Snakebite is a scary experience no one craves. Yet in recent times, cases of people dying from snakebites in their toilets have continued to dominate the media landscape.
On Monday, discussions around the matter resurfaced following the death of Ogah Bercy, an official of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Bercy was said to have been bitten by a snake while using a restroom in her flat at the NAF Base on Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja.
She later visited the hospital to get anti-venom but died in the process.
The incident sparked a wave of concerns and reactions on social media platforms. While being bitten by a snake in your toilet could really be scary, there are several ways to prevent snakes in your toilet in the first place.
Prevention, they say, is better than cure, after all.
TSB NEWS examines simple measures you can take to prevent snakes from visiting your toilet.
1. COVER ALL OPENINGS
To prevent snakes from surfacing in your toilet, the first step is to cover all openings. You can do this by using mesh or wire covering to block pipes, drains, and any opening that could give access to snakes into your toilet or home.
You should also ensure proper repairs of all broken sewage pipes.
2. DON’T ALLOW RAT INFESTATION
Rats are good sources of food for snakes and other reptiles. So, another step to prevent snakes into your toilet is to ensure your home is not a haven for rats.
Snakes will always go to where they find food. Therefore, getting rid of rodents in your home is a good way to avoid seeing a snake in your toilet.
3. GET RID OF THAT BUSH AROUND YOU
Bushes generally harbor rodents and reptiles such as snakes. Therefore, keeping a clean environment without bushes is another way to prevent snakes’ incursion into your toilet.
4. ENSURE PROPER FUMIGATION OF YOUR TOILETS
Constant fumigation of your home, in general, is also a good step to prevent snakes from gaining entrance into your toilet.
You can fumigate your sewage system every six months using special pesticides designed for such a purpose.
5. CHECK BEFORE YOU SIT ON THAT TOILET
One thing you also need to do after putting the needed measures in place is to check your toilet sink properly before sitting down on it.
If you’re using the toilet, ensure the room is well illuminated. Being vigilant helps you to easily spot anything that could hurt you.