Australia Storm BookAfter The Storm - 8
Snakes After the Storm or Flood
GeneralMany snakes, like other residents in the path of a major storm, have been displaced and left homeless. As a result, it is not unusual to find these animals seeking shelter and food in areas close to people. Some of these areas include the inside of houses, storage sheds, barns, and other buildings. Damaged structures have a higher probability of attracting snakes because of the many accessible entrances. Displaced snakes may also be found under debris scattered by the storm or in debris piles created during the cleanup effort.
There are many more species of nonpoisonous snakes than poisonous ones. It's important to realize that both poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes benefit people by keeping rodent populations down. Since rodents are also displaced by storms, this is especially important.
TipsOutdoors:Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing or cleaning debris. If possible, don't place your fingers under debris you intend to move.
In heavy debris areas where snakes are likely to be found, wear snake- proof boots at least 10 inches high and long pants, preferably denim or another heavyweight material.
Never step over logs or other obstacles unless you can see the other side.
Watch for snakes sunning on fallen trees, limbs, and other debris.
If you encounter a snake, step back and allow the animal to proceed on its way. Snakes are usually not fast-moving and a person can easily retreat from its path.
Indoors: If you find a snake in your house, try to isolate it within a small area of the house.
Nonpoisonous snakes can be captured by pinning the snake down with a long stick or pole, preferably forked at one end, and then scooping it up with a snow or flatblade shovel. Drop snake in a burlap bag or pillowcase and dump it outdoors.
If you are uncomfortable about removing the snake yourself, seek someone within the community who has experience handling snakes. A good starting point is your local wildlife conservation officer or sheriff's department.
You may need to kill a poisonous snake. Club it with a long stick, rod, or other tool. Never attempt to kill a poisonous snake with an instrument that brings you within the snake's striking range-usually estimated at less than one-half the total length of the snake.
All openings around the house a quarter-inch and larger should be sealed to exclude snakes. Check areas such as corners of doors and windows, around water pipes, and electrical service entrances. Holes in masonry foundations should be sealed with mortar to exclude snakes. Holes in wooden buildings can be sealed with fine 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth and/or sheet metal.
Remove debris from around the house as soon as possible. Debris attracts the rodents that snakes feed on and also provides shelter for snakes. Keep vegetation around the house closely mowed.
No legal toxicants or fumigants kill snakes. Repellents and traps work with limited success.
If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, don't try to treat the bite yourself. Go to the nearest hospital immediately for treatment. Try to make a mental note of the appearance of the snake for identification and treatment purposes.
Learn to identify nonpoisonous and poisonous snakes.
Part Of Page 12 |