Foreword
Brisbane’s northside is known for leafy suburbs, bushland corridors, and a warm climate. Those same conditions that make the area a great place to live also create ideal habitat for snakes. Each year, residents across the northside call a licensed catcher after finding a snake in a yard, garage, or occasionally inside a home.
Understanding why snakes enter residential properties is the first step in preventing encounters. This guide breaks down the most common reasons snakes turn up around homes and the practical steps that reduce risk.
Why Snakes Are Common in Brisbane’s Northside
Suburbs like Enoggera, The Gap, Mitchelton, Ferny Hills, Upper Kedron, Arana Hills, and Everton Park sit close to bushland, creeks, and reserves. These corridors naturally support snake populations. Snakes don’t “seek out” houses. They follow food, shelter, and safe pathways—often found in well‑watered backyards and garden edges.
If you’re uncertain about local species, How to Identify Snakes in Your Yard is a helpful starting point.
1) Food Sources Bring Snakes Closer
The biggest driver is food. Snakes hunt:
- rodents (rats and mice)
- frogs and lizards
- small birds and eggs
Backyards with compost piles, fallen fruit, outdoor pet food, chicken coops, and dense vegetation often attract prey. Where prey gathers, snakes follow. This connection between prey and snakes is why Snakes and Pest Control is such an important topic for Brisbane homeowners.
If you’re seeing signs of rodents, consider pest control and storage changes. Reducing prey reduces snake visits.
2) Shelter and Hiding Places
Snakes need safe, cool places to rest during the day. Common hiding spots around homes include:
- stacked timber or firewood
- leaf litter and garden debris
- rock walls and retaining walls
- thick ground cover and overgrown garden beds
- gaps under sheds, decks, and houses
Properties bordering bushland or creek lines see higher activity because these features create easy pathways and consistent shelter.
3) Weather and Seasonal Movement
Snake activity rises during:
- spring and summer, when snakes are breeding and feeding
- after heavy rain, when snakes move away from flooded habitat
- heatwaves, when snakes seek cooler shade
During extreme weather, snakes may enter garages, patios, or even homes to escape heat or flooding. That’s when urgent calls to Emergency Snake Removal are most common.
4) Water Sources Draw Snakes In
Snakes need water, and so do the frogs they hunt. Attractors include:
- pet water bowls
- ponds and water features
- leaking taps or irrigation
- pool overflow areas
Reduce water access by fixing leaks, emptying pet bowls overnight, and keeping pond edges trimmed for visibility.
How to Reduce the Risk of Snakes on Your Property
You can’t make a property completely snake‑proof, but you can make it less attractive.
Keep Gardens Maintained
Trim grass regularly, remove dense ground cover near buildings, and clear leaf litter. Neat garden edges make snakes easier to spot and remove their cover.
Reduce Food Sources
Secure rubbish bins, store pet food indoors, and keep compost sealed. If rodents are present, address them quickly. A lower prey population means fewer snakes.
Remove Shelter
Raise timber off the ground, seal gaps under sheds and decks, and keep storage areas tidy. Snakes prefer undisturbed spaces.
Manage Water Access
Fix leaks, drain standing water, and trim vegetation around ponds or bird baths.
What to Do If You See a Snake
If you encounter a snake:
- Keep your distance.
- Move children and pets away.
- Do not attempt to handle or kill it.
- Call a licensed professional.
If the snake is in a high‑risk area, contact a Snake Catcher Brisbane North. For 24‑hour assistance, use 24/7 Snake Catcher Brisbane. If you want to plan ahead, snake removal cost outlines typical pricing and response expectations.
When to Call a Professional
Any snake on your property can be dangerous. Professional catchers have the training, equipment, and licensing to remove snakes safely and legally. Prompt action reduces risk to people, pets, and the snake itself.
Final Thoughts
Living in North Brisbane means sharing space with native wildlife. Most snake encounters can be prevented through good maintenance, reduced prey, and careful management of shelter and water. When prevention isn’t enough, professional help keeps everyone safe.
If you ever find a snake in your home or yard, stay calm, keep your distance, and call a licensed catcher. It’s the safest outcome for your family and for the snake.