Watch for and protect against snakes

I got bitten last Sunday when I was standing in tall grass wearing only "Crocs" (rubber sandals) and socks. I never saw the snake so I can't tell for sure what type bit me. I luckily didn't get much venom, however the little bit that I did get made my foot swell up and burn like crazy, made my heart beat like crazy (For a short period after the bite), made me very very tired, and I ran a low fever for about three days.

The infection that got going was VERY bad. The initial antibiotics I was put on didn't work and I finally ended up in the hospital on antibiotics through IV. After two days in the hospital on IV the infection was pretty well knocked down and now I'm back home on oral antibiotics.

I live in "Leucadia" (The part of Encinitas the west side of the freeway between La Costa blvd and Leucadia blvd -- very near Anderson nursery). So apparently even on the coast you have to be careful about snakes.

So I am going to wear protective boots in the future when I work in the garden -- especially in high grass or weeds. And I would recommend protective boots or leggings to anybody here in Southern California who might be gardening or walking in areas where snakes might live.

Rich
Encinitas CA

WOW - I'm glad you're ok! That sounds nasty.

I'm glad your getting better. I know it can be a horrifying experience. A tip I have heard from family and friends to keep your garden snake free is to use moth balls. I don't know if you have ever heard that or tried it but I thought I was a nifty little trick. I wonder if cedar mulch would do the same thing cedar keeps away moths just like the moth balls do. So I wonder, it could work, maybe. I would like to say I am not an expert or professional exterminator so try my tips with caution because they may not work. Get better soon your garden misses you.

You are lucky indeed but rather than chasing them away, just be aware of their habits and educate yourself on what kinds of snakes are in the area and what they'll be doing this time of year.
I grew up in the foothills of SanBernadino for ten years and we saw (and killed) many rattlesnakes. My dad educated us on how snakes of any kind are very beneficial (we hardly had any mice) and we never went too far from the house without shoes.
In spring the caution was always 'watch out for snakes sunning themselves'.
Keep tall grass mowed on the skirts of your property, listen for rustling sounds as some rattlers don't rattle, they'd just rather run away.
I have many stories of various encounters with snakes when I was growing up, and despite us pinning many a skin to a board, we were taught to respect them and give them their space when out in the yard.

btw, mothballs can be harmful to the soil and plants if you put them in your yard. Better to keep the ground clear where you will have the most foot traffic in your yard.

(slight correction... the nursery you're near is Anderson's of La Costa, not to be confused with Walter Andersen's. )

This is the time of year (spring) that snake removal "experts" start getting calls because the snakes are coming out of hibernation. But the previous poster is correct--most snakes are beneficial. Not that I love to see them or anything, but they do take care of rodents. You just need to keep the grass mowed and keep them out of your compost pile...and keep the compost away from the house. Snakes don't dig in the compost, but if it's nice and warm on top, you might see them there on a cool morning, especially if you put things in the compost that other critters like to nibble on.

Glad your snake bite story had a good ending!

I am just glad that you are fine. This time of the year, the snakes are really out hunting for food. I don't know exactly what happened to you, but I think snakes are naturally afraid of humans. They will fight back if they are cornered or threatened. Their natural instinct is to run. Better check your area for other snakes as that snake is not a stranger.

"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. " Gertrude Jekyll

~~ Rose Moore
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