October sees the last gasps of winter rains before the heat of summer in the Whitsundays, and with the sun out, snakes begin to move.
With food and mating on the mind, the region’s 30 species of serpents will glide through rural, commercial, and residential properties over the next few months – mostly unnoticed.
Whitsunday-based part-time snake catcher David Barwell said there are a few things you can watch out for to make sure you’re not enticing any snakes to stick around your home.
“Like most living things, snakes require three basics: food, water, and shelter. If your property provides all three, they may linger,” Mr Barwell said.
“But usually they’ll move on and continue cruising through their home range.”
Before snake season really gets going, Mr Barwell said cleaning up spilt seeds from bird cages, which in turn attract rats, which in turn attract snakes, are just one tip to keep snakes out.
“Snakes like to be hidden; they don't like being exposed and out in the open, so keep gardens tidy, lawns mowed, remove anything snakes can hide in or under,” he said.
“In hot dry weather snakes will also come looking for water, so fix dripping taps, empty out anything that holds water.”
Mr Barwell, who acts as a registered snake identifier on the SnakesoftheWhitsundays Facebook Group, also advised to get a picture of the snake, if it’s safe to do so.
“If the snake is outside, bring pets and children indoors, and if possible, try to keep an eye on it,” he said.
“If it’s indoors, close the internal door and place a rolled-up towel on the bottom of the door to prevent it moving elsewhere in the house.”
Snake bite first aid is also vital knowledge. Keep a few wide elastic bandages in your first aid kit and apply pressure and immobilise the area before heading to a local hospital. Do not wash the bite area – venom left on the skin can help identify the snake.
Direct lines to approved snake catchers in the Whitsunday region can be found on the SnakesoftheWhitsundays Facebook group.
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