what to do 
 when a snake 
  is in your home 

Spotting a snake in your garden or home can come as a surprise. But the truth is, snakes are a natural part of our environment, and as our towns and cities grow, encounters with native reptiles are becoming more common.

 

At WIRES, we regularly receive calls from people concerned about a snake on their property. These calls often come from a place of fear or uncertainty, especially if the person is unsure what to do next. If you have seen a snake and are looking for answers, here’s what you need to know.

 

Snakes prefer to avoid humans

Although snakes have a reputation for aggression and danger, the truth is, snakes are shy, and solitary creatures that prefer not to cross paths with humans. From a snakes perspective, we are a large predator that could cause them harm. Defensive behaviours are often confused with aggression, however if given space, a snake will usually try to move out of the way quickly.

Snakes will only bite in self-defence, typically when they feel threatened or cornered. If left alone, the risk of being bitten is very low.

If you do come across a snake, the best thing you can do is slowly walk out of the way. Avoid erratic movements, stomping or making yourself threatening in any way.

What to Do If You See a Snake

  • Remain calm and do not approach it

  • Bring pets and children indoors

  • Give the snake space and time to move on

  • Never try to touch, catch or harm the snake

 

Most snakes will leave on their own within a short time.

If the snake is inside your home, injured or unable to escape, contact WIRES or a licensed local snake handler for assistance

WIRES prioritises injured or trapped snakes

WIRES is a not-for-profit organisation supported by trained volunteers. All of our snake handlers generously give their time outside of regular work and their home life to help wildlife in need.

Our focus is on snakes that are injured, sick or trapped, such as those found inside homes or caught in netting. We are not resourced to relocate healthy snakes that are moving through gardens or open spaces and in these instances we suggest calling a licensed professional snake handler for assistance.

We are, however, always happy to provide safe and practical advice over the phone.

📞 Need support? Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or report a rescue.

Not every tail belongs to a snake

Many people call WIRES believing they have seen a snake, when in fact it is a lizard.

Blue-tongue lizards are a common example. Their long tails and smooth bodies often cause confusion, especially when only part of them is visible. The best way to tell if you are looking at a snake or a lizard, is to look for legs or in the case of legless lizards, look for earholes.

These harmless lizards are actually great neighbours. They help control slugs, snails and other garden pests, and are an important part of the ecosystem.