Lyla Lindsey
Snakes are a common fear for many people, and in Australia, they are not just an annoyance but also a threat. While there are over 200 species of snakes in Australia, only a handful are considered dangerous to humans. To keep snakes away from your home, some people have turned to snake repellents, but these have been criticised for being misleading and deceptive. There are also a number of myths about animals that keep snakes away, such as the belief that bobtail lizards deter snakes, which has been debunked by reptile experts. To effectively keep snakes away, it is recommended to remove their food sources, such as rodents and other vermin, and keep your yard clean and free of debris.
Explore related products
$10.17 $14.99
What You'll Learn
Shingleback lizards (bobtails) do not keep snakes away
Shingleback lizards, also known as bobtails, are native to Australia and are commonly found in arid to semiarid regions of southern and western Australia. They are short-tailed, slow-moving lizards with a heavily armoured body and a bright blue tongue inside a bright pink mouth. While they are known to share burrows in hotter and drier conditions, they are generally peaceful towards other individuals.
Despite their peaceful nature, it is a myth that shingleback lizards keep snakes away. Reptile experts have debunked this long-standing rumour, stating that there is no evidence that bobtails and snakes are mutually exclusive. In fact, there have been observations of cohabitation between snakes and lizards, with some species living together under the same shelter.
The belief that shingleback lizards keep snakes away may have evolved from early-day tales or urban legends. It is important to note that the presence of shingleback lizards does not guarantee the absence of snakes in an area. While some people may find comfort in this idea, it is not based on factual information.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that snakes play an important role in the ecosystem and should not be harmed. In Australia, it is an offence to kill snakes, and it is recommended to contact a professional snake handler if you encounter one near your home. Instead of relying on shingleback lizards to keep snakes away, it is more effective to focus on removing food sources for snakes, such as rodents and other vermin, and ensuring your house is closed up to prevent their entry.
In conclusion, while shingleback lizards, or bobtails, are interesting and unique reptiles native to Australia, they do not possess the ability to keep snakes away. This misconception has been dispelled by reptile experts, and it is important to understand that snakes and lizards can coexist in the same environment.
The Founding of Melbourne, Australia: A Historical Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Keep your house closed and sealed
It is essential to take preventive measures to keep snakes away from your home, especially in Australia, where more than 200 species of snakes exist. Keeping your house closed and sealed is a critical step in this process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your house is closed and sealed effectively against snakes:
Inspect and Seal Any Openings
Check your house for any openings or holes that snakes could potentially use to enter. Pay close attention to windows, walls, floors, and roofs. Seal any gaps or holes that you find. This can be done using appropriate materials such as caulk, expanding foam, or wire mesh. Remember to also check less obvious areas like vents, pipes, and electrical entry points.
Maintain a Tidy and Debris-Free Yard
Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Snakes are attracted to areas that provide cover, so ensure you regularly mow your lawn, trim vegetation, and remove any piles of leaves, wood, or other materials that could serve as hiding places for snakes. Also, be mindful of rock piles, as these can provide shelter for snakes, and consider stacking woodpiles away from the house to avoid creating potential snake habitats.
Address Rodent and Pest Issues
Rodents and other vermin are a food source for snakes, so ensure you don't have a pest problem in or around your home. Seal potential entry points for rodents, and consider using traps or other pest control methods to reduce their presence. This will help make your property less attractive to snakes.
Install Snake Repellents
Utilize commercial snake repellents, such as solar-powered snake repellers, which are designed to keep snakes away from your property. These devices use vibrations to create an uncomfortable environment for snakes, encouraging them to stay away. Some repellents can even cover a large diameter of up to 40 meters, providing extensive protection for your home.
Be Vigilant and Proactive
Stay alert when spending time outdoors, and if you spot a snake, carefully back away and give it space. Remember that snakes are more active during their mating season in spring, so be extra vigilant during this period. Additionally, consider taking proactive measures, such as regularly inspecting your property for potential snake attractants and maintaining a tidy yard to reduce the likelihood of encounters.
By following these steps and keeping your house closed and sealed, you can significantly reduce the chances of snakes entering your home and increase the safety of your family and pets.
Seals in Australia: Habitats and Hotspots
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Remove food sources and shelter
Snakes are becoming an increasingly common pest in Australia. They are sensitive to various stimuli, including touch, temperature, and vibration, which they use to detect their surroundings and find food. Snakes are attracted to water sources, such as non-flowing streams, large puddles, and swimming pools, as they can swim and hunt for prey like rodents, birds, and frogs. Therefore, it is essential to remove sources of standing water and potential prey from your property. Keep your yard clean and free of debris, and trim vegetation that might provide cover for snakes.
Additionally, snakes seek shelter for resting, breeding, and hunting. They can be found in overgrown grass, dense brush, leaf piles, rock piles, compost, and areas with moisture. To deter snakes, fill in any holes or burrows with dirt or gravel, and avoid using rock piles in landscaping. Keep your grass mowed and clear dense brush. Seal off or fence any open areas under buildings, ensuring the fence is made of steel mesh or plastic sheeting, at least 3 feet high and 4 feet deep, flush with the ground, and angled outward.
Some plants are known to repel snakes, such as marigolds, lemongrass, Mother-in-Law's tongue, wormwood, onion, and garlic. Try incorporating these into your landscape design. Eliminate pests that snakes prey on, such as rodents, moles, and snails/slugs, and control ground-dwelling or ground-nesting birds, as they are also attractive prey for snakes.
Commercial snake repellents are available, including solar-powered and ultrasonic options, or you can make your own using essential oils or vinegar. Ammonia is especially effective around pools and ponds. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed plastic bags near water sources.
How to Mail Letters to Australia for Free
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use snake repellents
There are several snake repellent products on the market, but not all of them work. Mothballs and sulfur, for instance, are common ingredients in commercial snake repellents, but they are not effective against snakes. Mothballs, in particular, can have a detrimental effect on snakes, causing a long, slow, and painful death.
Another repellent method is to spray snakes with a blast from a water hose. This is a better deterrent than using a gun, shovel, or sticky traps, which can be dangerous to both humans and snakes.
Some people also use ceramic or wooden eggs, or golf balls, to trick snakes into eating them instead of real chicken eggs. However, this method can also be harmful to snakes, and another snake will likely take its place.
Solar snake repellers are another option for keeping snakes away. You can also keep your grass short and use snake mesh to prevent snakes from entering your property.
In addition to commercial repellents, there are some natural ways to deter snakes. Snakes are attracted to water sources, food sources, and shelter. Removing these attractions can help keep snakes away. This includes removing debris and leaf piles, which attract rodents, and feeding pets indoors, as pet food can attract rodents and snakes.
UK vs Australia: A Size Comparison
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Be alert and back away slowly
While it's important to remember that snakes are an important and valuable part of the ecosystem, it's understandable that you might want to keep them away from your home and family. If you do encounter a snake, it's crucial to remain calm and follow these steps:
If you come across a snake, the best course of action is to be alert and back away slowly. Do not turn your back on the snake, as this may be perceived as a threat. Keep your eyes on the snake and slowly create distance between yourself and the reptile. Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises, as this may startle the snake and provoke a defensive response.
Maintain a safe distance and do not attempt to handle or capture the snake yourself, especially if it is venomous. Even non-venomous snakes can bite and carry bacteria that may cause infections. If you are unable to slowly back away, for example, if the snake is blocking your path, remain calm and freeze. Sudden movements may trigger the snake's defensive mechanisms.
If you are indoors, carefully move away from the snake and slowly exit the room, closing the door behind you. If possible, keep an eye on the snake's location through a window or glass door to monitor its movements and inform professionals if needed.
In the case of an outdoor encounter, slowly move backwards, keeping your eyes on the snake. Do not turn your back or attempt to run, as this may trigger the snake's pursuit instincts. Snakes are much faster over short distances and can easily outpace a human running in a panic.
Once you have put sufficient distance between yourself and the snake, you can then turn and walk or move briskly away to further increase the distance. Remember, the goal is to remove yourself from the snake's immediate vicinity calmly and safely.
It is worth noting that most snakes are not a threat to people or pets and would rather flee than fight when scared. They only become aggressive under certain circumstances, such as mating season or when they feel threatened. If you encounter a snake, give it space and do not disturb it, and it will likely retreat.
Additionally, it is an offence to kill snakes in Australia, so if you discover one in your yard, follow the above steps to make it feel unwelcome and contact a professional snake handler if it does not leave.
Is ME Bank Guaranteed by the Australian Government?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is no scientific evidence that any animals can help keep snakes away. However, there is a persistent rumour that bobtail lizards, also known as shinglebacks, keep snakes away. Unfortunately, this is just a myth.
There are a few things you can do to make your home less appealing to snakes. Firstly, keep your yard clean and free of debris, and trim back any vegetation that might provide cover. Secondly, remove food sources such as rodents and other vermin. Thirdly, you can try using a snake repellent, either a commercial product or a homemade one using essential oils or vinegar.
If you see a snake, do not touch it or try to go near it. Slowly back away and give it a wide berth. If the snake is on your property, you can try making it feel unwelcome by using a snake repellent or removing its food and shelter sources. If it still doesn’t leave, contact a professional snake handler.
Yes, snakes are becoming an increasingly common pest across Australia. There are more than 200 species of snakes in the country, and they can be found in both urban and rural areas. While most snakes are not dangerous, they can be frightening and annoying.
There are some plants that are marketed as being able to deter snakes, but there is little evidence that these are effective.
