This article explores the importance of snake-proofing your properties and home improvement methods to keep the snakes away.
Protecting Seniors from Snakes
Retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoying life to the fullest, and the last thing seniors want to worry about is snakes coming to their home. Seniors often spend a significant amount of time at home, making their properties essential havens of comfort and security.
Keeping snakes away from your property is essential as it can pose a threat to both humans and pets. Snake encounters can be dangerous, especially for seniors who might have limited mobility or slower reactions. Minimising the risk of snake sightings contributes to overall safety.
Certain snake bites can lead to serious health complications, and seniors might be more susceptible to these effects due to their age. Taking preventive measures against snake infestations is more effective and less stressful than dealing with the aftermath of a snake entering the property.
Home Improvement Methods to Keep the Snakes Away
While it’s nearly impossible to guarantee that no snakes will ever enter your property, there are several methods you can use to deter them and make your property less attractive to these reptiles.
Seal Entry Points
Snakes can enter properties through small gaps and openings. Inspect the exterior of the house for cracks in walls, gaps under doors, and openings around pipes and vents. Close off these access points by using weather stripping, caulk, or mesh.
Installing snake-proof fencing can be a valuable investment. Snake fencing is typically made of fine mesh that prevents snakes from entering the property. Focus on securing vulnerable areas such as gardens, yards, and outdoor living spaces.
FenceCorp AU notes to set up the snake fence tightly to any existing mesh or vinyl fence, to as high as one metre off the ground and 20 centimetres under the soil, to render it impossible for the snake to penetrate.
Reduce Hiding Spots
Maintaining a well-manicured yard reduces the likelihood of snakes taking up residence. Trim overgrown vegetation, remove clutter, and keep grass short to minimise hiding spots. Some gardening experts claim that grass of as low as ten centimetres are effective cover for snakes. Any water spots must be cleared out as snakes also enjoy dipping in them in ambush.
Kookaburras
One of Australia’s iconic birds can be used to defend your property against snakes, as they are known to feast on snakes. Blueberry ash and eucalypt trees, among others, will attract kookaburras.
Elevate Outdoor Items
Keep outdoor items, such as firewood, gardening equipment, and children’s toys, elevated off the ground. This reduces the likelihood of snakes finding hiding spots.
Store Firewood Properly
If the property has firewood, store it away from the house and elevated off the ground. Check firewood for hidden snakes before bringing it indoors.
Secure Trash Bins
Ensure that trash bins are tightly sealed and properly secured. Rodents attracted to the bins can attract snakes in search of a meal. Minimise these attractants by also addressing any pest control issues.
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect the property for signs of snake activity. Look for shed snake skins, snake tracks, or any other indicators that might suggest their presence.
Teach seniors how to identify venomous snakes and emphasise the importance of avoiding contact with any snakes they come across.
Professional Pest Control
Consider hiring professional pest control services to inspect and treat the property for pests that could attract snakes. These contractors may be tasked to eradicate rodent nests to avoid attracting snakes. A snake removal service can be called in as well.
Beware of False or Misleading Claims
Be advised of supposedly effective snake-proofing methods such as solar-powered snake repellent devices and anti-snake chemical pesticides. The ACCC and Consumer Affairs has also warned against misleading claims of snake repellent products.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
Seniors looking to make necessary home improvements to enhance snake-proofing might consider using a reverse mortgage. The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage, allows seniors to access the equity in their homes to fund necessary renovations. This can be a viable option to ensure that seniors’ properties are equipped with the latest safety measures, especially when it comes to protecting against snake threats.
For additional details regarding our reverse mortgage program and how it operates, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our ASAG team. You can reach us at 1300 002 724 or send an email to inquiry@asagfirst.com.au if you have any questions or need assistance.
To kickstart the procedure, you can make use of the tool below to assess the equity available to you.