About Snakes in South Africa
South Africa has an exceptionally diverse snake fauna with over 170 species, of which approximately 14 are considered dangerously venomous to humans. The most commonly encountered dangerous species in residential areas include the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) — responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other African species; the Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) — Africa's longest venomous snake and among the world's fastest; the Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica); and the Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) in the Western Cape.
Snakes typically enter residential properties in search of prey (rats, mice, frogs, and lizards), water, or shelter — particularly during hot summer months or when their natural habitat is disturbed. They are NOT aggressive by nature and will only bite when cornered, threatened, or accidentally stepped on. The correct response to a snake in your home is always: keep your distance, contain it if possible, and call a professional snake catcher or pest control operator immediately.
🇿🇦 South African Facts
- South Africa records an estimated 10,000–15,000 snakebites annually, with the Puff Adder responsible for the majority.
- Black Mambas have been recorded in suburban gardens in Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
- The Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus) is a spitting cobra unique to South Africa and can spit venom 2.5 metres with deadly accuracy to the eyes.
- Most South African snakebite deaths occur in rural areas due to delays in reaching antivenom treatment.
- The SAPS Wildlife Protection Unit reports increasing snake encounters as urban development encroaches on natural habitat.
Warning Signs of a Snakes Infestation
Spotting a snakes infestation early can save you time and money. Watch for these tell-tale signs:
Visible snake sighting in the garden, house, roof, or outbuilding.
Snake skin shed (exuviae) found in or around the property.
Presence of prey — high rat, frog, or lizard populations attract snakes.
Snake tracks in dusty or sandy ground.
Pets behaving strangely around a specific area — barking, pawing at objects, or refusing to approach.
Health & Property Risks
Life-threatening envenomation from species like Black Mamba, Puff Adder, and Cape Cobra — can be fatal within minutes to hours without antivenom.
Eye damage from spitting cobra venom — can cause permanent blindness if not washed out immediately.
Severe cytotoxic tissue destruction from Puff Adder and Mozambique Spitting Cobra bites.
Extreme psychological distress and fear, particularly for children.
Danger to pets — dogs are particularly vulnerable and frequently bitten when investigating snakes.
Our Snakes Treatment Approach
At Eco-Fumigation, we follow a proven, multi-step process to fully eliminate snakes and prevent their return.
Emergency Snake Removal
Our trained, certified snake catchers safely capture and remove snakes from your property using appropriate equipment. We DO NOT kill snakes — they are ecologically important and most are protected by law.
Snake Relocation
Removed snakes are relocated to appropriate natural habitat well away from residential areas, in accordance with provincial nature conservation regulations.
Property Inspection
We inspect for the presence of additional snakes, assess entry points, identify prey species on the property, and advise on risk reduction measures.
Prey Control
Eliminating rats, mice, frogs, and lizards from your property through integrated pest management reduces the food supply that attracts snakes.
Exclusion & Proofing
We advise on and assist with sealing obvious entry points, securing compost heaps, clearing dense vegetation, and snake-proofing outbuildings where feasible.
Prevention Tips — Keep Snakes Away
Our technicians don't just eliminate the current infestation — they help you prevent future ones with these proven tips: