Durban — The African Snakebite Institute (ASI) has given tips on what one should do when one encounters a snake and what to do in the event of a snakebite.
This comes following the move from winter to spring, where over much of southern Africa, snakes become very active after the first spring rains, which is when we see an increase in snakebite incidences.
In its August newsletter, the ASI said people often think our snakes hibernate during winter, but that is not quite the case. As temperatures drop, 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 centigrade. Certain snakes, like the rinkhals or black mamba, will often emerge from their hideouts in the middle of winter to bask but are quick to disappear if disturbed,” the ASI explained.
It said snakebite incidents are rare during winter when most of our snakes are in a state of torpor and do not feed.
The ASI further explained that 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, which is when we see an increase in snakebite incidences. While some people are bitten on the hand, especially during farming activities, or by the Mozambique spitting cobra while asleep in a bed, most bites are well below the knee, when people accidentally step onto a snake.”
What to do in the event you encounter a snake:
- Immediately retreat at least five paces and observe the snake from that safe distance. Some snakes can spit their venom with a range of close to 3m.
- 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 quick to try and kill any snake they encounter.
- Call your local snake remover. There are over 800 snake removers on the free ASI app –ASI Snakes.
In the event of a snakebite:
- Keep the patient calm and ensure 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 emergency room at a hospital. You can remove jewellery like rings or watches and restrictive clothing around the bite site as the majority of bites will cause swelling. Keeping the limb elevated above the heart will reduce the pain and throbbing.
- Always bear in mind that it is a lack of oxygen that results in most snakebite fatalities, with the main culprits being the black mamba and Cape cobra – if the patient is in a hospital and breathing is compromised, the medical team can stabilise the patient and intubate and ventilate the patient.
- Antivenom is not a first aid measure and can only be administered by a medical doctor in a hospital environment. Nine out of ten snakebite victims who 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 the doctors as they will indicate what symptoms to look out for. Bites are generally treated based on symptoms that present in the patient.
“Most snakes try to 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 ready for the snake season.”
How to keep snakes out of your property:
- There is no effective snake repellent. This includes substances like Jeyes Fluid, old oil, diesel, mothballs, various plants and commercially available snake repellents.
- Keep your garden clean and neat and remove building rubble or other suitable hiding places for snakes.
- Water features and 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 prevent snakes from entering a property.
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