Rescue squad spokesperson James Harris said they had received about 10 calls to collect snakes in the past three weeks.

This included three calls last weekend alone.

However, Mr Harris said they had only managed to locate four snakes so far as people had not kept an eye on them while waiting for the rescue squad to arrive.

With the weather set to warm up into summer, Mr Harris said he expected calls to increase.

“It just gets bigger from here,” he said.

Mr Harris said the rescue squad usually receives between 200 and 300 calls from the end of August to March.

His advice for people to deter snakes was to keep yards clear and grass mowed.

If you do spot a snake, call the rescue squad on 4991 2444. Keep children and pets inside and keep an eye on it to see where it goes.

Mr Harris also said it was important not to judge a snake by its colour.

“Treat every snake as venomous,” he said.