Snakes, mozzies, and other summer pests invading our homes

A FAMILY got a huge shock when a snake wrapped itself around their Christmas tree. Snakes aren’t the only pest you’re going to see around your home this summer.

While the thought of a snake in your Christmas tree is terrifying, it’s much more likely you’ll be attacked by a swarm of mozzies this summer.

A FAMILY in Melbourne got a shock over the weekend when they realised the orange stripy thing on their Christmas tree wasn’t an extra decoration, but a deadly tiger snake trying to get into the Yuletide spirit.

But according to snake catcher Harley Jones from Snakes in the City in Sydney, this time of year is actually slightly quieter for snake spottings in and around your home.

“The breeding season for snakes is late August until November, and their activity often slows down in December.

“But things do get busy in the summer holidays until around April.

And it’s not only the extra snakes hiding under your barbecue that’s the problem — but the fact you’re home to see them.

A family in Melbourne got a shock when an unwanted guest wrapped itself around their Christmas tree. Picture: AAP Image/Snake Catcher Victoria

If you find a snake in your home, probably don’t take Mission Beach 'snake whisperer' Adrian Walker’s lead, and pick it up. Picture: Sue Wickes.

“People are home in summer, so they actually see the snakes, whereas during the year they might not notice them around.”

While deadly snakes hanging around are terrifying, there are plenty of other unpleasant pests desperate to inhabit our homes over summer.

Simon Lean, the National Technical Manager from Rentokill says the type of pests in your home won’t only depend on where in Australia you live, but the type of weather you’ve experienced the past few months.

“Freak weather events can lead to extra pests. For example there might be prolific growth after a storm, which will result in a lot of extra pests.”

“There’s been a huge outbreak of mozzies and midges in Melbourne recently, and it’s directly the result of the weather in Spring.”

He said it wasn’t only flying insects that were a problem after recent storms, with the freak storms that have hit South Australia and Victoria in recent months resulting in the growth of extra crops — and more rodents to feed off them.

“We did get a spike in calls after those storms in South Australia and Victoria. Melbourne in particular has been inundated.

He said while summer was particularly bad for pests in the southern states, other parts of Australia “have problems all year around.”

“Pests come out in warmer climates. The life cycle is a lot faster when it’s hot and wet and you’re going to see more things like flies”.

So yes. Happy Christmas everyone. Hope you’re OK with the extra guests hanging around.

Twitter: @KateCalacouras