Snakes will often be close to farmhouses and buildings in search of water or mice. Maintaining a clean yard area, including keeping water sources located in set areas, removing attractions for rodents, and maintaining vegetation levels will help lessen the attraction for snakes. This type of yard maintenance also reduces fire fuel loads in peak fire seasons.
More than 90% of snakebites happen on the upper or lower limbs, so ensuring you have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) can provide protection when the correct footwear, long pants and sleeves, and gloves are used while working outside.
Adequate first aid training and knowledge of what to do in all emergencies, including a snake bite emergency, can be critical to survival and should form part of your farm safety policies and regular training refresher modules for staff. Staff should be well-informed of first aid kit locations and emergency contact details.
Surprisingly, the bites are often painless and may go unnoticed as there may only be light lacerations, scratches, or light bruising along with some bleeding or swelling. Common symptoms include an unexplained collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, or paralysis.