Kerosene not a snake deterrent, download ‘SARPA’ app and be safe | Lifestyle Decor

As the state reels in rain fury, waterlogging, soggy surroundings and creepy crawlies are making life miserable for several households.

Though the menace is not linked to the rainy season alone, during incessant showers complaints of snakes being spotted on residential premises are galore.

However, by following certain steps, residents can avoid a brush with poisonous reptiles to a great extent.

Abeesh KA forest watcher and district co-ordinator of, SARPA, a snake rescue app, shares a few tips on this count.

Keeps the surroundings clean

Littering will naturally attract rodents and other creatures to your compound. And this in turn attracts the reptiles. So, it is very important to keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering food waste to keep snakes and other poisonous reptiles away.

Clear thickets around the house

During the rainy season, the soil gets covered by weeds and thick undergrowths will form in no time. As these plants are favourite spots of snakes to balance their body temperature, the chances of their presence in such places are high.

Thus, clearing the weeds and thickets in the lawns play a significant role in curbing the presence of snakes.

Avoid storing waste in the kitchen

In many households, food wastes are stored in waste baskets overnight to dispose of them the next day. Such food materials also attract smaller creatures and which in turn attract the snakes. Therefore, clearing all waste food materials at night itself and keeping the kitchen clean will make it a safer place.

Check the bead spreads, mattresses

In order to balance the body heat snakes usually take refuge under warm clothes and mattresses. So, always check bed sheets and mattresses before going to bed.

Avoid piling up clothes

It is also important to avoid littering and dumping clothes carelessly in the house. Always keep the clothes folded inside a cupboard. And, whenever a cloth is taken from a heap, check it thoroughly before use.

Kerosene, garlic juice not snake deterrents

Some believe that pouring kerosene, diesel or concoctions made of garlic will stop snakes creeping into house premises. It is a myth. No chemical can act as a deterrent against such reptiles. Kerosene or other pungent substances may force snakes out of places where they are holed up when poured on them. But such substances would never pre-empt their intrusion.

SARPA app, a 24-hour response mechanism

The SARPA app developed under the aegis of Kerala Forest Department entails a 24-hour response platform providing instant redressal and rescue measures. The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store and registration is simple. If a snake is spotted, take its picture or the picture of the place where it is hiding and uploading it through the app.

A rescue team, which is part of a wide network that also includes forest officials in higher echelons, would arrive on the spot to help you out.