Hot snakes really not so cool

2003-03-05 08:28

Thinus Ferreira

Paarl - Residents here are becoming increasingly nervous as snakes seem to be slithering from holes, cavities and even wardrobes and cupboards in and around their homes.

Local snake catcher Danie Malherbe has been inundated with calls to remove snakes. He has caught 15, of which most were poisonous yellow snakes, in the past month.

A few treesnakes and brown house snakes have also taken up residence in homes.

One woman got the fright of her life when she took cups from a cupboard and was confronted by the beady eyes of a snake.

Last week, Malherbe, owner of the snake park in Paarl north, had to remove a big yellow snake from a dining room.

Another was taken from a woman's car and, last weekend, he caught a huge cobra in a pile of wood at Paardberg.

Attracted to cool rooms

Malherbe says more snakes have been spotted in town compared to last year. This year is no drier than previous ones, but the Boland had a wet summer two years ago.

"Snakes have laid a lot of eggs," said Malherbe.

Malherbe suspects the hatched eggs are looking for greener pastures and new homes.

"Cobras are territorial and seek their own patch. Snakes normally find the ideal habitat in homes, especially if there is a pond or pool which attracts insects, geckos and lizards.

Malherbe said: "If it's hot outside, snakes are likely to take shelter in homes in cool rooms. It is important to stand very still when confronted by a snake since they will strike at movement.

"They will soon lose interest in you and move on. If you move, they will bite you, since it will try to scare you."

If you are bitten by a snake, you should phone Tygerberg Hospital poison centre in Parow at 021 931 6129 and describe the snake before being admitted.

- Die Burger