Snakes moving closer to houses: Extra caution needed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two people have died from snake bites in the state within two days. On Sunday, an eight-year-old boy, Aljo, died in Thrissur. Following that, a 75-year-old woman, Sudharma, died on Monday in Karette, Thiruvananthapuram, after being bitten by a snake. Sudharma was bitten while watering a chilli plant near a well close to her house.

Meanwhile, another baby snake of the Shankhuvarayan (krait) species was found inside the house of Aljo after his body was brought home following a postmortem. The snake that killed Aljo and the one found later have both been captured. The family is still worried that more snakes may be present inside the house. Doctors said that Aljo’s elder brother, Anoj, who is under treatment after a snake bite, is showing signs of improvement. However, he remains on ventilator support.

Wildlife experts have warned people to stay alert as snakes are entering homes and surroundings in search of moisture due to rising heat in the state. Being cold-blooded animals, snakes move to cooler and damper areas when temperatures rise. They may hide in places like plant pots, toilets, cracks in floors, and other damp areas around houses.

Summer is also the breeding season for cobras, and vipers give birth during this time. Baby snakes tend to search for moist places. In the last five years, 392 people have died due to snake bites in the state.

Anti-venom available at hospitals
Anti-venom is available in taluk, district, general, and medical college hospitals. Polyvalent anti-venom is effective against the venom of snakes like cobra, krait, and viper.

Precautions at home

• Check bedsheets and pillows properly before sleeping. Also, inspect under beds and corners of rooms.
• Do not allow plants to grow close to windows or walls. Keep doors and windows closed in the evening.
• Shake shoes and slippers before wearing them. Children should always wear footwear while playing outside.

“Do not waste time trying to catch the snake after a bite. Doctors will decide the treatment. Cutting the wound to remove venom is a wrong practice.”
- Dr Aneesh T.S., Associate Professor, School of Public Health

“Do not pile up firewood or waste near homes. Placing crushed garlic is not effective. Avoid storing water in small containers. Spraying petrol or diesel on the ground may help.”
- Vava Suresh, Snake Rescuer

Snakebite deaths in Kerala in last 5 years
2021–22: 112
2022–23: 89
2023–24: 76
2024–25: 67
2025–26: 48