Red-bellied black snake slithers into family's fridge

A Victorian family has been forced to call for help after spotting a red-bellied black snake slither into a fridge in their garage.

The family from Callignee, in Gippsland, contacted Rob Harkness from Latrobe Valley Reptile Removal when the venomous animal disappeared inside the appliance.

After arriving at the property, Mr Harkness took apart the fridge and promptly found the snake curled up around a pipe.

RELATED: Catcher makes return trip after two snakes found in family's backyard

Much to the family's relief, he was able to safely remove and then relocate the animal.

The snake catcher issued a warning to Australians as the weather warms up around the country.

"Remember, if it's a hot day most of our snakes seek a cooler place as they cannot regulate their own temperature hence why they move in and out of hot and cool places," he said.

"Make sure you keep doors closed as on hot days a snake can feel the cool air from your house from the gap under your door and may try to find a way in."

Red-bellied black snakes

Red-bellied black snakes are one of eastern Australia's most common snakes.

It is not an aggressive species and generally retreats from encounters with people, but can attack if provoked.

Its venom is capable of causing significant illness, but, according to Wildlife Victoria, there have been no recorded deaths from red-bellied black bites in Australia.