Snake bites – what you need to know

Snake bites can be a real threat to people. But of the hundreds of species of snakes in the USA only a low percentage are actually venomous. Learning to recognize the signs of snakes on your property - such as shed snake skins, slithering tracks, or strange noises - can help you act early and avoid unwanted encounters.

If you’d like further advice about how to keep snakes away from your home or garden to minimize the risk of being bitten, call us free at 877-200-5998 to arrange a free pest inspection.

What do snake bites look like?

Snake bites usually appear as two puncture wounds close together, left by the snake's fangs, though only one puncture mark is also possible. The area may become red, swollen, or bruised. In some cases, there may also be bleeding, blistering, or signs of envenomation, such as numbness or tingling. You should always seek help immediately from a healthcare professional after any snake bite. 

What are the symptoms of venomous snake bites?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, venomous snake bite symptoms include pain, bleeding puncture wounds, sweating, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You might also experience an allergic reaction to a snakebite, potentially causing anaphylactic shock.

How to stay safe around snakes

Snake bites caused by accidentally stepping onto a snake - especially if you are out walking in grassland - are nearly impossible to predict but taking a few simple, but sensible precautions to avoid snake bites can reduce the risk.

• When walking around, make plenty of noise to advertise your presence, which will most likely cause the snake to move away.
• Wear strong boots or shoes and long pants when walking in grassland.
• NEVER walk about barefoot - especially at night.
• Avoid long grass and stick to paths and tracks as much as possible.
• Use a long stick to probe the ground ahead of you; be aware that snakes can ‘play dead’, so do not attempt to touch a snake that appears dead.
• Walk in a single file through long grass or the bush.
• Watch where you put your hands and NEVER put them down a hole.
• Do not attempt to catch, kill or corner a snake.
• Never sleep on the ground unless you have a tent with an attached and built-in ground sheet.
• Always use a flashlight to light the ground ahead of you at night.
• If you see a snake, stand absolutely still and then slowly back away; remember that many snakes can strike up to half their length.
• When entering garages, sheds or storerooms open the door, light the internal area and visually check for snakes remembering that you will, in all likelihood, be blocking their exit and that this is when they can attack in defense.