A SUDDEN surge in snake sightings in Warwick's CBD has prompted home owners to be more vigilant than ever when spending time outdoors.

Many residents have reported what they believe is one of the worst snake seasons on record, with a number of large snakes making their way into the commercial centre.

The reports come after last week's death of popular nurse and mother Narelle Pails, who was laid to rest Wednesday after dying from a snake bite.

At lunch hour yesterday, a five-foot brown snake had to be shooed from the seating area outside Subway on Fitzroy St.

Ian Hopkins, who has had plenty past experience with snake catching, had been on his lunch break at the location, and after a 20-minute game of hide and seek, was able to safely catch the snake and put it in an empty dust bin.

For Canning St residents Peter and Glennis Rodeck, who have seen 12 snakes in one week, this time of the year means taking precaution.

"We have been spending a lot of time outside gardening and picking up bales of hay," Mr Rodeck said.

"My wife picked up a bale of hay and three black snakes ran off. She let out somewhat of a scream.

"Another time Glennis was weeding in the garden and a large brown snake, probably about six foot long, was lying only a couple of feet away."

The Rodecks live on three acres and say the snakes have been both black and brown.

Mr Rodeck said neither of them take any chances when they spend time outside.

"My wife wears jeans as a protection, and just looking at the literature, Australian snakes have only four to six millimetre fangs," he said.

"If it's got to go through a pair of jeans, then it just reduces the likelihood of getting as much venom in.

"Being aware is also important - if we hear any rustle in the grass we take it seriously."

This has been the worst snake season by far for the couple, who only usually see three to four each year.

"Twelve in one week is worrying," Mr Rodeck said.

The Canning St residents' thoughts were echoed by Mayor Ron Bellingham, who said it was a worry for the community.

"I can't remember a year where I've seen so many large snakes. It seems to be perhaps the product of a couple of very reasonable seasons," he said.

"In the aftermath of (Narelle Pails' death), I guess I'd like to say to the community, please be careful and please maintain blocks, particularly in town. Snakes are not just in the country, they are most certainly in the area and they seem to be more frequent."

Cr Bellingham reminded the public of the complaints procedure in place if people weren't keeping their blocks tidy.

"If council gets a complaint and we deem a lot to be unkempt, we will serve a notice on the owner of the block to clean it up," he said.

"If they take no action, council will actually go in and clean it up and pass on the bill to the owner."

People are urged to call snake catcher Lyn Gynther on 46648476 and stay away if they see a snake.