People often think that our snakes go into hibernation during winter,

but that is not the case. As the temperature drops, snakes become less active and spend far more time underground. Some snakes, like Puff Adders and the Southern African Python, mate in the middle of the winter in the northern parts of their range, where day temperatures often exceed 23 degrees Celcius. Snake sightings are rare during winter when most of our snakes are in a state of torpor and do not feed. Most snakes mate in spring with females emitting pheromones to attract males. Over much of southern Africa, snakes become very active after the first spring rains, and this is when we see an increase in snake encounters.

What should one do should you encounter a snake?

Immediately retreat at least five paces and observe the snake from that safe distance. Never attempt to catch or kill a snake unless you have been trained in safe snake removal and have the right equipment. Avoid using braai tongs or garden gloves to remove a snake. Immediately clear the area of people and remove all pets, especially dogs. Dogs are natural hunters and are quick to try and kill any snake they encounter. Call your local snake remover - click here to download the African Snakebite Institute App to search for snake removers in your area. Or if you live in Witsand, call Jason Oxley on 064 774 3862.

How to keep snakes out of your property:

Unfortunately, there is no effective snake repellent. This includes substances such as Jeyes Fluid, old oil, diesel, moth balls, various plants and commercially available snake repellents. Keep your garden clean and neat and remove building rubble or other materials which make for suitable hiding places. Water features, pet food in outside bowls and aviaries will attract snakes as they hunt for rodents and toads. Physical barriers like shade cloth or zinc sheeting wrapped or placed around a fence without gaps and around 1m high will often prevent snakes from entering a property. 

In the event of a snakebite:

Keep the patient calm and ensure that the snake is no longer in the immediate area. A second bite will complicate matters. Avoid tight bandages, especially arterial tourniquets. Cutting and sucking has no benefit, as snake venom cannot be sucked out. Avoid all other home remedies and transport the patient to the nearest hospital emergency room. You can remove jewelry like rings or watches as well as restrictive clothing around the bite site as the majority of bites will result in swelling. Keeping the limb elevated above the heart will reduce pain and throbbing. Always bear in mind that a lack of oxygen results in most snakebite fatalities, with the main culprit being the Cape Cobra in our area. If the patient is in hospital and breathing is compromised, the medical team can stabilise the patient, intubate and ventilate the patient. Antivenom is not a first aid measure and can only be administered by a medical doctor. Nine out of ten snakebite victims that are hospitalised do not receive antivenom as it is not always necessary. Many bites are not severe and can be treated symptomatically. Refrain from trying to kill the snake to take it along to the hospital – doctors do not need to know what snake was responsible for a bite, but a clear photograph of the offending snake may well assist medical staff as they will have an indication of what symptoms to look out for. Bites are generally treated based on symptoms that present in the patient. Most snakes try and make a quick escape when disturbed. However, snakes that are stood on or attacked will defend themselves. As we approach warmer weather, make sure you are vigilant for the snake season.