Spotted a Snake Indoors During Monsoon? Here’s What You Must Do Immediately
As the monsoon season drenches cities and towns across India, there’s an unexpected yet increasingly common visitor entering homes — snakes. With their natural habitats such as burrows and forest floors getting flooded, snakes are forced to seek dry, sheltered spaces, often bringing them into human settlements. If you spot a snake inside your home, your response can make all the difference between a safe resolution and a dangerous situation.
Why Snake Encounters Rise During Monsoon
During monsoons, snakes abandon their soggy natural surroundings in search of drier terrain. Urban expansion, proximity to green belts, and inadequate sealing of homes make it easier for these reptiles to slither indoors. Additionally, prey like rats and frogs, which also seek shelter during rains, attract snakes into houses.
Snakes may enter homes to:
- Escape flooded burrows and soggy terrain
- Follow prey like rodents or frogs inside homes
- Find warmth and dryness
- Avoid cooler post-rain temperatures
What to Do Immediately if You Spot a Snake Indoors
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic
Your instinct might be fear, but snakes are not typically aggressive. Most attacks occur when snakes feel threatened or cornered. Sudden movements or loud sounds can escalate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, remain calm, and focus on safety.
2. Maintain a Safe Distance
Keep at least 6 to 8 feet away from the snake. Do not attempt to touch, chase, or photograph it. Even non-venomous snakes may bite when provoked. Ensure pets and children are safely removed from the area and cannot re-enter.
3. Confine the Snake (Only If Safe)
If the snake is in an enclosed space like a bedroom or kitchen, and it’s safe to do so, close the door and block the gap underneath with a towel or cloth. This prevents the snake from escaping into other parts of the house. Keep your eyes on its location without disturbing it.
4. Call a Local Snake Rescue Helpline
Once the area is secured, immediately call trained wildlife rescuers or NGOs that specialize in snake rescue. Do not try to handle the situation yourself or rely on untrained pest control.
City-specific snake rescue helplines in India:
- Delhi NCR: Wildlife SOS – +91 98719 63535
- Mumbai: RAWW – +91 98334 12200
- Pune: Snake Friend Society – +91 98225 08620
- Bangalore: BBMP Forest Cell – 080 22975555
- All-India Emergency Numbers: 100 or 112
Save these contacts on your phone for quick access during the monsoon.
5. Avoid Trying to Identify the Snake
With over 270 species of snakes in India, it’s easy to confuse venomous and non-venomous ones. Misidentifying a species can lead to reckless decisions. Leave identification and handling to trained professionals.
6. Move Family and Pets to Safety
Move children, elderly members, and pets away from the affected area. Dogs and cats may instinctively chase snakes, putting themselves at risk. Also, turn off any loud appliances or music to prevent startling the reptile.
How to Prevent Snakes From Entering Your Home
Taking preventive measures is key to reducing the chances of indoor snake encounters:
- Seal gaps under doors and window frames using cloth rolls or rubber linings
- Install mesh or metal grates over drain openings
- Declutter gardens, garages, and storage areas where snakes might hide
- Properly store food to avoid attracting rodents
- Regularly inspect walls, pipes, and flooring for cracks or openings
- Keep outdoor lights on during evenings; snakes tend to avoid lit areas
Knowledge, preparation, and a calm mindset can help you and your family navigate an unexpected snake encounter safely. Stay aware, act wisely, and share these steps with others to spread awareness this monsoon season.
