How do I prevent snakes from entering my property?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
To prevent snakes, keep gardens tidy, mow lawns regularly, remove piles of debris, control rodents, store pet food securely and reduce hiding places around your property. Snakes are often attracted by shelter, water and prey sources, so removing these attractants can make your home less appealing
Snakes Sydney: Prevention Tips & What To Do If You Find One
Common snakes in Sydney include Red-bellied Black, Eastern Brown, and Tiger Snakes. Most are shy, but some are highly venomous. Remove food, water, and shelter sources; keep grass short, store items above ground, and install barriers. Never approach or kill snakes — many are protected. Call a licensed handler if you find one.
Find a Snake Catcher | Sydney Wildlife Rescue | Snake Catcher Directory
What snakes are commonly found in Sydney and how dangerous are they?
Warmer weather from September to April sees more snakes active across Greater Sydney, as they emerge to bask and hunt. Over 90% of snakes we respond to are not aggressive, but 8 out of 10 species in NSW can deliver medically significant bites — source: NSW Health.
Australia has around 140 land snake species, but only 10-15% pose fatal risk to humans. Bite fatalities in Australia average less than 2 per year — source: Australian Museum.
Most frequent species you may see in Sydney
- Red-bellied Black Snake
- Eastern Brown Snake
- Eastern Tiger Snake
- Death Adder
- Brown Tree Snake
- Golden Crown Snake
- Diamond Python
- Green Tree Snake
- Carpet Python
| Snake Type | Venom Risk | Behaviour | Common Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
Red-bellied Black |
Moderate | Shy, flees if possible | Creeks, bush edges, gardens |
Eastern Brown |
High / Dangerous | Fast, defensive when cornered | Paddocks, suburban blocks |
Eastern Tiger |
High / Dangerous | Will stand ground | Wet areas, rock piles |
Diamond / Carpet Python |
Non-venomous | Mostly harmless, constrictors | Roofs, trees, sheds |
For a full inspection, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.
Do rats attract snakes in Sydney yards?
Yes — rodents are the single biggest food source for most venomous and non‑venomous snakes found across Sydney suburbs. Remove rats, and you remove the main reason many snakes choose to stay on your property.
Our 2024–2025 service records show 70% of residential snake call‑outs were to homes with confirmed rodent activity. Eastern Brown Snakes, the species responsible for most Australian bite incidents, feed up to 80% on small mammals like mice and rats — source: Australian Museum.
In Sydney, warmer spring and summer months bring both rodent breeding peaks and increased snake movement. Where you see regular rat droppings, gnaw marks, or burrows near the house, you are statistically far more likely to also have snakes hunting those same areas.
How the rat‑to‑snake chain works
- Pet food, fallen fruit, or rubbish attracts rats and mice
- Rodents breed quickly — a single pair can produce 50+ offspring in 6 months
- Snakes detect the scent and movement from 50+ metres away
- They move in, find shelter nearby, and keep returning while food remains
Rat activity vs. snake visit risk
| Rat activity level | Signs you will see | Snake attraction risk |
|---|---|---|
| Low / Occasional | Droppings once in a while, no gnawing | Low — snakes may pass through |
| Moderate | Regular droppings, chewed food packets | Medium — higher chance of hunting visits |
| High / Infestation | Noises in roof/walls, burrows, runways | Very High — snakes may take up residence |
For Sydney businesses, rodent presence is also a critical non‑conformance under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code — source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Combined with snake risk, it creates both health and legal exposure.
Breaking the cycle means treating rodents first, then closing up access points and removing shelter. Snake‑proofing alone rarely works long‑term if a reliable food source is still available on the property.
Book a Rat Control Treatment and protect your property from Snakes
Why do snakes come into Sydney yards and houses?
Snakes enter areas for three simple reasons — they are looking for food, water, or shelter. If you remove these, you remove the main reason they stay.
Rodent activity is the number one trigger: 70% of snake call-outs we attend link back to mice or rats nearby — our 2025 service data.
- Food source: rodents, frogs, birds, insects
- Water source: dripping taps, ponds, pet bowls
- Shelter: long grass, piles of wood, leaves, rubble
What should I do if I find a snake in my home or yard?
Stay calm — snakes usually avoid people. Panic and sudden movement can trigger defensive behaviour.
- Stop and keep still
- Move children and pets indoors immediately
- Watch from a safe distance — do not chase or corner it
- Do NOT touch, pick up, or try to move it
- Call a licensed snake catcher or pest controller
Killing snakes is illegal in NSW without a permit — penalties can exceed $5,000 — source: NSW Department of Planning and Environment. They control rodents and keep ecosystems balanced.
When you spot a snake, don’t risk it — call us now on 1800 819 189 for safe, licensed removal.
How do I keep snakes away from my Sydney property?
You can reduce risk by 80% with simple changes — source: our 2024–2025 client follow-up data.
Immediate changes you can make
- Store pet food indoors — it attracts rodents which attract snakes
- Clear leaf litter, rubble, and junk piles
- Keep lawn mown short — under 10cm height recommended
- Avoid bird feeders or clean up spills daily
- Stack firewood at least 1m above ground level
- Pick up fallen fruit and seeds
- Limit thick mulch or large rock borders close to walls
- Fix leaks and cover open ponds or water sources
- Trim shrubs and keep branches away from the house
- Install snake-proof fencing or barriers
- Use ultrasonic repellers as an extra layer
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are snakes active all year in Sydney?
- Most active September–April; slow down or brumate in cooler months.
-
Will mothballs or chemicals keep snakes away?
- Not reliably — many are also illegal for outdoor use in NSW.
-
Can I relocate a snake myself?
- No — you must be licensed. Unauthorised handling carries penalties.
-
How much does snake removal cost?
- Varies by location and time; contact us for a free quote.
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Need help with snakes on your property?
Safe, licensed snake management and prevention for Sydney homes and businesses.