Pest library
Snakes
Snakes come for the rodents. Deal with the rodents and you have dealt with most of the problem.
Snakes appear in compounds, gardens and store rooms because there is something there to eat — almost always rats or mice — and somewhere to hide, usually long grass, woodpiles, rubble or stacked material.
Most encounters are with a snake trying to get away. That said, Malawi has several dangerously venomous species, so nobody without training should be trying to catch or kill one.
Signs you have snakes
- Shed skins in outbuildings, roof spaces or long grass
- Sightings around woodpiles, rubble and stored material
- An existing rodent problem on the same site
- Unexplained disappearance of chicks or eggs
Why it matters
- Risk of a serious or fatal bite
- Staff refuse to work in affected areas, and rightly so
- A significant liability on a school, lodge or workplace
- Distress and disruption out of all proportion to the numbers
How we treat it
Our approach is habitat and food supply. We clear and advise on harbourage — long grass, woodpiles, rubble against walls — deal with the rodent population that is drawing them in, and apply repellents at boundaries and entry points where that is appropriate.
If there is a snake in a building now, ring us and keep everyone away from it. Do not try to move it yourself.
Book a free site inspection
Tell us what you are dealing with and we will assess the site, identify the source and quote you a treatment plan — at no cost.