So youâve purchased your first set of snake handling equipment, in the hopes of safely removing unwanted slithering visitors from your home and garden. The broom, bucket and braai tongs have been put back to their intended use.
But do you know how to use the equipment youâve purchased?
Hereâs some tips on keeping you safe and the snake unharmed.
Youâve been alerted to a snake, either by your dogs, domestic worker, the cat brought one in or you stumbled upon it, now what?
The first thing you need to do is remove all pets from the immediate area. You can lock dogs up in or out the house depending on where the snake is. It is also advisable to keep anyone with a gun away; nothing is as nerve-wrecking as a trigger-happy farmer breathing down your neck with his barrel pointing over your shoulder. Itâs just not safe! You need to try and keep an eye on the snake whilst doing this or have someone watch it for you, as they tend to disappear very quickly. You can also throw a towel or blanket over the snake, as this gives them something to hide under.
One important thing to check before approaching the snake is whether itâs a âspitterâ â this refers to one of the Spitting Cobras or Rinkhals which are able to project venom as a defence mechanism. Have a look to see if any of these species occur in your region (see the ASI Snakes App â local species), if it is a spitting snake youâll need some form of eye protection, like goggles or a pair of wrap-around sunglasses.