The monsoon season is when it rains heavily and brings some relief from the heat, but it also increases the chances of encountering snakes. As water levels rise and the ground gets wet and soaked, snakes are forced to leave their homes, and the holes in the ground or trees might find their way into homes and other human places. This can create dangerous situations, especially for those unprepared for such encounters. Understanding how to stay safe during this time, mainly where snakes are commonly found is essential.
Here, we discuss some tips and strategies for encountering a snake so that you can stay informed and know what to do at a particular time.
Understanding Snake Behavior During the Monsoon
During the monsoon season, the temperature and humidity increase, which causes snakes to become more active. The rains sometimes cause small floods, which force snakes to get out of their burrows and search for food and shelter. Venomous snakes, especially, find dry places to stay or rest. People may encounter common snakes during the monsoon: cobras, kraits, vipers, and non-venomous snakes like rat snakes.
To stay safe, you must be aware of your surroundings and take steps to reduce the chances of a snake entering your home. Many snakes are seen during the monsoon season, not because of more snakes but because people lose their homes and need food. Snakes are drawn to areas with many rodents, mainly in the trash and clutter that builds up during heavy rains. This leads to more snakes appearing in places where people live.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Snake Encounters
There are several steps you can take to keep snakes away from your home during the monsoon season:
- Seal Your Home: Ensure all doors and windows are properly closed. Check for any gaps or cracks in the walls, around windows and under doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to close any openings that could allow snakes to enter your home.
- Maintain Your Garden: Keep your garden neat by regularly cleaning the lawn and removing tall grass, weeds, and debris. Snakes often hide in overgrown areas, so keeping your garden well-maintained can help reduce encounters with them.
- Remove Food Sources: Snakes are attracted to areas with plenty of food. Ensure that garbage is disposed of properly and pet food is not left outside. Keeping your surroundings clean can help reduce the presence of rodents, which can lessen the chances of snakes entering your area.
- Use Repellents: Some natural repellents may help keep snakes away. Substances like bleach or black phenyl can reduce the chances of snakes coming, but be careful and don’t use harsh chemicals that could harm pets or children.
- Be Cautious When Moving Waste: While clearing waste or working in the garden, be careful, as snakes can hide in piles of leaves or wood. Always wear gloves and boots to protect yourself from harmful snake bites.
Recognising Snake Habitats
Understanding where snakes are mainly to be found can help you avoid encounters. Snakes often seek shelter in the following places:
- Hollow trees and Rocks: Snakes may hide in natural shelters like hollow trees or broken rocks. Avoid disturbing these areas, especially during the monsoon season.
- Under some Structures: Check under porches, decks, and sheds, as these places remain primarily dry and can be hiding spots for snakes.
- Near Water Sources: Snakes are often found near ponds, streams or flooded areas. Be careful when walking near bodies of water, especially after heavy rains.
- In Tall Grass and Weeds, Snakes are skilled at getting mixup into their surroundings. Overgrown grass and weeds can provide excellent cover, so avoiding only walking through these areas with proper footwear is wise.
- In Gardens and Compost Piles: The presence of small rodents and insects in gardens can attract snakes, and compost piles can also be a hiding place, so be careful when working in these areas.
What to Do If You Encounter a Snake?
If you come across a snake, it’s essential to stay calm. Here are some steps to follow:
- Do Not Panic: Sudden movements can provoke a snake. Remain still and try not to make loud noises, which might attract the snake’s attention.
- Back Away Slowly: If the snake is not showing signs of aggression, slowly back away without turning your back. Give the snake space to move away on its own.
- Do Not Attempt to Handle the Snake: Even if you believe the snake is non-venomous, avoiding trying to catch or kill it is best. Many snake bites have occurred when people attempt to handle or kill snakes.
- Contact Professionals: If you find a snake in your home and it is a threat, contact local wildlife control or a snake rescue organisation. They have the expertise to remove the snake from your property safely.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the types of snakes in your area. Knowing which snakes are venomous and which are not can help you react appropriately during an encounter.
First Aid for Snake Bites
If a snake bites you, knowing how to respond can be life-saving. Here’s what to do:
- Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Panicking can increase your heart rate, which may spread the venom more quickly.
- See For Immediate Medical Help: Call for emergency assistance or visit the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Time is the main thing you need to take care of when treating snake bites.
- Keep the Affected Area Still: Don’t move the bitten part; keep it at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom.
- Avoid Traditional Remedies: Do not apply ice, cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom. These methods are only effective if you are experienced and can worsen the situation.
- Remove Tight Clothing and Accessories: If the bite is on an arm or leg, remove tight clothing or jewellery, as swelling may occur.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing or changes in consciousness. This information can be important for medical professionals treating the bite.
Educating Your Family About Snake Safety
Educating your family, especially children, about snake safety is important. Here are some tips for teaching them how to stay safe:
- Teach Awareness: Explain the importance of being aware of their surroundings, especially when playing outside or walking in areas where snakes might be present.
- Encourage Caution: Teach children to avoid tall grass, piles of leaves, and other areas where snakes may hide. They should also stay on clear paths when walking outdoors.
- Discuss What to Do in Case of Encounter: Make sure children know how to react if they see a snake. They should understand the importance of staying calm and backing away slowly.
- Supervise Outdoor Activities: Watch children when they play outside, especially during the monsoon season. Adult supervision can help prevent accidents.
- Use Visual Aids: Consider using pictures or videos to help children recognise local snakes and understand which ones are dangerous. This can make learning more engaging for them.
Community Awareness and Involvement
Community awareness can play a significant role in reducing snake encounters during the monsoon. Here are some ways to promote safety in your neighbourhood:
- Organise Workshops: Consider organising workshops or informational sessions about snake safety in your community. Invite local wildlife experts to share their knowledge and tips.
- Distribute Educational Materials: Create flyers or brochures about snake safety and distribute them in your neighbourhood. This can help raise awareness among residents.
- Encourage Neighborhood Clean-ups: Organise community clean-up events to remove debris and clutter from yards and public spaces. A cleaner environment can reduce snake habitats and make the area safer.
- Share Information on Social Media: Use social media platforms to share tips and information about snake safety. This can help reach a wider audience and promote awareness.
- Collaborate with Local Authorities: Work with local wildlife authorities to ensure residents have access to resources and support in case of snake encounters.
