A city home in a bush setting is one of the more desirable types of property that Australians aspire to own.
It has everything. Proximity to the city, employment, and world-class services and amenities while nestling among the gum trees and cooling ferns.
It also has snakes.
Lots of them, if reports of sightings this year are to be believed.
The mild winter, coupled with the current hotter and humid weather, are the perfect conditions for snakes to thrive.
If you live on a rural property or in a city block near bushland, you should be mindful of snakes this year.
Of course, they can be just as scared of us as we are of them so in most situations you can just let them slither away.
If you get into trouble or a confrontation, call a professional catcher to remove and relocate the snake. Don’t take the law into your own hands, as snakes are a protected species in many jurisdictions.
Keep on top of this slithering problem with this gardening checklist.
Get off the grass
The first rule is to mow the lawn and keep the grass short. Snakes do not like being out in the open where they are exposed to local prey such as kookaburras.
Sunny spots
On warm days, snakes will find a sheltered spot that gets the sun. So, be mindful of encountering a snake in that scenario.
On the nose
Snakes recoil at strong smells, especially sulphur, making marigolds and their pungent perfume the perfect plant to send snakes slithering away.
Toxin treat
Mother-in-law’s tongue emits a toxin that all reptiles dislike. The succulent’s rough, sharp-edged leaves will also send snakes into a retreat.
Dynamic duo
Garlic and onions will repel all sorts of pests from your garden, including snakes. You’ll also have fewer mice and other critters in your garden, which will make it a less attractive place for snakes to hang out.
Herb havoc
Other scents that deter snakes include basil and sage, which are easy to grow and make fabulous small shrubs in any garden.
Sour idea
Snakes dislike lemongrass for the same reason they avoid marigolds. Better still, lemongrass gives a snake minimal protective cover from predators.