Almost two-thirds of the deaths from venomous bites or stings in Australia were caused by bees and wasps and the remaining third by snakes.
That’s the statistics from the 12 months to June 2018, which were outlined in a report released on Monday by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report found that more than 3,500 Australians were hospitalised due to contact with either a venomous plant or animal in the 12-month period.
A total of 26 percent out of the 927 hospitalised cases were caused by bee stings.
Professor James Harrison from the AIHW’s National Injury Surveillance Unit, said the majority of hospitalisations for bee stings were due to allergic reactions.
“Bees and wasps [were] responsible for 12 of the 19 deaths related to venomous bites and stings in 2017 to 2018.”
While spider bites accounted for one-fifth of venomous bite and sting related hospitalisations, venomous snakes were also responsible with the brown snake labelled as the most toxic.
Of the 19 deaths recorded, seven were due to venomous snakes.
“Residents of the very remote regions of Australia had the highest rate of hospitalisations [49 cases per 100,000], while the lowest rate was observed for residents of the Major cities of Australia [9 cases per 100,000],” Professor Harrison said.
SNAKE encounters are a part of life especially in the more rural parts of the Scenic Rim and leafy outer suburbs of Ipswich.
However, snake catcher, Reid Newell has offered some tips in the event of a snake encounter and ways to reduce the number of encounters.
“I completely get those results,” he said in referring to the AIHW report.
“A lot of people are allergic to bees.
“And you are way more likely to encounter a bee than a snake.
“A snake gets out of there pretty quickly if you do encounter it. They’re scared of us.”
And now for those tips:
Get a home inspection
Inspections can help you identify ways to prevent snakes from coming into your backyard.
Reid’s advice is to ensure gardens are maintained, including keeping the grass mown.
“You don’t want to create a hiding environment for a snake,” he said.
What should you do?
If a snake was to slither inside your yard, Reid suggests removing any children and pets from the general area, first. Then stay clear of the snake and do not attempt to scare it off.
“That’s definitely not the move,” he said.
“If you can, keep your eye on the snake at all times, hopefully it becomes aware of you and leaves.
“If it doesn’t leave on its own account, then take the next step, and call a local snake catcher.”
Use the weather as a guide
According to Reid, humidity is a clear indication that snakes will be around, day or night.
“As we have had a reasonably wet Summer, what we’re looking for is any sort of sun patch right after the rain.
“The snakes love the warmth and the rain brings out all the amphibians that snakes love to eat.”
Keep a snake bite kit handy
Whether it’s in your house or in your car, or something you carry when bushwalking, a snake bite kit should be kept in a place that’s easily accessible.
“From a distance, snakes are harmless, just don’t go towards them, startle them, or try to catch or kill them,” Reid said.
“Leave the catching to the professionals.”