Step carefully, the snakes are back

The summer weather has brought the type of temperatures some of Australia’s most feared reptiles love.

With tigers, browns and blacks common across the Bathurst region, it’s almost inevitable that at some stage they will cross your path.

While avoiding them is the best advice, Chris Frisby and the team from Bedwell’s Feed Barn reckon they’ve come up with a solution to the annual snake invasion. It’s a solar-powered device that emits an electrical impulse through the ground which is supposed to send the intruders on their way.

“I’ve heard good reports about them,” Mr Frisby said.

“One lady who lives near the O’Connell pub swears by them and says she hasn’t had one snake since putting them in a year ago.

“Another bloke said he’s had some of the units for three years and hasn’t had any trouble either. I supp-ose you can only try them and take it on face value.”

Rob Henigan works at Bedwell’s and said they are selling like hot cakes. “They improve the technology every year and they are even more cost effective this season. You can get two for what one used to cost – it’s $112.50 well spent.

“Good value, I say, when you consider it might cost you $1000 at the vet’s if your dog’s bitten and needs emergency treatment.”

Mr Henigan said it’s a mixed bag of people who are turning to the snake repeller.

“Farmers are putting them around the house yard, people who have hobby farms use them,” he said.

“One man who came in said he went out to sit on his verandah the other night and nearly trod on a snake.”

Local herpetologist Peter Carter has heard of the devices. “From my experience, and only my personal opinion, the jury is still out if they are effective or not,” he said. “Really, there is no 100 per cent guarantee.

“My advice is to be vigilant at all times, that’s the best defence. Keep your yard clean and use a bit of common sense.”