Signs of Snakes

If you spot a snake on your property, it will usually be during the warmer seasons when these reptiles are at their most active.

In most cases, snakes prefer to live in extensive, secluded wildlife areas. If you happen to see a snake in a typical residential or commercial garden, it is likely that the creature is just passing through.

However, because snakes are masters of hiding, they rarely show themselves in the open. Instead, you must rely on tracking subtle, hidden clues. If you are concerned about a potential reptile presence, look out for these detailed signs of snakes

There are certain places where snakes are more commonly found.

There are specific environments and property features where snakes are more likely to seek shelter, warmth, or food. Understanding these habitats makes it easier to look for the signs of snakes detailed above.

Within your property, snakes are drawn to wood piles, rock or rubble heaps, rockeries, garden ponds, long grass areas, and dense shrubs.

As cold-blooded creatures, snakes seek out sun-trap areas that provide plenty of natural vegetation cover along with quick places to shelter.

Be prepared to encounter reptiles if you lift up heavy debris, or if your property is situated near features such as hedges, compost heaps, and untamed lawns. It is important to remember that reptiles are naturally timid and will usually flee to seek cover if they are detected by people or pets.

Snakes with Cytotoxic Venom

• Species: Puff Adders, Night Adders, and Gaboon Vipers.
• Effect: Cytotoxic venom destroys tissue cells and causes severe swelling. While the Night Adder possesses a relatively low toxicity level, a bite from a Puff Adder or Gaboon Viper is a severe medical emergency.

Snakes with Neurotoxic Venom

• Species: Black Mamba, Green Mamba, and the Egyptian or Snouted Cobra.
• Effect: Neurotoxic venom attacks the central nervous system, quickly affecting cardiopulmonary action and muscle control.

Snakes with Haemotoxic Venom

• Species: Boomslang and the Vine Snake.
• Effect: Haemotoxic venom disables the natural blood clotting process, which causes severe internal and external bleeding.

We provide specialized snake-repellent services to keep your premises secure. Our team uses professional barrier treatments applied along your perimeter fence line and any dense vegetation where pests like to hide.

Our specialized spray treatments deter snakes from crossing onto your premises, drastically reducing the risk of unexpected encounters.

Proactive property maintenance is the best defense against snake invasions. To eliminate hiding spots and minimize the signs of snakes around your yard, follow these practical snake prevention tips:

• Mow lawns regularly to keep the grass short and neat.
• Clear low-growing plants and dense shrubs that provide low-level cover near walkways.
• Remove rockeries, unnecessary debris, and wood or log piles from your yard.
• Keep your garden compost heaps sealed inside a secure, solid bin.
• Fill and seal holes under sheds, patios, and structural walls where snakes could hide.
• Erect close-fitting fences or solid walls around garden ponds to act as a barrier.

Sometimes exotic snakes are found in gardens, commercial grounds, or warehouses, particularly in urban or suburban areas. These unique species may be escaped or abandoned pets, or they may have been accidentally imported alongside commercial goods.

If you suspect the snake you have spotted is an escaped exotic pet or a non native species, it should be handled and removed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, the local County government authorities, or a trained snake handler for safe rehoming.

Because Rentokil Kenya focuses on professional snake repellent services and structural exclusion as part of our pest control packages, we advise contacting the proper wildlife authorities immediately if you suspect a non native snake is nearby.