SUMMER is the time when Zululanders enjoy their braais and our country’s glorious sunny skies.
It is also a time of the year when a host of insects and snakes make their presence felt and while most of them pose no danger to us, their bites and stings can sometimes have serious consequences.-
Zululand has many different snake species.
According to local snake catcher Jan Combrinck, the most common snakes spotted in the area are spotted bush snakes, green snakes like boomslangs and mambas, and different types of adders.
The three regularly found cobra species are the Forest, Egyptian and Mozambican Spitting Cobra.
The Red Lipped Herald is also a snake that is usually spotted curled up in pool pumps.
Combrinck advises that one should practice good housekeeping in order to keep snakes out of their home.
‘Do not pile up rubbish in corners, get rid of dense bush in gardens and rather have a lawn and potted plants’ said Combrinck.
If a snake is spotted in the house, Combrinck says you should remove pets and children from the area, avoiding any sudden movement and loud noise or screaming.
Keep the snake calm by minimising movement and noise.
Also make sure that you maintain a close watch on the serpent as it might slither into corners.
Ensure that a professional snake catcher is contacted to remove the reptile.
Do not try and hit it or kill it as it will bite you.
A snake bite can cause mild or severe symptoms that include swelling or discoloration of the skin in the bite area, a racing pulse, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.
In extreme cases, it may also lead to shock, convulsions and severe pain and swelling.
‘If you are bitten seek medical attention immediately – don’t cut the wound or allow someone to try and suck the venom out as this could lead to infection’ said Combrinck.
Speaking from experience, Combrinck also says that one should go to Ngwelezane Hospital if bitten.
‘They are the most efficient hospital to go to in the Zululand region as they are well equipped to handle snake bites.
‘I was bitten twice this year and they saved my life,’ he said.
