IT’S that time again, snakes are coming out of their winter hibernation.
That means they are active and moving around looking for a feed.
Logan snake catcher Glenn “Ozzie” Lawrence reckons if you leave them alone they’ll do the same.
Mr Lawrence has been running his OzCapture Snake Relocations business with his girlfriend, Carol, for five years and he doesn’t just catch snakes, he keep them as pets as well.
He has a diamond python, three Centralian carpet pythons and a coastal carpet python.
He said carpet pythons, common-tree snakes and eastern browns are found in Logan.
Mr Lawrence said he and his girlfriend network with many other snake catchers when they need down time.
“We are available 24/7 with no days or nights off and it costs around $90 to remove a snake depending on the circumstances.”
He said if confronted by a snake you should remain completely still until the threat has passed and the snake moves on.
“If bitten by a snake you should call 000, apply a compression bandage to the bite sight and up the entire limb,” he said.
To minimise chances of a snake coming onto a property you should clear the yard of all debris and keep grass short and gardens maintained, Mr Lawrence said.
“If no food source is there and it’s unsustainable for the snake to make a home it will leave” he said.
“Rats, mice, frogs, birds and poultry attract snakes and caged birds attract them as well.”
He said blue-tongued skinks are regularly mistaken for snakes like a python and they aren’t dangerous.
Glenn said snakes like to hide inside rock retaining walls, in holes under concrete slabs and in roof spaces.
“Properties should be cleaned up now, remove old items where snakes can hide, sheets of tin and accumulated rubbish, he said.
“If the snake is inside, close the doors to keep it confined and call a snake catcher,” he said.
“Check screen doors and windows to block potential entry points to your home,” he said.
“When gardening wear gloves, long pants and covered shoes.”
Glenn said when bushwalking stay on formed paths or tracks so you can see and avoid snakes, and always wear protective clothing such as covered shoes and trousers.
