While humans will no longer stay in due to long cold winter nights, a species of another kind will also start emerging from their homes.
It is widely believed that snakes hibernate, but in winter they actually just become less active. However, as soon as spring arrives, they start to actively move around, breed and hunt.
Therefore you have to be extra careful during this time. Firstly it is advised that if you do not have any experience in snake handling, to call an expert should you come across one. While waiting try to identify the snake from a safe distance. Keep still and watch where it goes. This will make it easier to remove as the expert should know what to expect.
If a deadly snake’s venom, such as the Mozambican spitting cobra, ends up in your eyes, do not use milk as it contains bacteria which can cause an infection. Rather rinse them with luke-warm water for 10 to 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
Johan Louw, conservation officer of Mbombela Local Municipality, provided the following tips to help keep you safe:
• Keep your premises clean to prevent creating a habitat for snakes. Don’t rely on reptile repellent or traditional remedies to keep them away.
• Be especially careful near water as snakes often hunt there.
• Try not to leave the house if you come across one, as that lessens the chances of handlers finding it.
• Never try to kill a snake, firstly because it is essential for the ecology and secondly because it might attack you when it feels threatened.
• Get to know the snakes in your area.
• Never pick one up, even if it looks harmless, and teach your kids to also keep their distance.
• In the event you are bitten, stay calm. As soon as you start running or panicking, your heartbeat increases causing the venom to spread through your bloodstream faster. Get to a hospital immediately and try to identify the snake, but do not waste time in doing so, the doctor will know what to do.
• If a pet gets spat in the eye, rinse with water to prevent it from losing its eyesight.

Louw adds that the following snakes are the most dangerous in the Lowveld area:
Mozambican spitting cobra, black mamba, puff adder, vine snake, snouted cobra, night adder and stiletto snake.

Read more about the most dangerous snakes of the Lowveld