Kerala gets hotter, snakes get closer: Expert tips to keep them out of your home

With temperatures soaring in Kerala, snakes could be closer to your doorstep than you think. As the heat intensifies, they move in search of cooler, shaded spots, and homes, bathrooms, and other sheltered corners offer convenient hiding places. And it is not just open doors you need to worry about. Snakes can crawl in through creepers growing too close to the house or trees leaning over the roof. Snake hatchlings need only the tiniest of gaps to slip indoors.

Keep an eye out for them among dry leaves and thick clumps of grass in the compound too. Water storage areas, bathrooms, kitchens, staircases and firewood sheds can also become hiding spots. Other cool, damp corners can also become hiding spots where snakes may curl up unnoticed. Never try to handle a snake assuming it is non-venomous. That can be a dangerous mistake.

Here are a few tips to stay safe, from Dr Sandeep Das, Research Associate at the University of Calicut and SARPA Master Trainer.

Tips to stay safe from snakes
1) Don't sleep on the floor, but if you can't avoid it, tuck in your mosquito net so that snakes don't come close to you. 
2) Make sure that there are no shrubs or trees growing too close to your home or leaning over your roof
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 too close 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 material dumped 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. 

Safety in flats
These days, snakes are spotted in flats and apartments too. They can get in through adjacent trees, wash basin openings, bathroom cracks, unattended open spaces, shoes, and the like. Therefore, make sure that there are no such avenues in your apartment or flat that can 'welcome' snakes.

Things to do in case of snakebite
a) Don't waste time washing or cleaning the bruise; head immediately to a hospital.
b) Follow the universal response protocol - called Do it RIGHT: Reassure, Immobilise, Go to Hospital, and Tell the Doctor. 
c) It's not required to catch the snake and carry it in bottles to the hospital. But it can help to have a photo/video of the snake with you. If not, clearly explain the snake's features to the doctor. 

Spotted a snake? Call for help
If you spot a snake, report the sighting through the Sarpa mobile app or alert forest officials. You can also call the Forest Department’s 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1800 425 4733