Watch out for snakes this summer says Standerton snake catcher

As winter makes a hesitant exit, snakes prepare to leave their hibernation holes to enter the world and look for food. Frans-Awie Vermaak of Standerton Venom explains how to handle snake encounters.

Frans-Awie Vermaak with a snake he caught.

With summer rapidly approaching and the rainy season almost here, our scaly snake friends are coming out of hibernation.

We spoke to local snake handler, Frans-Awie Vermaak of Standerton Venom. Vermaak has been doing snake removal for more than 30 years. He approaches each snake with the intent of catching and releasing them in a safe area.

“Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem. They keep the pest population under control,” said Vermaak.

According to this expert, the most common snake in the Standerton area is the Rinkhals. This snake can grow up to 1.5m long and has teeth estimated at around 4mm.

“Even a scratch mark is enough for the venom to enter your bloodstream,” added Vermaak.

The Rinkhals differ from other snakes in the cobra family, because this snake does not lay eggs, but gives birth to live young. These baby snakes are poisonous from the moment they are born.”

For snakes to exit their hibernation areas, the rain season has to yield at least 25 mm of rain. Snakes do not hunt on bright, clear days, but wait for overcast weather.

Vermaak explained snakes are aggressive this time of the year, because of hunger after a long hibernation.

“Do not attempt to catch a snake if you don’t have the correct equipment. Glasses that protect your eyes are especially important,” warned Vermaak.

Should you encounter a snake while going through the day, follow these guidelines provided by Standerton Venom:

• Keep an eye on the snake and ensure you know where it is at all times.
• Do not attempt to kill the snake or allow other people to do so.
• Keep vulnerable parties such as children and pets as far away from the snake as possible.
• If the snake is indoors, close doors and windows to bar them from escaping. A towel along the base of the door will also help prevent the snake from escaping.
• Call a snake catcher as soon as possible after observing the snake and sealing off the area.

“Calling a snake handler is extremely important,” emphasised Vermaak.

Standerton Venom provides free services and ensures the safety of everyone involved, as well as the snake.

“When I catch a snake, I typically release it in a field where it would not threaten anyone,” concluded Vermaak.