Brown house snakes are excellent at pest control

Snake activity is on the rise, especially during hot summer months. Professional Bluff based snake catcher, Warren Dick can attest to that, having had his fare share of encounters with the brown house snake of late. He has had many calls for help to capture and relocate the snakes from residents gardens.

“After battling with rat infestations for many years, I made a decision to release a few large brown house snakes into my garden. I have not seen a rat on my property in more than two years and I live close to a busy shopping centre. They really are natures own pest controllers,” said Warren.

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Identification: Light to dark brown with a pearl white belly. These snakes can reach up to one and a half metres in length, although it is rare nowadays to find one that’s more than a metre long. Two pale white stripes on either side of the face are the most distinguishing characteristics of the brown house snake, the lines can stretch to the tail of the snake. Juveniles and some adults can have a mottled pattern on the body. In recent times near white individuals with blue eyes have been bred for the pet trade.

Favourite food: Mice, rats, lizards and small birds.

Habits: This harmless constrictor is probably the most common snake in South Africa. They are good to have in the garden to keep rodent numbers down. In self-defence they do not hesitate to bite, although they do not have fangs or venom they have a number of sharp teeth that can draw blood. These snakes are harmless to humans and pets.

For snake removal or identification, contact Warren on 072 211 0353 or follow the conversation on Facebook, Warren’s Small World.

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