Snake season is well and truly in full slither, with Point Cook and Wyndham Vale being hot spots for snake call-outs.
Stewart Gatt, aka Stewy the Snake Catcher, reports he has already caught more than 40 snakes this snake season, which traditionally starts during spring.
Mr Gatt, who is contracted to remove snakes with both Wyndham and Hobsons Bay councils and also responds to residential and industrial call-outs, said tiger snakes made up the bulk of sightings, with the occasional brown snake making an appearance.
He said Point Cook, Wyndham Vale and Altona were the busiest suburbs for snake call-outs in the west, citing development in these suburbs that is encroaching on snake habitats.
“We are in spring and in spring snakes wake up from their slumbers and go out looking for a feed or a partner to mate with,” he said.
Wyndham city operations director Stephen Thorpe said the council received 272 call-outs for snakes to be removed from residential properties in the 2016-17 financial year.
“There are a number of things residents can do to avoid finding a snake on their property,” Mr Thorpe said.
“You can use rodent repellent or bait to keep mice and rats away.
“This will reduce the chances of a snake looking for a meal on your property. You can also make sure food scraps are disposed of carefully so rodents don’t find their way in.
“Residents should also remove any piles of wood or bricks lying around as they could be a hiding place for snakes.”
To have a snake removed from your property, call 9742 0777.
