucial. A well-maintained yard is your first line of defence against these unwanted guests.

2. Remove Food Sources: Control rodent populations to make your yard less snake-friendly. Ensure trash bins are sealed, and refrain from leaving pet food outdoors, which can attract rodents and, in turn, snakes.

3. Declutter Your Yard: Piles of wood, leaves, or other debris can be prime real estate for snakes. Aim for a tidy yard by removing such clutter. Elevate firewood stacks at least 20 inches off the ground.

4. Install a Snake Fence: For heightened protection, consider a snake-proof fence. It should be buried a few inches deep, stand at least 3 feet tall, and feature mesh holes no larger than a quarter inch.

Be careful not to use mesh that has larger holes than this. You run the risk of the snake getting stuck in the holes which increases the chance of a bite occuring.

**Mesh like this is small enough to prevent snakes getting stuck...a snake stuck in mesh is way more dangerous to pets and kids.**

5. Seal Entrances to Your Home: Close off any gaps or cracks in the home's foundation or walls. This not only prevents snakes but also enhances insulation and general pest control.

6. Maintain a Dry Yard: Water attracts snakes. Eliminate stagnant water sources by fixing any leaks and ensuring proper yard drainage.

7. Use Natural Repellents: Plants such as marigolds and lemongrass naturally repel snakes. Plant them strategically around your yard. Essential oils like clove and cinnamon can be sprinkled as added deterrents.

8. Limit Bird Feeders: Bird feeders might attract rodents, and consequently, snakes. If you maintain feeders, ensure spilled seeds don't accumulate, making it less appealing for rodents.

9. Rocks Over Logs: While rock gardens can be aesthetically pleasing, they also deter snakes. Unlike logs or dense vegetation, rocks don't provide the shelter and moisture that snakes seek.

10. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your yard for signs of snake activity, like shed skins. This will help you pinpoint problem areas and address them before they become a larger issue.

Australia is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including some of the world's deadliest snakes. These reptiles can find their way into your yard in search of food, water, and shelter. While it's impossible to create a completely snake-proof fence or yard, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of their presence with some effective measures.

Creating a Snake-Proof Fence:

Add Snake Mesh: Install snake mesh tightly along your fence, burying it about 10cm into the ground and extending it upwards for around a metre. Ensure there are no gaps for snakes to squeeze through.
Use Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl is a slippery material that snakes find difficult to climb. Consider replacing your current fence with vinyl and slope it outwards for added deterrence.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Regularly inspect your fence for any openings and seal them to prevent snakes from entering.

Snake-Proofing Your Yard:

**Expanda Foam is an effective and simple way to block holes and cavities utilised by snakes.**

**These won't work either. Sadly no repellants or chemicals have shown to be effective in deterring snakes.**

Eliminate Water Sources: Remove standing water to make your yard less attractive to snakes.
Control Rodent Populations: Snakes are attracted to areas with abundant food sources. Keep rodent populations in check to deter snakes.
Maintain a Tidy Yard: Clear away debris, trim overgrown vegetation, and keep grass short to reduce hiding spots for snakes.
Remove Vegetation from Fences: Keep fences clear of plants that snakes can use to climb into your yard.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches: Prevent snakes from accessing your yard via tree branches.

Attracting Natural Predators: Plant trees and shrubs that attract kookaburras, natural predators of snakes. While their presence can help control snake populations, be prepared for their loud calls.

Do Snake-Proof Products Work? While there are products on the market claiming to repel snakes, their effectiveness is often questionable. It's better to focus on physical barriers and maintaining a less inviting environment for snakes.

In summary, while you can't guarantee a snake-free yard, implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the chances of encountering these reptiles on your property.

Conclusion: Achieving a snake-free yard is a combination of maintenance, preventive measures, and awareness. By following the guidelines outlined above, you're ensuring a safer and more harmonious outdoor space.

Snakes often a seen sheltering in weep holes in houses. By installing these snakes will be unable to make their way into these gaps.

We wrote the book on Urban Reptiles. Available online and in all good bookstores.

Chris Williams 11/10/23 Chris Williams 11/10/23

Sydney's Snake Season: Safety Guidelines by Urban Reptile Removal

Press Release: Sydney's Rising Temperatures Boost Snake Activity - Stay Safe and Informed

As Sydney's temperatures soar, residents in both urban and regional areas are seeing an uptick in snake activity. These reptiles, primarily in search of food and mates, are common in metropolitan Sydney. Though many are venomous, they predominantly avoid humans, showing aggression mainly when threatened.

Chris Williams, of Urban Reptile Removal, highlights, "Ensuring a clutter-free yard, particularly avoiding long grass and debris, significantly reduces the likelihood of snakes near your home." Upon sighting a snake, the best approach is non-interference.

Sydney Snake Safety Guidelines:

Maintain a respectable distance; safety first.
Avoid any attempt to capture or harm the snake, as this often leads to bites.
If a snake enters your home, observe from a safe distance, protect kids and pets, and promptly call a professional snake handler.
Encountering snakes outdoors? Allow them to proceed to their natural habitats.
In the unfortunate event of a snakebite, dial 000, apply a pressure bandage to the bite area, and stabilize the affected limb. Remain calm and wait for medical professionals.

Australia boasts over 200 distinct snake species, with approximately two-thirds being venomous. Yet, only a fraction genuinely pose a threat. Recognising their vital role in the ecosystem, such as curbing rodent populations, is imperative.

Climate shifts have led to snakes emerging earlier from their winter hiatus. With years of snake-handling in Sydney's northern regions, Williams stresses caution. "When faced with a snake, keep your distance. Quick movements or startling, especially around species like brown snakes, can provoke them."

Chris said, "Snakebites normally stem from human attempts to engage. Steering clear reduces risks."

In Sydney understanding and respecting the role of snakes in our environment is the cornerstone of safety and coexistence.

Chris Williams 10/10/23 Chris Williams 10/10/23

What to Do if You Find a Snake at Home:

So you’ve found a snake…

After Spotting a Snake:

Inside your Home: Keep calm and move everyone, including pets, out of that room. Shut the door and slide a towel beneath to prevent the snake from exiting.
Outside: Keep watching the snake from a safe distance. If it slithers away to open areas or woods, it's unlikely to return.
If it hides in your garage or under something you need to stay there and watch it. If the snake can see you it will be unlikely to come out…we want it to stay there till it can be safely removed.
Remember…

Never attempt to touch, capture, or harm the snake. Most bites occur during these actions.
Immediate Actions for a Snakebite:

Keep Calm: Always treat the bite as if it's from a venomous snake.
Stay Still: Movement can speed up venom spreading.
Call for Help: Dial 000 right away.
First Aid: Apply a broad, firm bandage over and around the bite. Extend the bandage as far up the limb as possible. Prepare to perform or receive CPR if needed.

What Should You Do if You Encounter a Snake in Your Home or Yard?

Australia is home to over 200 species of snakes, and as snake expert Dane Trembath explains, many of them are venomous.

"There are over 110 species of elapids throughout Australia, so that's front-fanged venomous snakes," says Mr. Trembath, who is the herpetology collection manager at the Australian Museum Research Institute. He adds that snakes are most active during the warmer months, and while there’s a higher likelihood of encountering them in bushland areas, some snakes "do quite well" in urban environments.

So what should you do if you spot a snake in your home or yard? And how can you discourage them from coming onto your property in the first place?

Hearing Noises? It May Not Be a Snake

If you hear suspicious noises coming from your ceiling, under the floorboards, behind a cupboard, or in a crawl space and think it could be a snake, there's good news and bad news.

The good news is, according to snake catcher Chris Williams from Urban Reptile Removal, it's far more likely to be a possum, lizard, or even a mouse.

The bad news? Not hearing a snake doesn’t mean it’s not there. "Snakes are extremely silent," says Mr. Williams. "There are some species, like tree snakes, that have a concave belly, and you might hear them sliding across the walls or floor. But other than that, they don’t make noise."

Keep Calm and Call an Expert

If you see a snake in your home or garden, it's crucial not to panic.

Mr. Williams recommends staying a safe distance away while keeping an eye on the snake’s movements and immediately calling a professional snake catcher to remove it.

"If the catcher doesn’t know where the snake is and can’t find it, they won’t be able to do much. If possible, get a photo and send it to the catcher—they can help identify the snake or advise you further," he says. "If the snake is in a room where you can’t monitor it, close the door and tuck a towel under it to prevent the snake from escaping."

Know Who to Call

If you live in an area where snakes are common, it’s a good idea to have the contact details of local snake catchers handy. Mr. Williams also suggests checking if your local vets carry snake antivenom, especially if you have pets.

Why You Should Never Handle a Snake Yourself

You should never attempt to move or handle a snake on your own—even if you think it’s harmless.

"There are people who think they’re picking up a carpet python, but it turns out to be an eastern brown or a highly venomous Stephen’s banded snake," says Mr. Williams. "It happens a lot, and people are taking a very, very big risk."

How to Make Your Home Less Appealing to Snakes

One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of snakes on your property is by clearing away any unnecessary debris in your yard.

"Get rid of any rubbish, large bits of tin, broken cars—anything that provides cover, not just for snakes but for the lizards, frogs, and small mammals they eat," says Mr. Trembath.

Chris Williams agrees, adding that snakes are mainly looking for two things: food and shelter. "If you can reduce things lying around your yard—like overgrown palm fronds, big piles of mulch, timber, sleepers, or tin—you'll have a lot less chance of attracting snakes."

He also advises locating garden beds away from the perimeter of your house, keeping your lawns cut short, and using enclosed compost bins to avoid attracting rodents.

Finally, Mr. Williams reminds people to be mindful: "Snakes are a part of life here in Australia, and you just need to be aware of where you put your hands or what you kick in the bushes. Snakes generally want nothing to do with us. If you stay out of their space, bites are very unlikely."