Johor locals warned as heat drives snakes indoors

JOHOR BARU: Unfortunately, the stifling heat is expected to bring unwelcome guests seeking shade close to residential areas.

Snakes are likely to enter places like buildings, houses, vehicles and in some cases, shoes.

“As the dry season is upon us, we are expecting to get more calls about snakes entering houses or other premises,” said Johor Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Azmi Ab Rahim.

Azmi noted a rise in snake-related incidents during the dry season, with the department capturing 4,329 snakes last year and 4,414 in 2022.

He said residents, especially those living near wooded areas, should take precautions to prevent snake intrusions into their homes.

“It’s important to keep houses clean and seal all possible entry points, not only to deter snakes but also rodents and small lizards, which are their prey.

“If you have a lawn, make sure the grass is always trimmed short as snakes can hide in long grass,” he added.

Azmi Ab Rahim said snakes, too, want to escape from the heat so they would seek shelter inside houses.

He urged those who come across snakes to contact the MERS 999 emergency number so agencies like the Fire and Rescue Department could handle it.

“We have come across cases where people used bamboo sticks to try and kill snakes,” he said.

Such action, he said, was wrong as snakes are fast and agile, with some venomous species able to kill with just one bite.

He said snakes captured by the department would be released into their natural habitat and away from human dwellings.