KZN could be in for more vermin due to trash piles
The municipal strike that lasted all of two weeks has caused KZN to be a breeding ground for rats and snakes...
The municipality strike has come to an end.
But it seems the ramifications of the strike may have done more than left a stench brewing around neighbourhoods.
Nick Evans, the famous snake rescuer, has come out to share that the ramifications could be damaging in terms of a vermin crisis.
As it is, most homes, businesses, and restaurants are riddled with rats, whether they are messy or not. So, can you imagine what these piles of rubbish around our streets is going to attract?
No doubt, the piles of trash have kept rats more than happy over the past few weeks. Now, we have to be concerned about the possibility of snakes...
"Evans explained that high rat populations mean happy rodent-eating snakes such as brown house snakes which are non-venomous, highly recommended pest control for the garden and black mambas highly venomous." (IOL)
Even though snakes breed at certain times of the year, the current over-abundance of rubbish could attract snakes into homes with bundles of rubbish bags and dirty streets.
Read more: Venomous snake found in kid's wardrobe
Residents in Durban create a welcoming environment for snakes by leaving large piles of wood, brick or rubbish around their yards.
Dumping rubbish on empty plots of land is also a big breeding ground for rats and, as a result, snakes. Evans shared that there is no infestation in his opinion, but is not sure what accounts for an 'infestation' according to science.
He dispelled the rumours on social media creating panic and added that bushes don't attract rats, rather rubbish does.
Check out some safety tips from the Tsipula Edu-Solutions NPC Facebook Page.
SAFETY TIPS
- Avoid leaving windows open for too long. Cobras and Mambas can reach very high heights.
- Avoid leaving your front doors open for fresh air in the evenings. These reptiles are STEALTHY (too quiet). You won't hear or see them go inside your house.
- Before sitting under the tree that has that cooling shade, check the branches to see if snakes are lurking in the branches.
- Check your bed and surroundings before you go to bed, cobras are notorious for hiding under the sheets.
- Avoid the age-old trend of liking to chill outside of the house, with mattresses and wrappers in the evening. Most reptiles are nocturnal (hunt at night and are more effective)
- Not only can snakes bite you, but watch out for the centipede (Mosithaphala/mbambarize), which is fast and venomous.
- Clear bushes around your house. They attract rats and mice which in turn attract the most dangerous snakes because rats and mice are the favourite meal of snakes.
- Buy snake-repellent powder and pour it around your yard. You will decrease the chances of a snake visiting your home by 90%.
- Stay well and be safe. It's snake season. It's very hot and they are highly active and get agitated and angry quickly.
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Image Courtesy of TikTok