Mr Hansen, who services Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Molong and Manildra, has caught 53 snakes from around the region since spring.

Mr Hansen said snakes are looking for a place with a good food source and shelter when they move across a property. If these things are found, they are more likely to stay.

He suggests people fill in holes around their gardens and keep their yards free of debris that provides a good shelter for snakes.

The biggest food source for snakes is rodents, which can be an issue for people with aviaries and chicken coops as the food attracts rodents, which then attract snakes.

Mr Hansen said the best solution is maintaining a clear yard.

“All the repellents you see and all those urban myths you hear, there is no scientific evidence [to support them working],” he said.

“If you choose to have some of those things, don’t become complacent.” 

Anyone who spots a snake is encouraged to leave it alone, but if they are concerned about the safety of children and pets, they should call a licenced snake catcher to remove it.

Killing a snake is illegal and people with no experience around snakes risk themselves getting bitten if they approach one.

While Mr Hansen doesn’t personally have anything against unlicenced people, he said there are less risks associated with hiring someone who is authorised to catch snakes.

“I want to be covered if something goes wrong, that’s the reason why I choose to be licenced,” he said.