Snakes in your house

As we head into summer, snakes become more “sighted” around our households.

A clear and present danger situation, especially if you have little ones.

I recently went on a snake handling course with expert herpetologist and author Johan Marais at Dumazulu Lodge, outside Hluhluwe.

So what do you do when you see a snake in the bathroom, or next to the stove in the kitchen, or in your garage?

Touchwood you do not get bitten first before you see the snake.

In the unfortunate event that you do get bitten, who do you call for help? Which hospital will assist you with anti-venom?  Should you kill the snake?

“I don’t know” is the common answer to these questions, an ignorance often driven by fear.

(Above: Gabriel learns some snake handline techniques)

Snake expert Johan was able to lay common myths and stereotypes about snakes to rest. Such as: “snakes do chase people”, “when bitten you should suck venom out of the wound, and “cultural” killings of snakes to be used for traditional medicines. These are not true at all, regardless of what you have been told.

Know your numbers, you’ll need them

1. In the unfortunate event that you are bitten by a snake, it is extremely important to get help. Do not be a hero! You don’t want to waste time you don’t have and risk losing your life or a limb. My strong suggestion is to know the emergency number off-by-heart and head straight to hospital.
 2. If you do encounter a snake, contact an expert snake handler in your area. DO NOT handle the snake yourself, under any circumstances! Yes, some experts charge for snake removal services, but it's worth it. Don’t do it yourself - you wouldn’t do your own heart triple-bypass would you?

Take a listen to Johan's advice below:

 

 

How to discourage snakes from being housemates

I was very shocked to learn that I was encouraging snakes to coexist with me in my house due to bad habits such as not disposing of rubble quickly enough after building alterations, not tidying up the storeroom, not maintaining the garden, inadequate lighting, etc. According to Johan, these are ideal places for rats to find homes. Where there are rats there is a very high chance that there are snakes too! You just have not seen them yet.

Find out more via africansnakebiteinstitute.com

-    Gabriel  

(Above: Gabriel and Johan)

- Thanks to the Gooderson Leisure Group for making Gabriel's course possible.