The Ultimate Guide to Busting Snake Myths 🐍✨

Hey everyone,

I'm so excited to dive into a topic that’s been circulating a lot lately: snake myths! As with any animal, where there's fear, there's usually someone ready to profit off it. And guess what? Snakes have gotten their fair share of tall tales, many of which are designed to exploit our fears.

We’ve all heard the phrase "snake oil salesman," right? It’s a term used to describe deceptive marketing, aka a scam. Originally, it referred to an 18th-century cure-all elixir that was said to fix everything from sore muscles to digestive issues, but these days, it’s applied to all sorts of gimmicky products marketed as snake deterrents.

At this point, the myths surrounding snakes have been fueled by fear and misinformation, so we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s break down these common misconceptions and find out what’s true (and what’s not).

🐍 Snake Repellents: Fact or Fiction?

A lot of people swear by things like clove oil, diesel, snake skin, or even mouse and rat droppings to keep snakes away from their property. Here’s the truth: it’s all a myth.

There is zero scientific evidence to support the idea that these things actually deter snakes. In fact, some of these "solutions" can harm the environment, like using diesel fuel, which is illegal and dangerous for wildlife. We’ve written about it before, but it’s worth repeating: don’t waste your money on these products. Snakes are part of the ecosystem, and they’re not out to get you.

Instead, the best way to limit snake activity on your property is to:

Keep your grass cut short
Trim hedges and trees
Remove loose leaves and branches
Don’t leave pet food outside
Keep water sources limited
Get rid of piles of old materials like tin, wood, and tarps (which are perfect for snakes to hide under)
Use raised feeders for poultry to minimize vermin (a snake’s food source)

🐍 Do Snakes Chase People?

Ah, yes, the classic “snake chasing a human” myth. It’s a good story, but it’s not true. Snakes do not chase people! In fact, they’re just as scared of us as we are of them.

If you’ve ever heard a story about a snake "chasing" someone, it’s likely that the person got too close and misinterpreted the snake’s defensive behavior (like hissing or inflating its body). Snakes don’t attack unless they feel threatened, and humans are far from their natural prey.

Want to learn more about snake behavior? Check out these excellent videos by reptile expert Ross McGibbon, who breaks down why snakes act the way they do:

🐍 Will a Red-Bellied Black Snake Keep Other Snakes Away?

Some folks believe that if they have certain snakes around, like a red-bellied black snake, it’ll scare off other snakes. Sorry to disappoint, but this isn’t true. Snakes are solitary creatures, and having one species in your yard doesn’t stop others from coming around. In fact, they often live peacefully in the same areas, as long as they’re not eating each other!

🐍 Venomous Snakes Can’t Climb or Swim?

This is a major myth. All snakes, including venomous ones, are capable of climbing and swimming. In fact, some of Australia’s most venomous species, like the death adder, are known to spend time in trees!

So, while it's great to be cautious, don’t assume that snakes only stay on the ground. They’re versatile creatures and are highly adaptable to their environments.
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🐍 Juvenile Snakes Are More Venomous Than Adults

Here’s a myth that’s been circulating for ages: juvenile snakes supposedly have more venom because they haven’t learned to control it. This is completely false. While young venomous snakes can still deliver a dangerous bite, they don’t inject more venom than adults of the same species.

🐍 If You See One Juvenile Snake, There’s Likely a Whole Family Nearby

It’s a common misconception that if you see a baby snake, you’re about to see its parents or more siblings. The truth is, once they hatch, juvenile snakes are fully independent. In fact, Australian snakes don’t have any parental instincts—mom and dad won’t stick around to look after their young.

🐍 Can Venomous Snakes Mate With Pythons to Create a "Super Species"?

Nope, this is 100% myth. Venomous snakes cannot mate with pythons to create some sort of hybrid super snake. Different species of snakes don’t interbreed, so don’t worry about that “super-venomous” hybrid slithering around your yard.

🐍 Can You Identify a Venomous Snake by Its Head or Pupil?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy rule for identifying venomous snakes based on physical characteristics like head shape, pupil size, or anal scale division. While some of these signs may be indicators, it’s a mix of traits that should be considered. If you're ever unsure, stay safe and keep your distance.

🐍 Do Snakes Travel in Pairs?

The idea that snakes travel in pairs (often linked to revenge myths if one is killed) is totally false. Snakes are solitary creatures. They only interact during mating or when seeking shelter. So, if you spot a snake alone, there’s no “partner” lurking around waiting for retribution.

🐍 If a Snake Bites You, Should You Cut Off Its Head and Rub It Into the Wound?

Absolutely NOT. This old myth stems from outdated, incorrect practices. If you're bitten by a snake, stay calm, apply first aid, and call emergency services immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, try to cut off the snake's head or rub it into the wound.

Wrapping It Up:

These are just a few of the most common myths about snakes that we’ve encountered. But given the many unique and colorful stories out there, we’re sure there are more myths floating around. If you’ve heard one that’s not listed here, feel free to Contact me, and we’ll help debunk it for you!

Thank you for reading, and remember—snakes are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Let’s keep educating ourselves, sharing the truth, and dispelling the myths!

✨🐍 Stay safe, and stay curious! 🌻