Snake Removal

If you or anyone in your family gets bitten, call emergency service(Bio-Ken Snake Farm – +254 718290324; Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Center – +254 795285992, +254 795285980) right away and get the victim to a hospital fast. If possible, find out what type of snake it was as this will help with treatment.

As Imagine Care only offers snake repellent services as part of our service package, be sure to contact the Kenya Wildlife and the County government or a trained snake operator for re-homing or safe removal if you suspect you have a non-native snake nearby.

• Sealing up cracks and gaps along exterior walls with fine mesh or caulk.
• To eliminate potential food sources, take steps to control rodent and insect populations.
• Mow grass regularly to keep it short.
• Clear low-growing plants and shrubs that provide cover.
• Remove rockeries, debris, wood, or log piles. Keep compost heaps in a sealed bin.
• Fill holes that they can hide in; under sheds, patios, and walls.
• Putting close-fitting fences or walls around ponds can be a deterrent.

There are three main snake species that you will encounter in Kenya:

• Puff Adder
• Cape Cobra
• African Rock Python

Most Kenyan snakes are harmless and not aggressive unless provoked. If snakes are provoked they can bite. For your own safety and that of the snake, you should never touch them and whenever possible, please try not to be alarmed.

• Reptile Habitats – Nature reserves of rough grassland, disused quarries, large allotments, large derelict urban sites, or sunny road and railway embankments with scrub cover.
• Sunny Areas – Sun trap areas with lots of vegetation cover and places to shelter.
• Gardens, parks, or other grassed areas – Be prepared to find reptiles if you lift up debris or are near features such as hedges, ponds, compost heaps, and areas of long grass.
• Garden Features – Wood, rock or rubble piles, rockeries, ponds, long grass areas, and shrubs.

Snakes are good at hiding, but not good at hiding evidence. The careless clues they leave are the best indicator your home is overrun with snakes.

The clues to look for include:

• Snakes like to hide, so you may not know they are around until you actually see them. Snakes shed their skins several times a year, so one of the first signs might be the shed skins they leave behind. If you live in an area that is dusty or have a yard that is mostly dirt, you might also see twisty trails as they slither along.
• Snakes like to hide in heavy vegetation and under porches, decks, piles of rocks, and holes. Be on the lookout around your property, and if you live in an area where snakes are common, approach them with caution.
• If you do spot a snake, it will usually be in the warmer season when they are at their most active.
• Only gardens with extensive secluded wildlife areas will have snakes. In most garden areas if snakes are seen, they are most likely just passing through.
• Winding trails on light dirt or sandy surfaces, particularly across heathland areas is also a sure sign of snakes around.

Q. What’s the process of doing snake control?

A. We use a combination of repellents in liquid, paste, and powder form around the property to kill and repel snakes away.

Q. What’s the best time to carry out snake control?

A. Immediately you spot snakes, start the process. The season isn’t an issue.

Q. Is snake control and related chemicals safe for pets/animals and humans?

A. Yes, it is immediately the mist dries up. Approximately 2 hours. The treatment only targets reptiles (snakes).

Q. Where do you apply the snake control chemicals?

A. Lawns or grassy areas and the perimeter (fence) are sprayed with a liquid repellent, then the fence, stones, tree stumps baited with a paste repellent, and finally a powder(not visible) is sprinkled along the property edges.

Q. Will snake control work during the rainy season?

A. We use adjuvants/stickers to make the chemicals stick firmly on surfaces without washing off quickly and also increase the residual effectiveness for up to 6 months.

When someone is bitten by a snake, it is advised that you treat every bite as venomous until proven otherwise by a health provider. The following steps are a simple guide on how to help a snakebite victim before they reach the hospital.