Snakes alive

October 20th, 2016

During his 20 years as a snake catcher Simon Hempel has found reptiles in all sorts of places, from in toilets to underneath pillows.

The Mount Barker resident runs his own business, Adelaide Hills Snake Catcher, helping out residents who find themselves in a slippery situation.

Simon lost his right hand in a work accident involving an elevator, but that doesn't stop him from catching snakes.

“I'm the only snake catcher in the world, as far as I know, with a bionic hand, but I haven't let it slow me down,” Simon said.

“I caught one under a nine year old boy's pillow once ̶ that was the most memorable.

“The parents didn't believe him because they had just got back from South Africa and it wasn't until the kid was pleading, 'please mum, there's a snake in my room,' that they called me out.

“I searched the room and couldn't find anything, so I decided to look under the pillow and bang there it was.”

Simon is no stranger to snakes in toilets and had to literally flush one out at Woodhouse Activity Centre.

“I saw it's tail hanging out and thought, 'how am I gonna catch this',” he said.

“I pressed the flush button, it went up the spout and came out the top of the toilet box.”

Simon's interest in reptiles began when he was a kid, but he wasn't allowed a pet snake because his mum hated them.

These days he has all types of pet reptiles such as tree frogs, lizards and even a python.

Simon has owned his six and a half feet long carpet python for over 17 years.

“I've had it since it was a baby because I knew the bloke that hatched it from an egg,” Simon said.

“But I haven't given that one a name.”

If you're not too fond of snakes, now is the time to prepare you property to keep your family and pets safe before the warmer weather is here.

The most common snakes in the Adelaide Hills are the eastern brown snake, the world's second most venomous snake, the red-bellied black snake and the tiger snake.

Snakes are most active in the late afternoon and early evening, but you should remain vigilant throughout the day.

“Snakes will come up to properties for water and shelter,” Simon said.

“If you have animals keep the water bowls up higher so dogs can still drink but it will not attract snakes.”

If you think your pet has been bitten it is best to contact the vet immediately because the chances of recovery are much greater if treatment is delivered quickly.

Also keep areas such as sheds clean, where mice or rats often linger, as they will attract snakes looking for food.

“Now is also the time to control rodents with baits or traps because they are the number one thing that brings out snakes,” Simon said.

Generally snakes only become aggressive when they are being caught or are under attack.

“When bush walking the best thing you can do is stand still and just quietly retreat,” Simon said.

“There is more of a chance that the snake is going to pick up on the person being there and clear out.”

If you see a snake on your property it is best to keep an eye on it from a safe distance and then call a snake catcher such as Simon.

Once the snake has been caught he releases it back into bushland.

“If it is a large snake I'll send them off to get milked for anti-venom,” he said.

“In the last 20 years that's happened only two or three times ̶ it's not often you will find a large snake.”

Simon can get to your property quickly because he lives in the Hills, unlike most snake catchers from the city.

“I'll be there as quick as I can,” he said.

If you need help with a snake phone Simon on 0427 991 573.

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