7 tips to minimise snake encounters this summer

Zululand is rich in culture and wildlife, but the abundance of vegetation and soaring temperatures mean it’s also home to many snakes.

While there is no sure-fire way to keep snakes from entering your yard or home, there are precautions you can take to minimise the risk.

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Local snake catchers are predicting this snake season might be their busiest one yet, with almost daily call-outs for them to capture snakes from businesses and homes.

Tips to stay safe this snake season

Snakes love rodents and rodents love rubble, so the easiest way to eliminate this risk is to see what’s happening in the yard, while keeping vigilant in the house.

1. Avoid keeping rubble and piles of dirt
2. Keep your grass short
3. Maintain a dry yard
4. Close all doors and windows when leaving the house
5. Inspect your couches, television stands and beds before relaxing after a long day
6. While hedges in the garden or fence provide privacy, keeping them short is always best
7. Seal up any cracks in your doors, windows or other openings to your home

With no concrete way to guarantee a snake won’t enter your property, on the occasion that it does, do not try and capture it.

Many snakes may look harmless or similar to a garden snake or brown house snake, but unless it has been identified by a professional, it is recommended that you steer clear of it for your safety.

It is advisable to keep your local snake catcher’s number pinned to the fridge in case of emergency.

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