It’s funny how it is “so normal”. I’d have freaked out. lol
Title: Snake in the House in Australia: What to Do & How to Prevent It
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and discovering one slithering through your living room is a terrifying reality for many homeowners. With warmer months driving snakes to seek shelter or prey indoors, understanding how to react—and prevent an unwanted encounter—is critical. Here’s your essential guide to staying safe when a snake enters your Australian home.
Why Do Snakes Enter Homes?
Snakes don’t seek out human company—they’re usually drawn indoors accidentally or by necessity:
- Shelter from Extreme Weather: Heatwaves or storms push snakes into cool, dark spaces like garages or under floors.
- Hunting Prey: Mice, rats, or frogs in your home make it a target for opportunistic hunters like brown snakes.
- Water Sources: Leaking taps, pet bowls, or pools attract thirsty snakes.
- Accidental Entry: Gaps in doors, vents, or cracked foundations allow easy access.
Common Australian Snakes That Enter Homes
While most snakes prefer the outdoors, these species are frequent “uninvited guests”:
- Eastern Brown Snake: Highly venomous and aggressive when threatened.
- Red-Bellied Black Snake: Semi-venomous; seeks damp areas like bathrooms.
- Tiger Snake: Venomous; common near water sources.
- Carpet Python: Non-venomous but intimidating; hunts rodents in roofs or sheds.
Always treat every snake as potentially dangerous.
Immediate Steps If You Find a Snake Indoors
- Stay Calm & Keep Distance:
- Back away slowly. Most bites occur when people try to handle or kill snakes.
- Contain the Snake (If Safe):
- Close doors or use barriers to trap it in one room.
- Call a Professional Snake Catcher:
- Contact a licensed remover (search “[Your State] snake catcher”).
- In emergencies (e.g., snake in a bedroom), dial 000.
- Do NOT Attempt DIY Removal:
- Avoid prodding, spraying, or trapping—snakes react defensively.
Preventing Snakes From Entering Your Home
Proactive measures reduce the risk significantly:
- Seal Entry Points: Install door sweeps, repair cracks, and cover vents with fine mesh.
- Tidy Your Yard: Clear debris, woodpiles, and long grass where snakes hide.
- Remove Food Sources: Control rodents with traps or pest control.
- Reduce Water Access: Fix leaks and empty pet bowls overnight.
- Install Snake-Proof Fencing: Use solid metal or fine wire mesh buried 15cm deep.
First Aid for Snake Bites
If bitten (even by a non-venomous species):
- Call 000 Immediately.
- Apply Pressure Immobilization:
- Wrap the bite site firmly with a bandage (do not restrict blood flow).
- Keep the limb still using a splint.
- Stay Calm & Still: Movement spreads venom faster.
- Never Wash or Cut the Bite: Leave venom traces for identification.
Note: Anti-venom is available for all Australian venomous species—survival rates are high with prompt treatment.
When Are Snakes Most Active?
- Season: Spring and summer (breeding season).
- Time of Day: Dawn, dusk, or cooler periods in hot weather.
FAQs
Q: Are baby snakes more dangerous?
A: No—they have less venom, but bites still require urgent care.
Q: Can I use mothballs or repellents to deter snakes?
A: No scientific evidence supports repellents; prevention (e.g., sealing gaps) is more effective.
Q: Do cats/dogs keep snakes away?
A: Pets may deter snakes but are at risk of bites—keep them leashed in snake-prone areas.
Final Advice
Snake encounters in Australian homes are manageable with preparation and calm action. Never risk your safety—leave removal to professionals. By snake-proofing your property and knowing emergency steps, you can coexist safely with Australia’s remarkable (but unwelcome) wildlife.
Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Act Fast.
Have a snake emergency? Bookmark contact details for local snake catchers or call Wildlife Rescue Australia at 1300 094 737.
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