MPUMALANGA – The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has warned residents against relying on plants or traditional remedies to keep snakes away from their homes as rising temperatures bring increased snake activity across the province.
The agency said it would continue educating communities about snake safety following a media statement issued on 20 October 2026, urging residents to remain vigilant during the warmer months.
Responding to follow-up questions from Highveld Chronicle, MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube said snakes are found throughout Mpumalanga, although the species vary from one area to another.
Shungube confirmed that the agency has more than 30 snake catchers registered on its database.
“These snake catchers are located across the province and are available to assist communities whenever their services are required,” he said.
Addressing the belief that certain plants or traditional remedies can repel snakes, the MTPA said there is no scientific evidence that any plant or remedy can reliably prevent snakes from entering residential properties.
Instead, residents are encouraged to keep their yards clean and remove potential hiding places for snakes.
The agency also warned against using traditional remedies to treat snakebites, urging anyone bitten by a snake to seek medical attention immediately.
“In the event of a snakebite, community members are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital rather than relying on traditional remedies. They should not delay seeking emergency medical assistance,” Shungube said.
The MTPA said it would continue raising awareness about snake safety while encouraging communities to protect snakes, which play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
However, the agency left several questions from Highveld Chronicle unanswered.
These included the number of snake sightings and bites reported since the beginning of the spring and summer season, and how the figures compare with the same period in 2025.
The MTPA also did not provide details on which districts have recorded the highest snake activity, which species are most commonly found in residential areas, or how residents can request assistance from registered snake catchers and how long they can expect to wait.
Questions about possible charges for snake-catching services, hospitals and clinics with antivenom, and tourist destinations where visitors should exercise extra caution also remained unanswered.
