The monsoon means rain, standing water and some risk. When water collects around a house in particular, there is a danger that snakes will become more common.

Every year during the rains, snakes enter homes more often in different parts of the country, especially in the south, on the chars, in low-lying areas and in villages next to forests.

Snakes usually come into houses looking for shelter and food. When floods or heavy rain drown their natural habitat, they seek shelter near people. And if there is food such as rats or frogs in your home, that too can draw them in.

Do not let holes, bushes, grass or rotting leaves build up. Sweep regularly, especially behind the house and around the kitchen.

Snakes usually come in search of such prey, so keep food well covered. If you have rats in the house, deal with them without delay.

Snakes can easily slip in through narrow cracks. During the monsoon, fit a rubber seal or stuff a thick cloth under the doors.

Walk with a torch or mobile phone light so you can see where you are stepping. In particular, do not walk over open toilets, tin-shed yards or straw and litter.

Scatter naphthalene or phenyl balls in the corners of the house. The smell of neem oil or kerosene also often keeps snakes away. In some areas sprinkling mustard oil or ash is a common practice.

• Do not panic and run if you see a snake.
• Do not try to kill a snake yourself unless you are trained.
• Do not let children go outside alone during the monsoon.
• If someone is bitten, keep the patient as still as possible.
• Do not waste time on incantations or unproven treatments. Take the patient to the nearest hospital quickly.

During the rains snakes are more likely to look for shelter in homes. Their behaviour varies by species, so everyone needs to be careful. When building or repairing a house, do not leave empty spaces under the floor or in the walls.

The report was sourced from UNB.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.