Snake sightings feel like they’re increasing across Australia and they're becoming more common in backyards. The data and recent call-out trends suggest that snake-human or snake-pet incidents are rising and 2026 is expected to be one of the busiest snake seasons in years.
Here’s why it’s happening and the areas expected to face the most activity in 2026.
Why Snake Activity is Rising in Australia
Climate change
As climate change causes the weather to warm up, extended warm seasons in Australia keep snakes active for more months each year. There is evidence to suggest that some Australian snakes are changing their behaviour and becoming more active during these warmer nights.
Weather pattern swings
Wet years increase frog and rodent numbers, which are most snakes’ favourite food. This increase in prey availability may also encourage them to stick around in your backyard.
Urban spread
New housing developments continue to push into natural snake habitats. This can lead to snakes searching for territory and prey in backyards.
Higher rodent numbers
Rodent activity has climbed in some regions and snakes naturally follow their food sources, leading to more snake activity (and full bellies!) in urban areas.
Australia’s Top Danger Areas for 2026
NSW Central Coast, Northern Rivers and Sydney outskirts
Humidity, vegetation and expanding housing create ideal snake conditions.
South-East Queensland
From the Gold Coast up to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane’s outskirts heat and humidity fuel high snake activity.
Regional Victoria
Areas like Bendigo, Ballarat and the Mornington Peninsula see high snake populations mixed with growing residential zones.
Perth’s northern suburbs and WA’s south-west
Bushland meeting suburbia makes this a hotspot.
Northern Territory and Far North Queensland
High levels of year-round activity with wet seasons increasing encounters even more.
What you can do now:
- Keep grass low
- Remove junk piles and stored timber
- Reduce rodent attractants
- Keep pets away from dense gardens
- Install snake protection early in the season
- Monitor areas that have dense vegetation or great hiding spots
If you live in any of the higher-risk regions, preparation is your best defence. EnviroBug’s Silent Solar Snake Repellers are made for Australian conditions and provide safe long-term perimeter protection for homes. They create an uncomfortable and perceived ‘dangerous’ environment for snakes, effectively deterring them from the area.
