Can the fence really prevent snakes? Explore more here!

Created By RISC | 3 years ago

Last modified date : 2 years ago

Did you know that Thailand has 248 snake species, found in forests, wetlands, agricultural land, and even cities like Bangkok? Built-up areas can still have over 10 types of snake.​

​Snakes in Bangkok include Chrysopelea ornata, Ptyas mucosa, and Xenopeltis unicolor, which are small and non-venomous. There are also pythons, which aren’t venomous but can be a danger for people and animals. The venomous snakes are cobras: Trimeresurus trigonocephalus and Trimeresurus macrops. ​

Snakes in homes remain a challenge without any equipment or method that gives 100% protection.​

RISC conducted an experiment with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute’s snake farm to find what barriers can keep out snakes. Experimenting with 4 types of snakes – pythons, Thai cobras, king cobras, and Ptyas mucosa – found that the higher the fence is, the better it prevents snakes entering homes. But this benefit came with higher costs, worse views, and less airflow. The study looked at reducing fence height while keeping out snakes. The results will be published soon to help the public.​

You can stop snakes from entering your home by keeping it clean to deter mice, by fixing holes that let snakes through fences, by studying the different species, and by learning how to deal with them. These approaches can help stop humans and snakes meeting in ways that put both at risk.​

Story by Panithi Laongbua, Veterinarian at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute; Boonnam Yoyfoi,Venom Extraction Professional at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute; Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division, RISC​