Fifth snakebite death in Kerala: Herpetologist gives practical tips to stay safe at homes, flats

Kerala summer seems to be punishing in numerous ways - with heat, outdoors; amoeba in waterbodies and snakes, both indoors and outdoors. The snake scare, which has even taken around five lives in the past week, is making people wonder where all these snakes came from, within a few weeks. Dr Sandeep Das, Research Associate at the University of Calicut and SARPA Master Trainer, explains that this is not a new phenomenon at all. Twice a year, in the March-April and July-August period, there are possibilities of dangerous snake interactions with us, he says. Why so? He explains, with tips on staying safe. 

Why snakebites now?
The negative human interactions with snakes are more in the summer season of March to April and the monsoon period, July to August. According to Sandeep, climate is the main factor in both cases. He explains, "Secondly, the summer period is the egg hatching season of the 'Big four' snakes - Vellikettan (Common krait), Anali (Russell's viper), Moorkhan (cobra) and Churuttamandhali(Saw Scaled Viper). They suspend their activities during the extreme heat phase of the day and resume hunting when the heat subsides. They can come into cool, cosy spaces like our homes, causing snakebites." Interestingly, vellikettan can have around 15 snakelets; cobra and Russel's viper can have up to 40. 

How to stay safe from snakes?
Here are some tips from Sandeep to steer clear of snakebites:
1) Don't sleep on floors. In case you can't avoid it, tuck in your mosquito nets so that snakes don't come close to you. 
2) Make sure that there are no shrubs or trees growing closer to your home
3) Keep the surroundings of homes clean
4) Don't dispose of waste carelessly
5) Make sure that food waste isn't strewn carelessly
6) Make sure that firewood isn't stored closer to home. Don't go out at night to take them either. Keep a few inside the home for nighttime use. 

7) Don't have unattended stones or waste materials near home spaces.
8) Do away with potential areas that can provide such beings with shade.
9) Make sure that if you have any pet birds, their cage meshes are closely woven so that snakes don't enter.
10) Educate kids on the importance of keeping a safe distance from snakes. 

How to stay safe in flats?
Of late, quite a few people have been sharing videos of spotting snakes in apartments and flats, too. How do they get in there? And how to make sure there are no pathways for snakes in flats? Sandeep explains, "A while ago, a cobra happened to enter a seventh-floor flat in Thrissur. Upon inspection, we found that a coconut leaf from an adjacent tree was hanging close to the flat's ventilator, and a squirrel had built a dry nest near it. This acted as the path for the snake!" He adds that at times, pet cats can also hunt down snakes and bring them indoors. "The openings of wash basins, bathrooms and the like should be sealed and have strainers. Or else, rats will come in search of food waste and, following them, snakes." Similarly, unattended and open, cosy small spaces, such as shoes and helmets, can also serve as dens for these beings. "Alongside not leaving them out in the open, make sure that you check these items every time, before using," he explains.

What to do if bitten?
Take immediate medical help instead of waiting to wash or clean the bruise if you get a snakebite, advises Sandeep. Follow the universal response protocol called Do it RIGHT: Reassure, Immobilise, Go to Hospital, and Tell the Doctor. There is no need to catch the snake and carry it in bottles like many try to do. It's only dangerous and a waste of time. It can be helpful if you have a photo of the snake with you, but it's also okay if you don't and can explain the snake's features.