Hurricane Flooding May Bring Infestations of Snakes, Rodents and Insects

Hurricane flooding may have driven snakes and rodents into homes and storage buildings, so homeowners should be careful when cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina, “said Jim Armstrong, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System wildlife specialist. One person has already been bitten in Mississippi.

Snakes, mice, rats and other rodents take shelter from the storm any where they can find. If they were in flowing water and found a house, they may have gone up to an open area under the eaves. When waters receded, they may migrate into closets, bookcases, under furniture, walls, or in cars, storage sheds, basements and piles of debris.

“Use flashlights to inspect closets, basements, storage areas, bins, drawers or shelves. You do not want to be bitten by rats or snakes. Don’t put your hands where you can’t see,” Armstrong said.

A snake can strike within two-thirds the length of its body, so a 4-foot snake could reach up to 3 feet away. If you are bitten, try to determine the type of snake that bit you. Venomous snakes leave two distinct puncture wounds, and nonvenomous snakes may leave marks that look like scratches.

Victims of venomous snake bites should get to the hospital immediately. Get to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. Do not restrict the blood flow or cut the bite area.

Rats and other rodents can usually be eliminated by trapping or poisoning. Anticoagulant poisons require four or more days of continuous feeding before rats begin to die. It may take up to two weeks before the rats die.

Insects such as flies and mosquitoes can multiply quickly after flooding too. Empty standing water from containers and remove puddles of water as soon as possible. To avoid flies and roaches, properly dispose of all garbage. Repair or replace screens, windows, doors and vents as fast as you can.

SOURCE: Jim Armstrong, Wildlife Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-9233

Posted by Jim Langcuster at September 6, 2005 12:55 PM