Key Takeaways:
- A black mamba snake was found in a car engine in Centurion, a species not typically found in the area, likely having "hitchhiked" in from elsewhere.
- Homeowners are advised to be aware of the potential risks of snakes in their area and take steps to prevent them from entering their property.
- If you encounter a snake, immediately retreat, observe from a safe distance, and call a professional snake remover.
- There is no effective snake repellent, and physical barriers and keeping a clean and neat garden can help prevent snakes from entering your property.
- It is essential to educate yourself and your children about snakes in your area and have the contact information of a local snake catcher handy.
Introduction to the Incident
A homeowner in Monument Park, Centurion, was shocked to discover a snake in his garage, which then fled into his car’s engine bay. The snake was later identified as a black mamba, a species not typically found in the area unless it has "hitchhiked" in from elsewhere. Local snake catcher Maggle Webster was called to the scene, along with fellow snake catcher Leon le Roux. The snake was estimated to be around 1.2 to 1.5 meters long and was eventually removed from the car engine by the snake catchers.
The Snake Removal Process
The snake removal process was a delicate one, as snakes in engines can be very tricky to handle. Webster explained that it is essential to know where the head of the snake is at all times to avoid being bitten. The snake catchers decided to push the vehicle out of the garage and then worked to loosen parts of the car to try and reach the snake. After some effort, Vincent, Webster’s son, was able to grab the snake with tongs and remove it from the vehicle. The homeowner reported that he had not left the province, leading the snake catchers to suspect that the snake may have come in with another car and found its way to the homeowner’s vehicle.
What to Do if You Encounter a Snake
If you encounter a snake, it is essential to know what to do to stay safe. The first step is to immediately retreat at least five paces and observe the snake from a safe distance. It is crucial to be careful, as some snakes can spit their venom with a range of close to 3 meters. Never attempt to catch or kill a snake unless you have been trained in the removal of snakes and have the right equipment. It is also important to clear the area of people and remove all pets, especially dogs, as they may try to attack the snake and get bitten. The best course of action is to call a professional snake remover and watch the snake until help arrives.
Preventing Snakes from Entering Your Property
Unfortunately, there is no effective snake repellent, including substances like Jeyes Fluid, old oil, diesel, mothballs, and commercially available snake repellents. To keep snakes out of your property, it is recommended to keep your garden clean and neat, remove building rubble or other suitable hiding places for snakes, and trim tree branches away from the roof. Water features, pet food in outside bowls, and aviaries can attract snakes, as they hunt for rodents and toads. Physical barriers like shade cloth or zinc sheeting wrapped or placed around a fence without gaps and around 1 meter high can prevent snakes from entering a property.
Community Awareness and Education
Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network emphasized the importance of being aware of the potential risks of snakes in the area. He encouraged people to educate themselves and their children about snakes in their area and to have the contact information of a local snake catcher handy. Snake catcher Maggie Webster’s number is 082 299 2822, and it is essential to save this number in case of a snake encounter. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to prevent snakes from entering your property, you can minimize the chances of a snake encounter.
Conclusion and Additional Information
In conclusion, the incident in Centurion highlights the importance of being aware of the potential risks of snakes in the area and taking steps to prevent them from entering your property. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can minimize the chances of a snake encounter and stay safe. Additionally, it is essential to note that antivenom stocks have been critically low in South Africa, but production has restarted, and efforts are being made to ease the shortage. For more information and interesting articles, you can visit Rekord’s websites or follow them on social media platforms.
