Snake Expert Dr Mark Ofua Reveals 4 Key Signs a Snake Might Be Hiding in Your Home
Dr Mark Ofua, a renowned snake expert and the founder of Saint Mark's Animal Hospital in Lagos, has issued a stark warning to Nigerian residents about the silent presence of snakes in domestic spaces. In an exclusive interview, the veterinarian, who has been practising since 2014, emphasised that these primal creatures can inhabit your room or house for years without detection.
According to Dr Ofua, snakes are masters of stealth, timing their movements to avoid human interaction. He stated, "These guys are silent, they time your movement, they know when you are out of the house, when to move, and they can live with you for years, you won't know." The expert, who himself keeps seven snakes at home, highlighted four critical signs that could indicate a snake's presence.
Four Vital Indicators of a Snake in Your Residence
- Unusual Animal Droppings: One of the primary ways to detect a snake is by spotting strange feces around the house. Dr Ofua explained, "If you have a rogue snake living wild in your house, the one way you might know is when you see a strange poop, like the poop of the snake."
- Rustling Sounds in Storage Areas: Hearing unexplained noises in cupboards, storage rooms, or among utensils can be a telltale sign. The snake expert advised, "If the snake is moving among items, and you hear the sounds, you hear the rustlings, and then you investigate. That's another way you can find out."
- Distress Calls from Prey Animals: Snakes often hunt small animals like rats or frogs within homes. Dr Ofua noted, "If the snake has caught maybe a rat or a frog, and then the animal is squealing, trying to get free. There is this particular sound that they make. When you hear that, and then you investigate."
- Noises from the Ceiling or Overhead Spaces: Activity in ceiling areas, particularly during hunts, can reveal a snake's presence. He added, "Or you hear them in the ceiling trying to catch a rat or something, that's when you will know that there's a snake in that house."
Dr Ofua stressed that failure to observe these signs could mean cohabiting with a snake indefinitely without awareness. He reiterated, "So, you could live with a snake for years and not know." This insight underscores the importance of vigilance in Nigerian households, especially in urban areas like Lagos where wildlife encounters are increasingly common.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Snake Infestations
In related advice, Dr Mark Ofua has previously outlined practical steps to deter snakes from entering homes. As the West African representative for Wild Africa, a conservation communications NGO, he noted that snakes typically enter properties either to hunt or seek refuge.
- Maintaining environmental sanitation is crucial to eliminate hiding spots and food sources.
- Sealing gaps and cracks in buildings can prevent snakes from gaining access.
- Regular inspections of storage areas and ceilings help in early detection.
The expertise shared by Dr Ofua serves as a vital resource for Nigerians seeking to enhance home safety against wildlife intrusions. His work at Saint Mark's Animal Hospital continues to educate the public on coexisting safely with local fauna.
