Three puff adders removed from Paarl property as snake season kicks off in Mzansi

As temperatures soar in Mzansi, the official start of snake season does so too, bringing with it an increase in sightings of these slithering creatures.

And so the callout for snake removals continues to ramp up.

Eduaane Niemand, a snake remover from Boland Snake Removers 24/7, was called to a property in Paarl to remove three puff adders.

According to reports from "News24", Niemand received a WhatsApp message about a female puff adder spotted near a mountain on the property.

Upon arrival, he discovered two additional snakes.

The homeowner, Lizl Engelbrecht, explained that she noticed a snake slithering towards some wooden logs stacked against a wall while she and her son were in the garden.

Engelbrecht mentioned that the area has a high rodent population, which attracts snakes.

When the snake removal team arrived, Niemand exercised caution while handling the venomous snakes.

“I removed about five large logs before spotting the snake’s tail buried under the bottom stack. When I lifted the log on the adder, I saw a second one. The first snake was slithering quickly around the other, leading me to believe it was a male and female,” said Niemand.

After removing the first two snakes, Engelbrecht informed Niemand about a third snake at the back of the house.

The snake quickly entered the garden, making it difficult to catch due to the abundance of sand, trees, and flowers.

However, it was captured after 10 minutes.

"Three venomous puff adders caught on one day on one property is crazy. But we are all happy they were caught and were released in a safe environment in the mountains far from their homes,” said Niemand.

He noted that the female snake weighed approximately 5kg, while the two males weighed between 2kg and 3kg.

Puff adders typically mate in late winter and spring, with the main mating season occurring from October to December.

During this period, females release pheromones to attract males, who engage in neck-wrestling to establish dominance before mating.

Female puff adders usually give birth to 20 to 40 live young, although some litters can be larger, with recorded cases of up to 80 or even 156 offspring in a single birth.

Unfortunately, only about 10% of these young survive to age five, as they are preyed upon by Cape cobras, eagles, and owls.

To prevent puff adders from entering your home, eliminate their food sources, such as rodents and insects, and reduce hiding places by keeping your yard clean and free of debris.

Seal any cracks and gaps in your home's foundation, doors and windows.

For added protection in high-risk areas, consider installing a shade cloth barrier around your property.

Avoid using snake repellents, as they are ineffective, and contact a professional snake remover if you encounter a snake.