A BEAUDESERT reptile handler has warned Jimboomba residents to watch out for snakes on the move.
Daniel Bromley, from Scenic Rim Snake Catchers, said he was contacted up to five times a week by residents in the greater Jimboomba region and Scenic Rim to collect carpet pythons and eastern browns from homes and backyards.
He said the number of calls had increased since the advent of breeding season, which began a few weeks ago.
“We have had multiple sightings of different snakes as the weather has just turned,” he said.
“The male carpet pythons and brown snakes are out searching for females.”
Mr Bromley warned anyone who saw a snake to freeze immediately.
“The best thing is to stop and stand still and let the snake move away on its own accord,” he said.
“The snake is just as startled as you are and will head off ... as soon as it can.”
He said residents could reduce the risk of a snake encounter at home by removing rubbish piles, cutting grass and storing pet food appropriately.
He said snakes preyed on rodents, which ate left out scraps.
“Snakes are generally drawn to houses when an abundance of food, like rats and mice, are available,” he said.
“Reducing rodent numbers around the house is an effective way to dissuade snakes from your home.
“If you store bird food, store it in metal bins to stop rats and mice getting a free feed and breeding around the house.”
Mr Bromley said captured snakes were released into nearby natural areas.
