The Importance of Snakes in Our Lives

The Importance of Snakes in Our Lives

Snakes are a very common fear. About 30% of Australians are scared of snakes, 10% of US adults, and 20% of US teens. And there is a good reason for this. Numerous species can cause harm through venom in Australia. But snakes are generally a very misunderstood species and through our work at DJL Exotics, we’ve come across numerous people who have expectations of snakes that are far from reality.

And yet, snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem, providing more benefit than harm. In this article, we will look at some of the benefits and address some of the issues.

Snakes aren’t Aggressive

One of the first misconceptions about snakes is that they are aggressive. The truth couldn’t be further from this. Many snakes live in fear. They are a species that are reliant on staying hidden to survive with numerous predators who are more than capable of killing them. Foxes, birds of prey, other snakes, crocodiles and other species will easily make a meal of even some of the larger snakes.

Even their prey can cause major pain for a snake, with rats and mice able to inflict massive wounds on a snake.

Snakes only have three forms of defence: hiding, running, and biting. Biting is considered a last resort because it does put them at risk. When they bite they’re exposing the rest of their body to attack, so they tend to only do this when they feel cornered, with no way to escape.

And even venomous species would prefer not to bite, or if they do, give a dry bite (a bite without venom). Venom takes a lot of energy and resources to produce, which they would prefer to restrict to prey items or for emergencies.

In captivity, bites are usually a result of a mistake on the owner’s part. Many reptile enthusiasts have noted that it is often during feeding times or if the snake is in shed and feeling particularly vulnerable. Many times, snakes will interact with their carers and there is evidence to show that they have the emotional capability to form bonds.

Snakes aren’t Slimy

Another misconception is that snakes are slimy. But snake skin is completely dry. Reptiles in general have evolved to hold in moisture, unlike mammals. That is why they can survive better in environments like the desert where there is little water.

If you touch a snake or any other reptile, you will notice how dry the skin is.

Snakes Control Major Pests

All snakes are carnivores, though the prey they hunt can be different. Though the majority of species target rodents like mice and rats. Though some species will hunt insects like cockroaches.

These are normally species that are associated with lots of diseases. Mice, for instance, are known to spread 35 diseases to humans. While there is a risk of snakes passing on diseases, there are far fewer and you’re less likely to come into contact with them. Plus these diseases aren’t limited to snakes, they’re often common with any animal.

Snakes only consume one or two meals a week, which unfortunately doesn’t eliminate pests like mice and rats from an area. But several snakes in an area can keep populations under control.

And the benefits aren’t just to health. Reducing pest populations protects food stores, garden areas, and environments from bad odours.


They are a Food Source

While we love snakes, it is important to note that they are part of the food chain and not the apex predator. They can be a major food source for numerous species including birds, large mammals, and other species.

Removing them from ecosystems can cause a significant crash in local populations of other species that people love.


How to Live Side-by-Side with Snakes

Part of the goal for DJL Exotics is to educate people about reptiles and their importance to the environments we live in. And snakes are no different. Understandably, people might not want to have snakes around them, but they do play an important role.

Therefore, we have to learn how to live side-by-side with snakes. Some of this can involve deterring them from areas we want to live in. And some other measures can be providing suitable homes for snakes in other locations.

One of the things we love about Envirobug is that they have a way to deter snakes that don’t harm them. The snake repellent they have allows you to keep snakes away from your property by emitting a vibration that makes the snake believe that there is a predator nearby. Therefore, the snake will look for somewhere else to be.

You can also deter snakes by removing food and shelter options for mice/rats. Or you can ensure there are no hiding places in your home/garden. If a snake does make its home in your garden, call a snake catcher that will release a snake in a suitable area, and don’t get one that will kill the snake or harm it.

In addition, we must create locations where snakes can thrive. You can take part in local community programmes with charities that aim to build habitats back up. Partaking in these events and programmes can offer great mental and physical health benefits as you will be spending a lot of time outside. And you will be helping the local species.

And these programmes can also benefit lots of other species. As mentioned, snakes are an important part of the ecosystem. Mice and rats are often invasive species, so a large part of many of their diets can help us reduce invasive species populations.

Final Word: The Importance of Snakes in Our Lives

Snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem. They are both predator and prey and keep pest populations down. While they are an important part of our ecosystem, you might not be happy with them in your yard. But there are options to keep them out and build them new habitats where they can thrive and help us.

Products

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EnviroBug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers (8th Generation) - Envirobug
EnviroBug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers (8th Generation) from $119.00 $149.00
The original Australian solar snake repeller. Launched in 2008. Now in its 8th generation — stronger, more reliable and more adaptable than ever. EnviroBug didn't follow the market. We created it. Eighteen years of continuous improvement means one thing: when your family and pets are at risk from venomous ground snakes, you're buying the best protection available. Proven Effectiveness EnviroBug solar repellers are recognised as the most powerful and reliable on the market — and they don't stop when the sun does. An internal rechargeable battery keeps them running for up to 10 days without sunlight, through overcast days, long nights and everything in between. Your family and pets stay protected continuously, not just when conditions are ideal. The Threat Is Real Australia is home to 20 of the world's 25 most venomous snakes — and the most dangerous ones are ground dwellers that live exactly where you do.  Eastern Brown Snakes, Tiger Snakes, Red-bellied Blacks and taipans don't announce themselves. They're found in backyards, under houses, in garden beds and along fence lines across regional and suburban Australia.  EnviroBug repellers are specifically designed to deter the ground-dwelling species that pose the greatest risk to your family. The safest encounter with a snake is the one that never happens — and that's exactly what these repellers are designed to deliver. Snake activity peaks in spring and summer as temperatures rise and snakes emerge to feed and breed. That's also when encounters with humans and pets spike dramatically. The best time to install your repellers is before the season starts. Prevention Is Everything Eight out of ten snake bites happen during human intervention — picking up, cornering, startling or accidentally stepping on a snake. Kids and dogs are disproportionately at risk: they move fast, stay low to the ground and don't recognise the warning signs that tell adults to back away. A curious dog investigates with its nose. A child doesn't know to freeze.  The only reliable way to protect your family is to make sure that encounter never happens. EnviroBug repellers work to keep snakes away from your property in the first place — and compel those that have already established territory to move on. **If you do encounter a snake:** stop, stay still and back away slowly. Never attempt to pick it up, chase it or corner it — this is when the overwhelming majority of bites occur. Call a licensed snake handler for removal. Why Variable Frequency Wins A powerful vibrating motor drives physical ground vibrations outward continuously — but what makes EnviroBug's snake repellers different is the variable frequency pattern. The vibration signal keeps changing, mimicking the movement of large animals and preventing snakes from habituating to it. Snakes rely on ground vibration to detect threat and movement. A fixed frequency repeller eventually stops working as snakes learn to ignore it. A variable frequency one doesn't. That's the difference between a repeller that works for a season and one that works for years. 18 Years. Tens of Thousands of Properties. One Result. Since 2008, Australian families have trusted EnviroBug snake repellers to keep venomous snakes off their properties — in the bush, on farms, in suburban backyards and everywhere in between. That breadth of real-world performance, across 18 years and Australia's harshest conditions, is a track record no competitor can match. Buy Genuine. Stay Safe. Counterfeit and copycat repellers are a real problem. If it looks similar but isn't genuine, it isn't the same. Never risk your family's safety on an imitation. What Makes It Work Stronger vibrations, consistent operation — A more powerful motor than any previous generation delivers deeper, further-reaching ground vibrations — that don’t disturb you, your family or your animals Variable frequency pattern — The vibration interval keeps changing so snakes can never habituate to it — maximum discomfort, zero harm, continuous effectiveness 40-metre diameter coverage — That's up to 1,200m² of protected area per unit — 80% more coverage than other repellers on the market Slanted solar head, built for Australian conditions — The angled, weatherproof, fade-resistant panel targets the sun more effectively and is designed to stay clear and fog-free for years of reliable charging Large rechargeable battery included — everything you need is in the box Up to 10 days charge in poor sunlight — Cloudy weeks, long nights, shaded mornings — protection continues uninterrupted regardless of conditions LED indicator light — A quiet visual confirmation that your unit is on and working Anodised stem — Prevents corrosive mineralisation from soil contact, extending the unit's lifespan in tough ground conditions 12-month warranty — Backed by EnviroBug's local Australian customer service team You can watch our videos and installation instructions here.  How to Install Choose your placement — Focus on open sunny areas (6-8 hours of sun per day is ideal), perimeter lines and high-risk zones around the building — avoid placing units in full shade where solar charging will be compromised Create the hole — Use a metal stake or shovel to create a hole big enough for the repeller stem, then push it firmly into position — level ground gives best vibration transmission Switch it on — The repeller activates immediately and runs continuously Space correctly — For full perimeter coverage, space units so their 40-metre diameter zones overlap slightly — no gaps, no blind spots Apply LANOX (or a similar water dispersant formula) annually — A quick application of LANOX lanolin lubricant to internal components before the wet season extends the unit's lifespan significantly. If you anticipate flooding, bring the repellers inside until water recedes. Watch our installation videos and guides here. 
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EnviroBug Powerful Battery Snake Repellers (8th Generation) - Envirobug
EnviroBug Powerful Battery Snake Repellers (8th Generation) from $119.00 $149.00
The Most Powerful Snake Repellers Money Can Buy. #1 in Australia: Rated by Better Homes and Gardens. The safest encounter with a snake is the one that never happens — and that's exactly what these repellers are designed to deliver. We launched Australia's original snake repeller in 2008. Eighteen years and eight generations later, nothing else comes close. These battery-powered units are suitable for anywhere, sun or shade. This includes yards, under buildings, protected zones and anywhere reliable sunlight is off the table. Four D-cell batteries give six to eight months of continuous 24/7 protection. Double the deterrent mechanism of any competitor on the market. Don't compromise when it comes to protecting your family and pets from deadly Australian snakes. Eight out of ten snake bites happen when people try to pick up, corner, startle or accidentally step on a snake.  Battery-powered units are built for the spots solar can't reliably cover — shaded gardens, protected zones, under buildings, decks and dense vegetation.  For complete perimeter protection, run battery-powered units in shaded zones alongside solar-powered EnviroBug repellers in open areas. Together they eliminate blind spots across almost any outdoor environment. Key Features Double Protection — Unique to This Model — The only repeller on the market combining a sonic buzzer frequency AND an offset motor for strong physical vibration. Two deterrent mechanisms working simultaneously — maximum discomfort for snakes, minimising risks of harm to humans and pets. Massive 40-Metre Diameter Coverage — The most powerful repeller available in Australia. One unit protects a 40-metre diameter — that's serious ground covered per device. Works Where Solar Can't — Four D-cell alkaline batteries deliver continuous 24/7 power for 6–8 months regardless of sunlight, shade, season or weather conditions. Ideal for under-building, shaded yards and protected zones. Variable Vibration Pattern — Alternating vibration and buzzing prevents snakes from habituating to a fixed pattern. They never get used to it because it keeps changing. Extra Protection in Soft Soils — Buzzing feature alternates with vibration to transmit through softer soils where pure vibration alone is less effective. Handles the full range of Australian ground conditions. Anodised Stem — Prevents corrosive mineralisation from soil contact — built for years of in-ground use without degrading. Weather Resistant — Tough, Aussie-conditions tested. Heat, humidity — these repellers keep running. 8th Generation Reliability — Continuously refined since 2008. More reliable, more adaptable and more powerful than any previous generation. 12-Month Warranty — Backed by our local Aussie team.  How to Install Insert the batteries — Open the battery compartment and load four D-cell alkaline batteries before deployment Choose your placement — Focus on shaded zones, perimeter lines and high-risk areas around the building Create the hole — Use a metal stake or shovel to create a hole big enough for the repeller, then push it firmly into position — level ground gives best vibration transmission Switch it on — The repeller activates immediately and runs continuously Space correctly — For full perimeter coverage, space units so their 40-metre diameter zones overlap slightly Apply LANOX (or a similar water dispersant formula) annually — A quick application of LANOX lanolin lubricant to internal components before the wet season extends the unit's lifespan significantly. If you anticipate flooding, bring the repellers inside until water recedes. Why Variable Frequency Matters Snakes don't hear sound the way we do (they don’t have ears!). Instead they rely on extraordinary sensitivity to ground vibration to detect movement, assess threat and decide whether to stay or flee. That's exactly what these repellers exploit. The variable frequency vibration mimics the footfall of large animals — an immediate danger signal to any snake in range. Critically, the pattern keeps changing, so snakes can't adapt to it or learn to ignore it. A fixed frequency repeller eventually stops working. A variable one doesn't. The unit also emits an audible buzz so you know it's operating. If the sound is an issue in your environment — near sleeping areas, animal pens or sensitive spaces — you can switch this feature off. Simply get in touch with our friendly customer service team for instructions.  Battery-powered units go where solar repellers can't. Shaded yards, dirt-floor sheds, under buildings, bushes, animal enclosures — anywhere that sees too little sun for a solar unit to charge reliably. Run them alongside solar-powered EnviroBug repellers in open areas and you eliminate the gaps, giving snakes nowhere to settle in.
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Aussie Tough Leg Protecting Snake Gaiters (One Pair) - Envirobug
Snake Gaiters — Aussie Tough Leg Bite Protection (One Pair) $109.00 $145.00
Australia hosts 8 of the world's 10 deadliest snakes. Farmers, bushwalkers, hikers, gardeners, campers -  one bite changes everything. Aussie Tough Gaiters cover vulnerable lower legs/feet with 1000D fabric + 12 polypropylene inserts per leg -80-90% of snake bites are to the limbs, including feet, ankles and lower legs. Blocks fangs, rocks, thorns, rain, dirt. Manufactured to perform and last in brutal Australian conditions. Please note: Snake resistant gaiters should be considered a last line of defence against venomous snakes. While they do provide significant resistance to bites, no snake gaiters should be considered “snake proof” and there is no guarantee that penetration could not occur in any circumstance. It is far better to not get too close to snakes in the first place! Key Features Anti-puncture defence: 1000D nylon prevents fangs/rocks 12 inserts/leg: Flexible poly blocks strikes Full weatherproof: Rain, mud, dirt, thorns no issue Breathable comfort: Active all-day wear Knee-ankle guard: 80% of snake attacks are to the feet, ankles and lower legs. Aussie rugged: Built for tough conditions Adjustable straps: Secure custom fit
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LANOX Lanolin Lubricant | 300gm - Envirobug
LANOX Lanolin Lubricant – 300gm Aerosol $16.00 $19.00
Protect Your Repellers. Extend Their Life. Don't Let the Elements Win. Your snake repellers are out there in every condition the Australian climate throws at them — rain, humidity, condensation, frost. They're water-resistant, not waterproof (please remember to bring them in if heavy rains are forecast!). LANOX is the annual maintenance step that keeps moisture and corrosion from quietly degrading the internal components that make your repellers work. One spray a year. Years more protection. Why LANOX? Snake repellers do their job quietly and constantly — which means most people don't think about maintenance until something goes wrong. The reality is that even weather-resistant units are vulnerable to moisture ingress and corrosion over time, especially in coastal, humid or high-rainfall environments. A quick annual application of LANOX to internal components creates a durable lanolin barrier that locks moisture out and keeps everything working exactly as it should. Key Features Shields Your Investment from the Inside Out — Natural lanolin base forms a durable, adhesive film over internal components, blocking moisture, condensation and corrosion before they cause damage. One Spray a Year. Years More Life. — Annual application is all it takes to significantly extend the lifespan of your snake repellers and other outdoor gear. Low effort, high return. Heavy-Duty Protection for Harsh Aussie Conditions — Designed for extreme climatic and high-humidity environments. If it can handle mining equipment and marine hardware, it can handle your property. Completely Safe. No Nasty Chemicals. — Silicon-free, kerosene-free, acid-free and diesel-free. Natural lanolin base derived from sheep wool — biodegradable, safe around gardens, homes and animals. Won't Dry Out or Wash Off — Unlike petroleum-based lubricants, LANOX adheres to surfaces and stays put through rain, humidity and temperature extremes. Versatile Around the Property — Beyond repellers, use it on gate hinges, locks, tools, outdoor electrical connections, fencing hardware and anything else you want protected from the elements. Where to Use It Snake repellers — Apply to internal components annually, especially in humid, coastal or high-rainfall areas Gate hinges and locks — Protects outdoor metalwork from rust and seizing Outdoor tools and equipment — Keeps blades, moving parts and metal surfaces corrosion-free during storage Electrical connections — Non-conductive formula is safe for use on outdoor electrical fittings and terminals Fencing hardware — Spray on staples, wire joins and brackets to prevent oxidation in exposed conditions How to Apply Ensure the surface or component is clean and dry before applying Shake the aerosol can well Apply a light, even coat to the target surface or internal components Allow to settle — LANOX adheres naturally and doesn't require buffing or wiping Reapply annually, or more frequently in extreme coastal or high-humidity environments Tip: Apply to your snake repeller's internal components at the start of each snake season (before you put your repellers back out), before humidity peaks. It takes less than a minute per unit and adds years to the life of your repellers.
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