December 12th, 2024‘Tis the season to be snake-smart

Encountering a snake on your property or in the wild can be daunting and at this time of eyar it’s well worth going over some ways to maintain your property and manage any snake encounters, so you and your pets can stay safe.

Spring is mating and feeding season for snakes, meaning they’re out and about and encounters with humans and pets become more common.

Snakes often also become more prevalent in areas that have experienced flooding or hot weather, or in new areas close to residential or commercial developments where snakes are forced out of their natural habitat. 

Although snakebite-related deaths in Australia are rare (one to two per year), it is important to know what to do if you encounter a snake.

Regular maintenance of your house and surrounding area will also help reduce the likelihood of snakes being attracted to your property.

How to help keep snakes away from your property

While most people don’t come face-to-face with venomous snakes on purpose, there are steps you can take to lessen the appeal of your property as a place for these reptiles to reside.

• Keep your house tidy, with a spring clean and regular home maintenance. Remove piles of rubbish and wood.
• Snakes eat rodents and are attracted to garden or farm sheds to hunt rats and mice. Keep common pests out of your yard by ensuring no food is left outside and is stored away in closed containers.
• Keep your garden tidy by mowing the lawn and removing items that snakes could hide in, such as toolboxes, toys, and clothing.
• Don’t fill pot plants with too much water, as this can attract snakes looking for a drink.
• Keep any walkways free of shrubbery and debris.
• Clean your gutters regularly.
• Remove piles of rubbish and wood. Keep firewood away from the home property.

What to do if you see a snake in your home

If you see a snake, do not attempt to touch or get closer to a snake. Most snake bites happen when people try to kill or capture them. Firstly, don’t panic. Back away to a safe distance and let the snake move away. Snakes are protected by law in all states and territories of Australia, and it is illegal to harm or kill them.

If you need a snake catcher, speak to your local council, as they may be able to provide or recommend an expert to help. 

What to do if you see a snake in the wild

If you’re out walking the dog or going on a nature walk, keep in mind that you’re now entering the snakes’ territory. There are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of an unnecessary encounter: 

• Keep a lookout. Despite the common advice to stomp and make as much noise as possible, snake experts say that snakes don’t generally react to the vibrations. It’s better to just stay alert.
• Wear protective clothing, including closed-toe footwear
• Stay on open paths, particularly when bushwalking or with your dog – stay away from overgrown grass, rocky exteriors, and waterways.
• If you spot a snake, avoid, and keep your pet away. It’s advisable to keep your dog on a lead.
• Use a torch if walking at night

What to do if you get bitten by a snake

Although Australia has a formidable reputation for its venomous wildlife, snakebites are still rare. It is, however, imperative that you know first-aid basics for snake bites should you, your pet, or someone else you’re with falls victim to a snake bite. 

There are two types of snake bites: venomous, which can be potentially fatal, and dry snake bites, which cause pain and swelling.

You can buy first-aid kits that specifically cater for snake bites. Otherwise, make sure your home emergency kit includes pressure bandages and add them to your car emergency kit if you’re going bushwalking or holidaying in regional areas. 

St John’s Ambulance Victoria advises to immediately call emergency services on 000 whether it is venomous or not, and apply first aid pressure immobilisation to slow the spread of venom in the body.

According to St. John’s, when a person is bitten by a snake, if you cannot get to a hospital, while waiting for an ambulance, you should do the following:   

Follow the ‘DRSABCD’ – Danger, response, send for help, airway check, breathing, and if not breathing, commence CPR and use a defibrillator if available:

• Lay the person down and try to calm them
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage around the bite. This aims to stop the movement of venom in the bloodstream
• Continue to add a firm, heavy elasticised roller bandage on the limb – if bitten on the arm, this would be starting on the fingers and rolling down, if on the leg, start at the toes
• Wrap the bandage past the snakebite and as far up the limb as possible. Add a splint if available
• Stay as still as possible to minimise circulation
• Observe and record details of the bite
• Wait calmly until medical assistance arrives.

If you pet is bitten, take them immediately to a veterinary hospital – even if they are not yet showing signs of distress.

For more details, refer to the St John Ambulance Australia first aid fact sheet on snake bite.

This story based on an RACV Media Release. Image: RACV