Mayor of Brimbank, Cr John Hedditch said the service, now available to residential properties in Brimbank had been introduced as part of the 2017/2018 Budget process, in response to public demand.

The service is available seven days a week, including after hours by calling 9249 4000.

“We’re now well and truly into spring – the time of year when snakes are likely to start making their presence known.

“We’ve introduced this no charge service to provide residents with the peace of mind to know that if a snake does decide to visit their home, we have a professional service available to remove and relocate the snake.

“If you do see a snake, stay calm, walk away safely – taking any pets with you - and call us on 9249 4000. Be sure to keep an eye on the snake from a safe distance.

“It’s also important to tell your kids that if they see a snake, to stay calm, walk away, and tell an adult straight away,” Cr Hedditch said.

While this service is available to Brimbank residents, it is important that residents do all they can to deter snakes from entering their properties. This includes:

·        Cleaning up around your house. Keep your grass and lawns cut short.

·        Don't leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying about.

·        Keep grain or pet food storage areas clean and tidy. These attract mice, which are a snake's favoured food.

·        Ensure garden rockeries and ferneries are clear and tidy. These are cool places that attract snakes on warm days.

·        Avoid walking around your backyard in bare feet. 

·        Wear leg protection on hot nights and use a torch (Tiger snakes in particular become nocturnal in very hot weather and it is then that they are harder to see. Pets, particularly cats, are vulnerable to being bitten at this time).

In the event of a snake bite:

·        Stay calm, and as still, as possible.

·        Immediately apply a pressure bandage (or clothing or towels torn into strips) to the bite area.

·        Call 000 or go straight to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It's illegal to capture, kill or harm them.

For more information, visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/snakes or call 9249 4000.