Summer is here, warm long days, afternoon thunderstorms to quench the parched soils winter has left us and the smell of freshly cut grass triggers your memory of years gone by.
It is also what triggers the snake season which means that human/ snake encounters will be on the increase and members of the public are asked not to kill snakes but rather contact me to safely remove it.
As it begins to heat up snakes come out of hibernation, taking advantage of the warmer weather they will be actively searching for prey items. It is also the beginning of the mating season for some species so it's not uncommon to find two or more snakes in the same area looking for a mate.
The female releases a pheromone, leaving a scent trail which will attract the attention of at least one or many males looking to mate with her.
If you encounter a snake:
Don't panic.
Don't try to pick it up.
Don't try to kill the snake.
Do keep all pets and children safe from the snake's location in the home.
And probably the most important is to keep an eye on it until help arrives.
In the event of a snake bite:
DO NOT cut the bite site and try to suck out the venom. It does not work and you may end up making things worse for the patient.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
DO NOT inject antivenom yourself as the patient may have an allergic reaction to the antivenom. If required, antivenom must be administered by a doctor in a hospital as large quantities may be needed and should the patient go into anaphylactic shock, it can be treated promptly.
DO keep the patient calm. The faster the heartbeat, the faster the venom is spread.
DO take off any jewellery, wristwatch, tight clothing, shoes, or anything that may restrict blood flow if the patient is bitten on the arm, hand, lower leg, or foot.
DO contact the hospital so that they are aware of the emergency and
DO mark the site of the bite and the time at which you are bitten with a pen or a permanent marker. This will tell the doctor the time you were bitten and track the movement of the venom.
I am an experienced snake handler (30yrs) and I'm passionate when it comes to snakes. I operate from Howick and cover the Midlands and surrounding areas. All snakes that are removed will be assessed and if necessary will be fed and watered before being released in a safe place out of harm's way.
Should you encounter a snake/s on your property, instead of trying to kill the snake, please don’t hesitate to contact Lance van der Bank anytime on 079 6151816 as I am available 24/7.
News supplied.