A North East snake catcher has warned spring cleaning could lead to more snake sightings.
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It comes as residents left housebound due to COVID-19 restrictions look for tasks to complete around their homes.
Benalla's Jeff Davies said he's already had calls from residents who have spotted brown snakes south of the border, with the temperature now starting to rise.
"With COVID-19 restrictions there's a lot of people working from home and kids in home schooling and that increases the likelihood of snakes being sighted around the home," Mr Davies said.
"People are doing jobs around the house and renovating and finding all sorts of things they didn't know were there.
"We've also had a fair bit of rain through winter, so there's a good food source."
But Mr Davies adds it's not just around the house where snakes can appear.
"I had one just before last Christmas where some people were driving to Wangaratta to do some shopping," he said.
"They were cruising up the freeway and a snake popped it's head up on the windscreen from under the bonnet.
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"It was about a metre and a half long eastern brown snake.
"Just be aware of where you're parking your car."
While it may be a daunting thought for some, Mr Davies said it's just a natural occurrence.
"People need to be aware, but not alarmed," he said.
The most common type of snake in the region is the eastern brown, which happens to be highly venomous.
"They've become really well adapted to living close to humans," Mr Davies said.
"They can be hard to see and they can tend to blend in."
Mr Davies has also seen red-bellied black snakes appear in the main street of Benalla, while tiger snakes are known to occupy river areas.
His message is to always remain calm.
"Walk the other way, and if the snake is coming towards you, stand perfectly still," he said.
"The snake will bypass you. They do not chase and it won't just up and attack you.
"If you see one in your garden or house and need it relocated call your local licensed snake catcher or wildlife controller and they can come and deal with it."
