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Encountering a snake in your home can be an unsettling experience. Whether it's a red-bellied black snake basking in the sun or a more venomous brown snake coiled up in your basement, knowing how to handle the situation is essential for both your and your family’s safety and that of the snake. While many people panic at the sight of snakes, staying calm and informed can make all the difference.
This guide will walk you through what to do when a snake makes an uninvited appearance in your space, from identifying the most common species in Gippsland to safely removing it - or knowing when to call a professional snake catcher. So let's dive into practical tips that can help you navigate this unexpected challenge with confidence and ease.
If you encounter a snake in your home, prioritise safety by keeping a safe distance and ensuring pets and children are removed from the area. Isolate the snake in a room with minimal escape routes if possible, and contact a local snake removal expert for assistance.
The first thing to remember when you spot a snake in your home is to remain calm. Panicking can lead to rash decisions, which might put you at risk. Instead, focus on identifying the snake; this key step helps you handle the situation properly. Begin by assessing its characteristics - size, colour, and markings to distinguish between non-venomous and venomous species. Once you have identified the snake, it would be wise to contact a snake catcher to capture and relocate the snake.
In Gippsland, several common snakes may find their way into homes. For instance, red-bellied black snakes are less venomous; they exhibit red stripes running down their belly and usually stay under four to five feet long. These lively little creatures often bask on sunny patios or slither through gardens.
In contrast, eastern brown snakes can grow quite large, sometimes reaching lengths of up to over six feet; they are typically pale brown to dark brown and uniform in colour. Their presence can certainly startle anyone who isn’t familiar.
On the venomous side, brown snakes draw attention with their recognisable ‘s shape’ stance - a clear warning signal if you encounter one. If it’s a red-bellied black snake, look for its distinctive red belly and flattened head and body - a visual cue that should not be ignored. Finally, the tiger snake, though less commonly spotted, can be identified by its bands of tiger like stripes, as well as the flattening of its head as a warning sign.
According to statistics from the Australian government, around 3,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in Australia yearly. Fortunately, fatalities are rare - with an average of only two deaths annually - highlighting that being informed significantly lowers risk. These are the most common snake types in Gippsland, Victoria:
Once you've accurately identified the type of snake in your home, it's essential to maintain composure so as not to startle it - this will help avoid triggering any defensive reactions from the snake itself. By keeping your cool and understanding what steps to take next, you're better equipped to handle this unexpected visitor safely.
Staying calm during a snake encounter is crucial. It's easy to let fear take over, but panic can lead to rash decisions that put you, your family, and pets at risk. Instead, focus on your breathing. Deep, deliberate breaths can help steady your nerves. Remember that most snakes encountered in homes are non-threatening, which can be reassuring. This knowledge often helps people manage their anxiety.
If others are present in your home, communicating calmly can set a collective tone of composure. For instance, if you’re home with family or friends, simply saying, “Hey, it’s just a snake,” can alleviate tension and remind everyone that staying composed matters. When you voice your calmness, it encourages others to reflect that same attitude.
QUOTE: "Staying calm not only keeps you safe but helps in making logical decisions," says herpetologist Dr. Emily Taylor. This insight underscores the importance of effective decision-making amidst uncertainty.
As you maintain your calm demeanor, it's essential to assess your environment and take practical steps to ensure personal safety.
If you find yourself in a room with a snake, isolating it is crucial. Close doors and secure small gaps where the snake could escape or where pets could enter. This minimises movement and unexpected surprises for both you and the snake. While waiting for help, keeping pets away is essential since curious animals might provoke the snake into defensive behaviour.
Maintain a safe distance from the snake - aim for at least five feet to respect its space and reduce the likelihood of accidental confrontation. Most snake bites occur when someone attempts to handle or kill a snake; this statistic reinforces the mantra: observe, don’t engage.
While waiting for assistance, consider preparing for any eventualities by having a plan ready. It's essential to know how long emergency services might take to arrive - this could range from minutes to hours based on your location and availability of services like snake catchers.
QUOTE: "Preparation reduces stress; knowing what to do makes the situation more manageable," says wildlife specialist Karen Lopez.
Upon discovering a snake in your home, the first instinct may be panic, but taking calm and deliberate actions is crucial. The very first step is isolating the snake to minimise risks to yourself, your family, and pets. This means closing the door to the room where the snake has taken refuge. As you do this, ensure that no one panics or rushes into the area. You want to create a controlled environment for your next actions.
Think of containing a snake like isolating a leak; you prevent the problem from spreading before tackling it directly.
Once you've contained the snake, it’s time to focus on how to capture it safely without putting yourself at risk.
The next step is calling a snake catcher for safe removal. If you're dealing with a venomous species, it's best not to attempt to disturb the snake at all - just focus on keeping everyone at a safe distance until professional help arrives. In such cases, it's essential to call local wildlife control or a professional snake removal service immediately.
With these actions set in motion, understanding how to keep the situation under control becomes paramount.
Be patient while waiting for assistance; it may take 30 minutes to an hour for your professional snake catcher to arrive. During this time, continue monitoring the snake's location from a safe distance and ensure no one inadvertently wanders near its vicinity. If possible, keep communication lines open with all members of your household so everyone understands what’s happening and can stay clear of danger zones.
Remember: Safety is your primary concern during an encounter with a snake in your home. Taking swift and careful actions today will help maintain peace of mind for tomorrow.
So how do you find the right snake catching professionals? A good starting point is using Google and typing “snake catchers near me”, where you can check reviews and gather contact information for local snake catching services. This platform can guide you toward reputable businesses that have been highly rated by other customers. If you decide on using our services here at Southern Snake Catchers, you can rest assured knowing that we provide fast and reliable snake catching and removal services in the following areas: Heyfield, Tinamba, Maffra, Denison, Cowwarr, Seaton, Coongulla and Glenmaggie.
After ensuring your guest has been returned to its natural habitat, it's vital that you take proactive steps towards preventing future encounters. This process establishes a safeguard around your living space and simultaneously respects the wildlife surrounding your environment.
Prevention is all about minimising areas that might seem inviting for snakes to enter your home. To begin, it’s essential to inspect your home’s exterior thoroughly. Look for gaps or holes where snakes could slip in unnoticed, especially around doors and windows. Incorporating weather stripping and caulk can make a huge difference, effectively sealing potential entry points. The goal is to create an impermeable barrier that keeps these slippery visitors at bay.
Implementing these proactive measures can make all the difference between a cozy home and one with turmoil from unwelcome snake guests. For instance, one homeowner shared their success story of sealing off a gap under their deck while decluttering their backyard; they reported no further snake incidents afterward. Such experiences highlight how taking immediate action with preventive measures can yield positive results.
Moreover, maintaining a tidy outdoor environment serves as a deterrent while enhancing your overall home’s appearance; it’s an activity worth investing time towards. By creating an unfriendly environment for snakes - one devoid of hiding spots - you maximise your chances of keeping them out of your home altogether.
Proactive measures and regular maintenance not only safeguard your home but also contribute to a more pleasant living environment. Taking these steps can prevent pesky snake encounters well into the future.