Snakes are highly specialized animals and play an important role in our environment. Most snakes are non-venomous and help control rodent and insect populations. Snakes are cold-blooded animals; their body temperature is regulated by climatic conditions. Snakes do not tolerate extreme cold and usually hibernate during the winter months, usually emerging from their dens in late February or early March. Snakes are most active at night and early morning and evening.
- If the presence of snakes is undesirable, removing ones from site are one of the most effective methods of keeping them out of the area. Removing rock piles, bushes, and tall grass will force snakes to seek more suitable habitat.
- Controlling insect and rodent populations in the area will also help prevent snakes by eliminating their food supply. Sometimes snakes enter houses, sheds and other buildings. They are attracted to the presence of rodents or insects, as well as cool, damp, dark places in buildings. All entrances should be sealed to prevent snakes from entering homes or other buildings. Since snakes usually enter a building at ground level or below, all openings around water pipes, electrical outlets, doors and windows should be sealed. Holes in the foundation masonry around the house should be closed with cement mortar.
- Sticky rodent traps are often effective in trapping snakes that have taken up residence inside a building. The adhesive board is covered with an adhesive substance on one side; this causes the snake to get stuck trying to cross the board.
- Catching snakes will be carried out using special tools. Caught snakes will be placed in thick canvas bags. Rare species of snakes will be sent to the herpetological laboratory for scientific research. Common species will be released in the area of Gobustan rocks.
- After the mechanical cleaning of the site is completed, special repellents (MSDS and all technical documents) will be applied to prevent snakes from entering to the site. The mechanism of action of repellents is to irritate Jacobson’s organs, which act as receptors in snakes. These types of repellents mainly target venomous snakes such as Elaphes, Colubers and Lebet’s vipers.
- We suggest measures to reduce the possibility of snakes entering the area:
- Walls should be built in front of the buildings, holes in the walls should be fixed and closed.
- Plants that provide shelter to snakes growing around the site should be destroyed.