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Snake bites can be a real threat to people. Of the hundreds of species of snakes in the USA only a low percentage are actually venomous.
However, given the shock, distress and panic that most of us would feel on unexpectedly encountering a snake, it is highly unlikely that we would be able to easily identify whether the snake we were facing was venomous or not!
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 1-800-837-5520 to arrange a free pest inspection.
The danger from snake bites and the toxicity of venom that a snake injects in to its victim varies from species to species.
The recommended first aid for snake bites will also vary according to species and this underlines the importance of being able to place venomous snakes in to groups according to the properties of their venom.
The required treatment for a snake bite is defined according to whether the venom is cytotoxic, haemotoxic or neurotoxic and the wrong treatment will not only be of little or no help but could even be dangerous.
CYTOTOXIC - An agent or process that is toxic to cells and suppresses cell function or causes cell death.
HAEMOTOXIC - An agent or process that kills red blood cells and prevents clotting resulting in internal and external bleeding.
NEUROTOXIC - An agent or process that is destructive or deadly to nerves or nervous tissue.
If Venom is spat in to a person’s eyes use any liquid available, preferably a neutral one such as water or milk – but anything at all will do, to flush out the eye.
While there can be differences of opinion as to what we should do for snake bites the consensus of opinion as to what not to do is reasonably consistent:
The required treatment for a snake bite varies from species to species and being able to identify the species of snake that has bitten someone is an important part of the procedure.
Be aware of the dangers posed by snakes and take steps to avoid them:
Snake bites caused by accidentally stepping on to a snake - especially if you are out walking in grassland - are nearly impossible to predict or prevent but by taking a few simple, but sensible precautions you 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 single file through long grass or the bush.
Climb on to large rocks or logs in the pathway and step off them on to clear ground; these are favorite haunts for snakes.
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.
Ehrlich technicians are skilled, experienced professionals – they are state certified, licensed applicators and are required to participate in regular training programs to maintain their expertise. They understand pests and use that knowledge when developing a control program for your home. They also have respect for you, your home, your family and your time.
At Ehrlich Pest Control, we pride ourselves on fast, responsive service every day. We are always available 24 hours a day for any emergency pest concerns that may develop and all appointments are scheduled at times that are convenient for you - our customer.