Living in the Sutherland Shire has plenty of perks, bushland, beaches, waterways and leafy backyards included. But all that natural beauty can also mean the occasional unwanted visitor, from cockroaches and rodents to spiders and, yes, even snakes.
If your home backs onto bush, has a big garden, or sits near water, it is worth taking a few simple steps to make your property less appealing to unwanted visitors in the first place.
Start with the spots that offer shelter
Snakes, rodents and spiders are all more likely to hang around where there is cover. That could mean piles of timber, long grass, thick shrubs, stacked pots, cluttered garages, kids’ cubbies, or the forgotten corners of the yard that do not get touched very often.
A tidy backyard will not guarantee you never see a snake or pest, but it can certainly make your property less attractive. Keeping lawns trimmed, cutting back dense plants near the house, and clearing out dark, undisturbed areas can all help. It is also worth checking sheds, under decks, around trampolines and behind outdoor storage where things can quietly settle in. Prevention-focused pest advice from the NSW EPA supports this kind of approach, including reducing clutter and addressing conditions that allow pests to thrive.
Keep food sources to a minimum
Busy family homes naturally create crumbs, lunchbox leftovers, pet food and overflowing bins from time to time. Unfortunately, ants, cockroaches and rodents are opportunistic and do not need much encouragement.
Simple habits can make a big difference. Store pantry staples in sealed containers, wipe down benches regularly, empty kitchen and outdoor bins often, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. If you have a BBQ area or outdoor dining space, it is worth giving that a regular clean too, especially after entertaining.
These small steps may sound obvious, but they are often the difference between the occasional pest and a recurring problem.
Do not forget garages, sheds and roof spaces
Some of the biggest pest trouble spots are the ones families do not look at every day. Garages, roof cavities, sheds and storage areas can all become attractive because they are warm, dark and often undisturbed.
Cardboard boxes, stored fabrics, piles of shoes and sports gear can all create hiding spots. If you can, keep things off the floor, stay on top of clutter and check for gaps around doors, screens and external walls. Even a small opening can be enough for rodents or insects to get in.
This is also a good reminder to check shoes, helmets and outdoor toys before use, particularly if they have been sitting untouched for a while. NSW Health says redback spiders are commonly found in dark, dry places including shoes left outside, under outdoor furniture and in play or garden equipment.
Make the yard less appealing to rodents
If you want to reduce the chance of snakes hanging around, it also helps to reduce what may be attracting them in the first place. Rodents can be a food source for snakes, so keeping your yard and home less appealing to mice and rats is a smart step.
Secure rubbish bin lids, avoid leaving food scraps outside, keep compost tidy, and check that bird seed or pet food is not spilling into outdoor areas. If fruit is dropping from trees, pick it up promptly. The fewer food sources around, the less reason there is for pests and other wildlife to stick around.
Know when it is time to call in help
Not every pest issue needs a professional, but sometimes it is the quickest and least stressful way to get on top of it. If you are dealing with repeated cockroach sightings, signs of rodents, or ongoing pest activity despite keeping things clean and tidy, it may be worth speaking with a local pest specialist such as Masters Pest Control Sydney in the Sutherland Shire.
If the issue is a snake, that is a different matter. Sutherland Shire Council advises residents to stay away, keep children and pets at a safe distance, and never try to catch or scare the snake. If there is an immediate risk to human safety, call 000 and ask for Fire and Rescue NSW.
What to do if you spot a snake
The most important thing is not to panic. Keep your distance, make sure children and pets are moved well away, and do not attempt to move it yourself.
Council advice is clear that snakes are protected in NSW and should only be handled by someone properly licensed to do so. All snake bites should also be treated as potentially life threatening and require urgent medical attention. You can also keep an eye on local activity and recent callouts via Shire Snake Wranglers.
Living in the Shire means living close to nature, which is one of the reasons so many families love it here. A few smart habits around the home and garden can go a long way in making your property less inviting to snakes and other pests, while helping you feel a bit more on top of things at home.
