GG Wildlife Rescue’s Michelle Jones is removing up to four snakes a day during busiest time in 15 years

Wildlife rescue expert and “snake relocator” Michelle Jones has reported having her busiest period in 15 years, removing up to four snakes a day — and the season has only just started. “I have been catching snakes from an early time this year and right now at just the start of the season it’s been my most busiest year yet since 2008,” said Ms Jones, of GG Wildlife Rescue. “I have been moving them from houses, backyards, hotels, day cares, schools and even the airport. “I have been taking calls and sometimes have been removing up to four snakes a day and many other calls when they have taken off and can’t be seen and just giving advice.” Ms Jones reminded the public that snakes were not going anywhere, but people could learn to respect and be aware of them. “Snakes will always be here, whether you live in town in a house or on a huge property,” she said. “In the Mid West and surroundings we have a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes, We ask you to treat them all as venomous and call a professional for advice or relocation. Small snakes can be just as venomous as the large ones.” “There is no need to be anxious about snakes, just be aware they share our space occasionally.” Ms Jones said if someone saw a snake they should keep their distance and keep an eye on it. “We can’t catch a snake once it’s gone as they are quick to travel to get away when cornered or threatened, they will make a hasty retreat every time when they can,” she said. Ms Jones said people could drop a damp towel on a small snake or roll a dampened towel at the door if a snake was in a room until an expert arrived. She urged people to keep their pets locked away in a safe place until the reptile was contained. Ms Jones said no two call-outs were the same, and if people wanted to ensure their backyard was not a welcoming place for a slithery creature they should remove food sources, including picking up food scraps and sweeping discarded seeds daily. “Now sometimes it’s better the devil you know, if you have a large snake on the property who stays out of your way and keeps the rodents down, then let him stay. He is smart enough to respect that you are too much of a predator for him and keep a healthy distance,” Ms Jones said. “You remove him and the next one that moves in — and there will be a next one — may not keep his or her distance and that becomes a problem.” Ms Jones said pieces of tin, low lying shrubs and rock walls provided snakes safe hiding places. “This time of the year you can be snakewise by cleaning up around the backyard. Any tin, piles of wood , long grass and low lying shrubs can be tidied up for summer,” she said. “Keep your doorways clean of clutter, make sure the door has a trim to stop little snakes crawling inside on those hot days . “Keep shallow water bowls away from the house so reptiles can come have a drink and hopefully avoid your family pets’ water bowls.” Ms Jones warned snake deterrents were not foolproof. “If a snake is in hunting or breeding mode they will follow that scent most places, especially this time of the year,” she said. GG Wildlife Rescue can be contacted on 0401 272 608.