Professional Snake Proofing

Keeping snakes out of a property is a specialist job.

A good snake catcher understands how snakes move, where they shelter and the kinds of gaps they will exploit. A good fencing contractor understands construction, materials, footings, gates and how to build a durable barrier.

Very few businesses genuinely combine both areas of expertise.

At Urban Reptile Removal, we regularly inspect properties where snakes are entering yards, pool areas, sheds, roof spaces and other parts of the home. In many cases, reducing snake activity requires more than simply catching and relocating an animal. The property itself needs to be assessed for the reasons snakes are getting in and where they are finding shelter.

Why Snake Proofing Needs Specialist Knowledge

Snake proofing is not the same as putting up a standard fence.

Snakes can move through surprisingly small gaps, travel beneath poorly sealed barriers and use vegetation, retaining walls and other structures to bypass fencing that may otherwise look secure.

The design also needs to suit the species and the property.

A Red bellied Black Snake moving along a damp creek line presents a different challenge from an Eastern Brown Snake crossing an open block. Acreage properties, suburban yards, pool areas and commercial sites can all require different approaches.

This is why we do not recommend relying on a general handyman or standard fencing contractor for specialist snake proofing work.

What Snake Proofing May Involve

Depending on the property, snake proofing can include:

• Purpose built snake proof fencing
• Barriers around swimming pools and children's play areas
• Sealing gaps around doors, pipes and structures
• Screening weep holes and subfloor vents
• Blocking access beneath decking and buildings
• Reducing shelter around the home
• Managing rodents and other prey that may attract snakes
• Advice on vegetation and yard maintenance

Not every property requires a complete snake proof fence. In some situations, the best result comes from concentrating on the house, pool area or another high use part of the property.

Who We Recommend for Snake Proofing

For specialist snake proofing, Urban Reptile Removal recommends Sydney Snake Catcher.

Sydney Snake Catcher has partnered with a professional fencing company that now specialises in snake proof fencing and exclusion work.

The partnership combines practical knowledge of snake behaviour with professional construction experience. This means the property can first be assessed from the perspective of how snakes are actually using the site, and the barrier can then be designed and installed by people who understand how to build it properly.

The result is a much more effective approach than relying on either a snake catcher or a general fencing contractor working alone.

Can a Property Be Completely Snake Proof?

No responsible operator should promise that a property can be made completely snake proof.

Gates are opened, vegetation changes, structures move and new gaps can develop over time.

What good snake proofing can do is significantly reduce the opportunities for snakes to enter high use areas of a property and remove many of the places where they are likely to shelter close to the home.

For advice, property assessments or snake proof fencing, contact Sydney Snake Catcher at admin@sydneysnakecatcher.com.au.

Vents prior to snake proofing. Gaps rthis size will allow young snakes to enter the walls

Case Study #1 - See pics above

The owners of this Thornleigh property contacted Sydney Snake Catcher after regularly seeing Red bellied Black Snakes and Eastern Water Dragons around their swimming pool.

The rear section of the yard was heavily overgrown, creating extensive cover for snakes and other reptiles to move through the area undetected.

The first step was to remove the vegetation and clear the fence line. A 1.5 metre high snake proof barrier was then installed using custom snake proof mesh.

Perspex panels were added to sections of the fence to prevent Eastern Water Dragons from climbing over the barrier. In some areas, the fence line was excavated to a depth of approximately 300 mm, while other sections were concreted to reduce the risk of snakes moving underneath.

This project is a good example of why effective snake proofing requires both knowledge of snake behaviour and proper construction.

Around swimming pools, courtyards and other high use areas, a well designed barrier can significantly reduce the likelihood of snakes entering. The design needs to take into account the layout of the property, existing fencing, vegetation, ground conditions and the species likely to occur in the area.

Case Study #2 - See pics below

Keeping pythons out of an acreage home in Kenthurst

Pythons and tree snakes kept finding their way into the roof of this Kenthurst home, climbing up and slipping in through gaps along the guttering. The owners had also spotted snakes moving under the deck and around weep holes and other openings at the base of the house. That’s when they called Urban Reptile Removal.

On a block this size, fencing the whole property wasn’t realistic. Snakes are part of the surrounding bushland and will keep moving through the gardens. The goal was to stop them getting into the house and to take away the hiding spots right up against it. If roof spaces, wall cavities and the space under the deck are closed off, snakes have far less reason to hang around the home.

We started with the vents along the side of the house. Each opening was fitted with a purpose built grille, backed by a finer snake proof mesh. Air still flows through, snakes can’t, and the finish suits the look of the house.

Along the roofline, custom fabricated mesh was fitted around the guttering to close off the gaps pythons had been using to reach the roof cavity. Around the deck, we found the access points underneath and blocked them wherever practical.

Gutter guards to prevent tree snakes and pythons

Small mesh was placed inside the new vents, eliminating any chance of snakes entering the wall cavities.