27/09/2025
Snakes - today was the post about ticks- great I thought, job done, hopefully not too many cases this week.
Now it’s 11:17pm I’m sitting back at work watching 5 dogs in hospital who played with a red belly black snake. 3 have definitively been envenomated and the other two I’m hoping are just dry bites or missed out completely.
Snake passed way at the scene.
This is something that is almost impossible to avoid. You can do everything right and still it happens. My brain copes by going back to basics and making lists - chatGPT helped with this one ♥️
🐍 Guide: How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard (SEQ, Australia)
⚠️ Why It Matters
SEQ’s warm climate, bushland areas, and proximity to water make it a prime habitat for snakes — especially during spring and summer. While snakes are protected native animals and generally avoid human contact, it’s wise to reduce the risk of them coming too close.
✅ 1. Maintain a Tidy Yard
Snakes love hiding in overgrown, messy environments.
Keep grass short — mow regularly.
Trim back shrubs, hedges & garden beds.
Clear away leaf litter, bark, mulch piles, and dense ground cover.
Keep lawns open and uncluttered.
Tip: Snakes use overgrown areas to stay cool and hidden — the neater your yard, the less appealing it becomes.
✅ 2. Remove Shelter and Hiding Spots
Snakes avoid open, exposed areas. Make sure your yard doesn’t offer them cover.
Clear timber piles, rocks, corrugated iron, and old furniture.
Store firewood off the ground and away from the house.
Use snake-proof mesh (5mm or less) around sheds and under decks.
✅ 3. Control Rodents and Bird Feed
Snakes follow the food — especially rats, mice, and frogs.
Seal pet food in rodent-proof containers.
Clean up fallen fruit, uneaten pet food, or birdseed.
Don’t feed birds near the house — spilled seed attracts rodents.
Keep chicken coops clean and secure.
✅ 4. Secure Fencing and Barriers
Although snakes can climb, barriers help deter them.
Install fine-mesh snake-proof fencing (5mm aperture or smaller) buried at least 10cm underground and angled outward.
Seal gaps under gates and between fence panels.
Use weather strips to seal gaps under doors and garages.
✅ 5. Use Water Features Wisely
Water attracts frogs — and frogs attract snakes.
Keep ponds well maintained, with little ground cover.
Avoid leaky taps, puddles, or water bowls left out.
Elevate pet water bowls off the ground if outdoors.
✅ 6. Use Repellents With Caution
Commercial snake repellents exist but their effectiveness is debated.
Natural deterrents (e.g., clove, cinnamon oils) have limited scientific support.
Some ultrasonic devices or chemical granules may offer mild deterrence — but aren’t foolproof.
Important: Never rely solely on repellents — prevention through yard hygiene is far more effective.
✅ 7. Educate Your Family and Pets
Teach children to stay away from snakes and what to do if they see one (stay still, back away slowly, tell an adult).
Keep pets away from bushy areas.
Consider pet snake-avoidance training, especially for dogs.
✅ 8. Know What to Do if You See a Snake
Do NOT try to catch or kill it. It's illegal and dangerous.
Keep people and pets away.
Watch from a safe distance.
Call a licensed snake catcher (you can Google local services or save a number in your phone).
In SEQ, some good resources:
Local council websites (e.g., Brisbane, Sunshine Coast)
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
QLD Snake Catchers on Facebook or local directories
✅ Quick Checklist
Task Done?
Mow lawns regularly ☐
Remove clutter and hiding spots ☐
Secure bins and compost ☐
Store pet food properly ☐
Control rodents ☐
Seal gaps in fencing and under doors ☐
Clean up water sources ☐
Save a local snake catcher’s number ☐
🧠 Final Thoughts
No yard in SEQ can ever be 100% snake-proof, but with the right strategies, you can greatly reduce the risk of snakes turning up. Prevention is all about:
✅ Cleanliness
✅ Removing shelter & food
✅ Creating an uninviting space
