It is again the snake season - here is how to spot them and avoid them, say the experts
These are the best ways to avoid surprise entrances with reptiles.
The return of hot weather each year is generally a cause of celebration, while nature is starting to resume its full. But with the return of budding flowers to your garden and outdoor activities such as hiking, animals and snakes also become more active at the start of the new season. Fortunately, most species in reptile are harmless, and even those with a venomous bite Generally is unleashed only for defense. However, there are a few tips to make sure you don't accidentally find yourself in surprise meetings. Read the rest for expert advice on how to locate and avoid reptiles, now that it is again the season of snakes.
Read this then: Invasive pythons of 200 pounds spread to the United States - and eradication "is not possible".
1 Be particularly careful on the hiking trail.
There is no better way to appreciate nature than by hitting the hiking trail and putting a few kilometers. But this healthy activity naturally increases your chances of meeting a snake. Before launching your boots for your next trek, there are a few essential things to remember, for safety.
"Stay in the middle of the path if possible," said Roger Dickens , Wildlife Technical Services Manager in EHRLICH pest control . "Snakes will probably hide along the sides of the trails, under the fallen trees and between the rocks."
And it's not just about knowing where you put your feet. "Always inspect any area before placing your hand close to the ground or when you take a break on trees or slaughtered rocks," he adds. "And if you drop something, be sure to inspect the environment before going down to pick it up."
2 Make sure they can't go into your home.
No matter where you live, humans and snakes coexisted more than many of us think so. After all, our courses and properties are spaces shared with nature. But having a snake to make your way inside your home is an entirely different situation - and you should take measures to avoid now that they become active.
"Eliminate the entry points into and around your home," said Scot Hodges , vice-president of professional development and technical services to Arrow exterminators . "This means that you should seal the windows, walls and concrete slabs with all cracks. Then fill the drainage and washing areas, such as gaps on the side of a driveway, a terrace or d 'A sidewalk. And check the entry points into the hangars and other outdoor buildings. "
Read this then: Keep this outside will attract snakes to your courtyard, say the experts .
3 Know where to look for when gardening.
Whether you are a green thumb that is eager to return to the garden or a reluctant owner to do court work, a warm weather means that you will probably spend more time taking care of the outdoor space of your house. But when you take out your tools for the first time this season, you will always want to be careful when you get your hands dirty.
"People must always inspect all the low areas before leaning," warns Dickens. "It is best to wear shoes that completely cover the foot and ankle to protect these areas from the bites, as well as thick gloves to protect the hand and wrist areas."
Since snakes can remain well camouflaged, you may want to take special measures to make sure you don't bother them accidentally. "I recommend using a long post such as an old broom handle to lift low vegetation such as leaves or flowers to keep a safe distance from potential snake risks," explains Dickens.
4 Keep your eyes open for physical evidence.
Snakes can be incredibly calm and expertise, but they can always leave many physical evidence that they are there. According Georgina Ushi Phillips , DVM, a writer for The reptile room And a veterinarian based in Florida, keeping the eyes open for specific signs such as snake skins can be a way to identify when they live nearby. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"Snake excrement is a clear sign that there is a snake around, and it seems that you imagined: long narrow pastilles," she said. "However, the problem is that many snake species poop once a week - or even less frequently - it is far from the perfect indicator."
Fortunately, there is another immediate sign that can be useful. "Snake tracks look like what you imagine, and the winding lines can be quite obvious in any kind of dust or dirt. Since snakes generally crawl in dusty or dirty areas to enter the house , they are generally quite obvious inside, too, "she said.
For more snake advice delivered directly in your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .
5 Take care of any pest problem on your property.
Facing a rodent problem can be one of the most frustrating tests that a owner can go through. But in addition to being a risk to health and general nuisances, make them attract more snakes to your property and your home, which makes you more likely.
"Get rid of their food source!" said Rory Smart , Service Manager region at Wildlife Services Company Bestiole control . "Snakes are our natural struggle of pests because they eat mice, rats and a variety of insects. However, to prevent them from becoming pests, I recommend that you inspect your home and your property for rodents and insects by professionals in the antiparasitic control. "
6 Know their hiding places and try to remove them.
Even if they prefer loneliness, snakes can sometimes find comfort in the accidental houses that we create for them around our property. This means that you should take additional care to locate and delete anything that could invite them.
"Get rid of all the habitats conducive to snakes that are near the house," suggests Smart. "Keep shrubs and bushes cut at least two to three feet from the foundation."
And it's not just the growth of the plants you need to worry about. "Remove as much debris or size as possible from the house," explains Dickens. "Clutter and debris offer snakes the possibility of chasing us and withdrawing in shaded areas if they become overheated. These items provide ideal habitat for snakes and small rodents on which snakes attack."
Read this then: The way n ° 1 from preventing snakes from entering your toilet .
7 Create an uninviting space for snakes near you.
What you plant in your garden can help attract everything, from hummingbirds to the compliments of the neighbors. But if you want to avoid making your courtyard a comfortable space for snakes, some can also be useful to keep things away.
"Adding plants like thorny and low growth holly can make your short less attractive for snakes," said Phillips. "But it is not only the vegetation that is not comfortable for snakes to slip: strong plants such as mice, lemongrass, onions, garlic, cinnamon, basil and Agapanthe Rose all have unattractive perfumes for snakes and can act as a natural repairer. "
