SSSsssnake season slithers in

SPRING is here, signalling the start of snake season! “Some snakes, such as Black Mambas, have been active all year round,” said local ”snakeman” expert, Nick Evans.

“Most snake species though, especially those feeding on frogs and lizards, have been hiding throughout the winter, just as their prey has.”

“Now that its spring, these snakes are going to be on the move. They’ll be on the look-out for food, and a mate!”

Evans is from KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and answers commonly asked questions regarding snakes, especially at this time of year.

How can I keep snakes away from my property?
There’s one short answer to this question. There is nothing you can do to keep snakes away from your property permanently.

Pouring snake repellents, Jeyes Fluid or other chemicals around the house does not work. Nor does planting Plectranthus neochillis, Wild Garlic and Geraniums, which are believed to repel snakes.

However, there are some things you can do to minimise snake visits. Snakes come into our properties searching for food and shelter as their habitat is shrinking.

ALSO READ: Snake Tales: Natal Black Snake

Piles of wood, rubble, bricks and rubbish are perfect hiding places for snakes, as are messy storerooms. These shelters usually also attract rats and geckos – snake food. So keep the garden as neat as possible.

NOTE: Ripping out all the plants and paving your garden does not make your garden snake-proof! Having snakes in your garden means you have a healthy ecosystem in your backyard keeping your rodent, lizard and frog populations in check.

What should I do if I see a snake at home?
There is no need to panic, scream or cry if you see a snake. It genuinely will be more afraid of you than you are of it. Remember, it’s just looking for food or shelter.

If you spot a snake, immediately lock up your dogs.

Don’t let children get close to the snake or touch it. Never pick up a snake even if you think it is harmless as people sometimes get the identity wrong. Don’t kill it – this does not benefit the environment.

Call a snake-catcher immediately for advice, to perhaps identify it, or to remove it. Watch the snake from a safe distance. If the snake disappears, with you not having a clue where it went, the snake-catcher probably won’t find it.

What should I do if someone is bitten by a snake?
Firstly, snake bites around Durban are rare. The bitten person has to be taken to the nearest hospital ASAP, even if you are not sure of the snake’s identity. Don’t take chances.

A photo of the snake is useful, but it’s not crucial. Do not try to catch or kill the snake to take with you to hospital.

Cutting around the site of the bite, shocking yourself, trying to suck the venom out, and other interesting home remedies will not do any good.

What if my cat or dog gets bitten by a snake?

Although cats often kill snakes while hunting, it’s usually a harmless species. They seem to know, for the most part, which species to avoid. Dogs don’t. When they see a snake, their instincts kick in, and they generally attack the snake. If you see your dog clashing with a snake, or suspect it has been bitten by one, rush it to the vet ASAP.

If your dog comes in with red, puffy and watering eyes, it could well mean that it has been spat at by a Mozambique Spitting Cobra. If so, try to rinse the venom out of your dog’s eyes immediately. A hosepipe on low pressure works best. Then take the dog to the vet.

Send an email to me with a few details (dog type, snake species, area, street, date, approximate time) to nickevanskzn@gmail.com as I am trying to build up a database of statistics involving dog and venomous snake conflict.

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