Scientists and snake handlers said on Thursday venomous snakes have been breeding in Queensland's suburbs and moving into urban areas as natural effects of two good wet seasons.

Narelle Pails, 43, had been working in her garden at Wheatvale near Warwick on Wednesday night when she was attacked by a deadly snake. She was bitten several times, but the type of snake that attacked her had not been identified.

Pails' death raised fears among Queenslanders amid reports that high numbers of deadly eastern brown snakes are now thriving in the state.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics show 1750 Australians were hospitalised for snake bites from 2002 to 2005 but only two to three suffer fatal attacks each year.

The Courier-Mail reported the eastern browns account for about 50 per cent of the snake fatalities.

Queensland Health advised locals to call 000 upon a snake bite incident. The following guideline should also be heeded by the Aussies in the event of a snake attack:

- Quickly apply a broad pressure bandage across the bite

- Little venom reaches the blood stream if firm pressure is applied over the bite and the limb is immobilised

- Crepe bandages are ideal but any flexible material may be used such as clothing, towels or pantyhose

- Keep patient still, including all limbs

- Do not cut or excise the bitten area

- Do not apply an arterial tourniquet

- Do not wash the bitten or stung area. The type of snake may be identified by the venom on the skin

- Pressure-immobilisation retards the movement of venom and buys time for the patient to reach medical care.