Snakes in the house. Keep a look-out.

[The Dog Walker]

Just a warning to be on your guard! This morning a snake was found in the upper apartment of our house, in a top fitted wardrobe unit among the bedding. It was dark, slim and presumably a young one. It was removed to waste ground away from the house. Then this afternoon, I came home after lunching out, and there was a snake, on the tiled floor in front of my computer desk, in the ground floor apartment. Bit of a shock, but called for help and this one was also removed. Builders over the road said it was young and not dangerous, but we should be prepared for more since the warm weather is bringing them out from their nest areas. I'm not afraid of snakes, but don't really appreciate their appearance in my home.

[meldy]

I am not an expert on snakes but have read elsewhere that young snakes can in fact give out more poison than adults as they have not learned how to control the amount they put out. Do not know if that is correct but would urge folk not to be complacent around young snakes. Hope someone who knows more about them might be able to give correct advice.

[face2face]

How many snakes varities are here. I have been told there are 2, black and grey, one is poisonous the other is not. Which one is dangerous as I have a snake phobia and would like some guidance to be on my guide.

[Hippocampus]

There are several kinds of snake here, only one of which is venomous. Google "Cyprus snakes" etc., there are a couple of informative sites with pictures. It is important to remember that snakes only bite if they feel under threat, generally they are more frightened of you than you are of them, and will disappear quickly if you leave them alone in the garden. The venomous one, the blunt nosed viper, will stand its ground however, but again will only strike if it feels under threat.

We have many snakes in our garden, but have never encountered them in the house although the back door is permanently open for the dogs. I would think that they entered the apartments because the building opposite disturbed their normal habitat. Usually they avoid humans.

Just avoid putting your hands under rocks, into plants etc. without looking first.

[face2face]

Hi Hippocampus,

Thanks for the helpful info. I walk the dogs at KAR a few times a week so they get out of the cages and get exercise, but we walk them in the mountains and I spend most of the time stressing about the snakes!!!! 2 hours of stress but worth it.

[Tanyaahmet]

The black ones are not poisonous but i have heard they whip you dont know if this is true. I was walking my dog around my area once and as i was passing a tree a huge black snake came flying out towards us, i dont know if it had babies in the tree but since then the black ones scare me. I think the cream colour spotty ones are poisonous i see one of those in the mountains once, a baby one and was told it was poisonous.

[barrysnakes]

Face2face The most venomous snake here is the "blunt nosed viper" its very dangerous and can kill ! Its predominantly brown with as the name suggests a blunt nose almost squashed in appearance. This is often confused with another brown snake, the Coin Snake as this is also brown and can be scarey at the first glance. This has what appear to be coin shapes all down the back and can give a nasty bite like most snakes but is not life threatening. The black ones The Whip) which can grow to 3 metres were brought to the island to control the blunt nose as it is their favourite snack ! These do exactly what is says on the tin if scared can throw itself at the assailant in an attempt to scare them away but is not dangerous. regards Barry

[face2face]

Thank you Tanyaahmet and Barrysnakes for that info. I will stay alert!

[sophie]

I agree, they are out and about again. Last week a friend down the road had one bite her dog in the lip, she rush him to Pertev who reckoned half an hour later and the German Shepherd would have died. If you do rush a dog to the Vet, ring up to say you are coming and they should get the injections and drip ready for when you get there. A couple of days ago we fished one out of our pool water tank and dropped him over the wall into the ravine. They can smell water and come up for a drink. Having four dogs running around does not deter them I'm afraid.