“Look carefully where you step or when you prune a branch. Keep plots clean and remove garden waste and construction debris, because it provides natural shelter for snakes,” snake catcher and expert from Modimolle, Theunis Victor, warns. He recommends that people prune branches and shrubs to keep the area next to windows clean.

“When you come across a snake, stand still or move slowly backwards. Keep your eyes on the snake and look for characteristic features to explain later,” he said.

According to Victor, one should try to keep someone who has been bitten by a snake as calm as possible so that their heart rate does not increase.

Remove watches, rings and bracelets before swelling. Do not make a sudden movement and get to a hospital for emergency treatment as soon as possible. This is where the information about the characteristic features helps to determine the necessary serum. If a snake has spit in someone’s eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with cold water and get medical help as soon as possible. People who go on vacation and spend time outdoors and in nature should be especially on the lookout for snakes.

“Shake out your bed and shoes, do not walk around barefoot at night, use a flashlight and keep tents closed,” he warns.

He warns people not to try to treat snake bites themselves with home remedies.

Snake bites can only be treated by trained medical staff and each snake bite’s treatment can differ drastically. Residents who come across snakes are advised to call an expert snake catcher to remove and relocate the reptile.

Snake Catchers NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Ashley Dodkins - Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein area - 083-983-8573

Martin van der Merwe - Klerksdorp area 071-896-8879

Albert Kent - Rustenburg, Mooinooi, Marikana - 083-958-3137

Chameleon Village Reptile park - Hartbeespoort and surrounding areas  Greg or Chantelle - 082-469-2979 / 012-253-5119

Bertus van Jaarsveld- Hartbeespoort and surrounding areas - 071-541-8206

Thys Walters - Slurry and surrounding areas - 083-236-0156

Drikus Boonzaaier - Slurry and surrounding areas - 082-376-6882

Snake Catchers FREE STATE

Carl Jackson - Bloemfontein & outskirts (Snake/Reptile removal & rescue, identification, educational and training talks) (Official DETEA permit) - 083-459-0086

Jean Kruger - Bloemfontein & outskirts (Reptile removal & rescue, identification) - 076-909-7199

Johnny/Helena Marais - Bloemfontein and surroundings (Reptile removal & rescue, identification) and (First aid instructor) (Official permit) - 082-594-3918

Paul Sebastian Rabiega - Vaal Triangle (Sasolburg/Vaalpark/Roodia surroundings) - Problem Reptile Removal (Official permit) - 083-492-6315

Snake Catchers NORTHERN CAPE

Grant Smith - Springbok and surroundings - 084-328-1001

Die Pos/The Citizen