Warmer days are here and aside from fun in the sun it also means it is snake season.
Here are some safety tips by local snake catchers to help you stay safe this snake season.
“If you spot a snake in your garden or your house, keep a safe distance of at least 3 m, but keep your eyes on the snake as they can disappear as quickly as they appear,” Adriaan Cronjé of Langebaan Snake and Rescue (LSR) cautioned.
He also advises people to contact their local snake catcher or other emergency numbers immediately to have the snake removed.
“Do not attempt to catch the snake yourself unless you have the proper training.” Etienne Swanepoel, who works in the West Coast region, says despite reptiles enjoying the warmer weather they are usually on the lookout for shade.
He said it is best to keep doors and windows closed where possible.
Swanepoel said be sure to keep gardens clean and not leave rubble or garden waste lying around as it creates the ideal habitat for snakes to hide away in.
He said despite claims of snake repellent chemicals there are no such products.
South Africa has 176 snake species with only 20 of these being deadly.
“Of these 20 only three of these are found on the West Coast – the boomslang, Cape Cobra and pofadder,” he explained.
Contact Tally Slade on 082 566 4184; Hendrik Kamoetoe on 079 154 6518; or Cronje on 084 517 4201 for removals and releases of snakes.
