The exceptionally hot weather that has been lingering on the Kenyan coast these days, the result in part of the mixture of human greed and stupidity that has contributed to global warming, has brought to attention the problem of the proliferation of snakes.
As it does every season, the Kenya Wildlife Service is warning people about the possible presence of green and black mambas and, more rarely, cobras, and their search for cool places like gardens and homes.
Here is a decalogue of precautions reported by the KWS.

1. Avoid leaving windows open too long. Cobras and Mambas can reach very high heights.

2. Avoid leaving the front door open to fresh air in the evening. These reptiles are absolutely stealthy. You will not hear or see them enter your home.

3. Before sitting under a tree that has some sort of cooling shade, check the branches for snakes lurking there.

4. Check beds and surroundings before going to bed, cobras are well known to hide under sheets and mattresses.

5. Avoid the habit, in hot weather, of sleeping on porches and laying out with mats or mattresses in the evening. Most reptiles are nocturnal (they hunt at night and are much more active than during the day).

6. At this time there are not only snakes but also another enemy of man, the scolopendra, which is fast and very poisonous.

7.  Prune and defoliate bushes around your homes. They attract rats and mice which are favorite snacks of the most dangerous snakes.

8. Purchase snake repellent powder and pour it around your home. It will definitely decrease the chances of a snake visiting your rooms by 90%.

9. Do not immediately confront snakes that enter your home. Some can be driven away easily, others like the black mamba are very cocky. If threatened, they can attack humans at an unexpected speed and deliver multiple bites.

10. Be more careful than usual when moving around, it's hot and it's the season when snakes come out and are angriest!

In case of snakes in your garden, don't hesitate to call the experts at Bio Ken Snake Farm in Watamu who will come to remove them and bring them to their center. Call the emergency number 0718290324