Question 1

What are the most common species of snakes found in Perth?

Accepted Answer

The two most significant species encountered are Dugites and Tiger Snakes, both dangerously venomous and capable of a fatal bite.

Dugites are by far the more common of the two to be encountered, accounting for around 95% of snakes we remove and relocate.

Tiger Snakes are the second most common, but as a wetland species, most people will only encounter them if they live within a street or two of a wetland known for having them — or occasionally when one has been accidentally transported in building materials.

Question 2

I’ve lost sight of a snake — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If it’s safe to do so, keep watching the area where you last saw it and call a professional snake catcher immediately. Avoid disturbing the area until help arrives.

Question 3

Will a Dugite create a home in my backyard?

Accepted Answer

No. Dugites are highly mobile snakes that travel over relatively large areas. They don’t create permanent homes.

Question 4

Should I be worried that the snake has a family around?

Accepted Answer

No. Dugites and Tiger Snakes are solitary animals and do not live in family groups. The only time you might see more than one together is during mating, or by chance when snakes are active in the same area.

Question 5

Should I be concerned about a snake ‘nest’ on my property?

Accepted Answer

It’s very unlikely. We have never had anyone contact us after finding a genuine clutch of wild snake eggs on their property. Dugites lay eggs in late December to early January and do not stay with the eggs once laid. The eggs usually hatch in February, with all eggs in a clutch hatching within about 24 hours of each other.

Dugites choose sheltered, safe locations for incubation — areas protected from predators and weather extremes.

Western Tiger Snakes, on the other hand, give birth to live young, usually in December, and they also do not stay with their offspring after birth.

Question 6

My neighbour’s property is overgrown — did the snake come from there or nearby bushland?

Accepted Answer

Because local snakes don’t create permanent homes, the one you saw could have come from any direction. Snakes don’t recognise property boundaries and will move freely through backyards, gardens, and bushland alike.

Question 7

Are there any deterrents or repellents that work on snakes?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no scientific evidence that commercially available or home-made snake deterrents are reliably effective.

We often respond to callouts from clients who have used these products but still encountered snakes on their property.

Question 8

How can I stop snakes coming into my yard?

Accepted Answer

The only reliable method is a physical barrier (snake-proof wall or fence).

However, completely excluding snakes — especially juveniles — can be costly and difficult. If you attempt to seal your fence line but leave small gaps, a snake could enter and become trapped, which is especially risky if you have pets such as dogs.

While gaps allow easier entry for a snake, they also allow an easier escape route.

Question 9

Can I lure or trap a snake myself?

Accepted Answer

There are no effective lures for snakes. The use of traps that may capture reptiles or other wildlife (such as funnel or pitfall traps) is only permitted under licence, usually for fauna surveys or research. Unlicensed trapping can harm non-target species and may breach the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Regulations 2018.

Question 10

I found a hole in my yard. Could it be a snake hole?

Accepted Answer

Snakes don’t dig their own holes, but they may use existing burrows or spaces created by other animals.

There’s no way to confirm a snake’s presence without excavating the burrow, which is rarely recommended unless there’s strong evidence a snake entered it.

Question 11

I’ve heard noises in my roof — could it be a snake?

Accepted Answer

While both Dugites and Tiger Snakes can climb, they are mainly ground-dwelling.

In Perth, roof noises are more commonly caused by rats, possums, or lizards.

We only enter roof spaces if someone has visually confirmed a snake inside and can continue to watch it until we arrive.

Question 12

I’m worried about my kids or grandkids playing outside — what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Education is key. Teach children to: Leave snakes alone; Move away quickly; Tell an adult immediately. Most bites occur when people try to approach or harm snakes.

Question 13

What should I do if someone is bitten by a snake?

Accepted Answer

Treat all bites as potentially serious. Call 000 immediately and do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical help.

Question 14

When does snake season start in Perth?

Accepted Answer

The primary snake season in Perth runs from October through April, when warmer temperatures make snakes more active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pages

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the most common species of snakes found in Perth? +

2) I’ve lost sight of a snake — what should I do? +

3) Will a Dugite create a home in my backyard? +

4) Should I be worried that the snake has a family around? +

5) Should I be concerned about a snake ‘nest’ on my property? +

6) My neighbour’s property is overgrown — did the snake come from there or nearby bushland? +

7) Are there any deterrents or repellents that work on snakes? +

8) How can I stop snakes coming into my yard? +

9) Can I lure or trap a snake myself? +

10) I found a hole in my yard. Could it be a snake hole? +

11) I’ve heard noises in my roof — could it be a snake? +

12) I’m worried about my kids or grandkids playing outside — what can I do? +

13) What should I do if someone is bitten by a snake? +

14) When does snake season start in Perth? +

Pages

Support