Snakes season is still in full swing in South Africa. There are various factors that influence how active snakes are. Rain and warm weather does make snakes more active, but the moon phases, barometric pressure and availability of food or a mate can also play a role. In South Africa, snakes don’t really hibernate, for our winters don’t get cold enough. They might be less active during winter, but if the temperatures soar above 20° C, they will slither out of their hiding spot to bask in the sun.
Where do snakes hide?
Snakes seek warm, moist areas with a food source. They also look for areas abundant in rodents. These reptiles like places to hide, and an overgrown garden is just the perfect place. In addition to hiding in tall grass, snakes will hide in garden debris. Tall grasses and shrubs are two ideal hiding spots for these reptiles. They also tend to hide away in storage sheds, piles of wood, or in fallen branches and limbs. They are also fond of small places, like boxes, and can be found near or behind appliances.
How do I minimise the risk of snakes making their home in my garden?
The easiest way to discourage snakes from making a nest in your garden, is by keeping your grass cut and your garden free from debris. Here are a few extra preventive measures to deter them from making your house their home:
- Minimise water sources: Snakes are often on the lookout for water sources and love cool, damp environments. Get rid of any excess water you may have on your property and take care of puddles, blocked rain gutters, or any leaking pipes you may have.
- Destroy the food source: Snakes feed on rats, mice, and other critters. Like water, if you minimise their food source, they would be less likely to stay.
- Seal any possible entryways: If the goal is to keep snakes out, limit their possible access points. These include, and must be sealed off:
– Cracks and crevices in your home
– Drains, vents & other crawl spaces - Snake removal: Snakes are actually beneficial for the environment, but some of them can pose a threat to humans. The best is to not kill them, but rather get a professional to remove the snake from your premises. When you do come across a snake, please ensure that you stay a safe distance from the snake, beyond striking distance.
As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure. Follow these above suggestions to minimise the likelihood of a snake moving into your house or the garden.
Service Master also offers snake repellent services. We spray perimeters, windows, doors externally with a special chemical designed to irritate the nasal cavity of the snakes and deter them. It is most effective when re-applied on a regular basis, so we recommend monthly services.
Contact Service Master today to book our snake repellent services. No guarantees, but in high risk areas adjacent to bush or where snakes are frequently noticed coming into or around premises, it is definitely better than doing nothing!
