A LOCAL snake catcher has urged caution, but not panic, as recent hot weather has seen snake incidents increase in residential areas.<\/p>\n
Jarrod Bingham from Bacchus Marsh has been a snake catcher for 16 years and said this year is likely to be his biggest ever catching the slithery serpents.<\/p>\n
But he also said staying safe when coming across snakes is simple, and has some tips on what to do, and what not to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you respect snakes, they\u2019ll respect you,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you leave them alone, they\u2019ll leave you alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of what people say, snakes don\u2019t chase people for no reason, unless you\u2019re aggravating them or whatnot.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see a snake, do your best to keep an eye on it, at a safe distance. If you lose it, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack trying to find it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bingham said pets, and especially dogs, can be prone to attacking snakes when they spot them, which can make it tricky to keep furry friends safe, but he also has advice on that front.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best thing is to snake-proof your backyard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very simple, snake and mouse mesh are available at Bunnings, and snakes can\u2019t get through that mesh. Install that along your fences.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou also don\u2019t want to incentivise a snake to stick around. Don\u2019t give them anywhere to hide like piles of rubbish, leaves, or long grass.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften they\u2019ll also come looking for water sources, so bring your pets\u2019 water bowl inside when it\u2019s hot out.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso make sure you keep your doors closed, as when it\u2019s over 30 degrees, snakes will be seeking shade.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A LOCAL snake catcher has urged caution, but not panic, as recent hot weather has seen snake incidents increase in residential areas. Jarrod Bingham from Bacchus Marsh has been a snake catcher for 16 years and said this year is likely to be his biggest ever catching the slithery serpents. But he also said staying […]<\/p>\n