Snakes & Scorpions

Pest Control Services

Snakes and scorpions can pose a real threat to your staff in Libya, particularly in desert camp locations. There are 15 species of scorpions and 17 species of snake prevalent in the desert regions, many of the snakes are particularly venomous.

 Danger Signs

• Live or dead specimens or shed skins

Potential Harm

• Untreated infestations can cause severe sickness or death if appropriate antidotes are not administered on time

Business Consequences

• Staff — deterioration in employee relationships, unable to retain staff if perceived risk of operating in desert locations is too high
• Financial – potential for litigation if inadequate measures were not deemed to have been taken to protect employees from known exposure to dangerous specimens

Steps to Take

• Call Rentokil Pest Control on TBC for expert pest control, our treatment plans will include the following:-

Rodent Control - rodents are a natural food source for snakes so the control of them in the vicinity of the camp is an important step in the control of snakes. Many sylvatic rodent species are commonplace in the desert so the area around the camp should be inspected and treatments undertaken within a 500M radius of the site. Regular inspection of the area and gassing of the burrows will control them and reduce food sources encouraging snakes to look away from the camp. It should be noted that snakes also nest in the burrows so regular inspections to locate burrow systems need to be carried out. Within compounds, permanent baiting points should be set up and regular monitoring should take place to control new infestations before they get chance to establish themselves.

Snake Control - There are a number of snake repellents on the market but research has shown that many are ineffective. The most effective way to control snakes is to capture and release them in a safe area. Glue type traps can be employed; however they are inhumane and would not be advised given the potential for adverse publicity for companies with such a strong reputation for environmental awareness and protection. The installation of Rentokil’s subterranean stations fitted with non-return flaps provide snakes with a desirable habitat, away from direct sunlight which emulates their natural habitat. Daily inspections are undertaken and any snakes discovered will be safely removed and stored using the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) then released at a later date. There are several nature reserves within Libya that the snakes can be taken to and released. Proofing of buildings is also very important as we need to restrict the access points for snakes. Our technicians will undertake minor proofing actions and report any major proofing works that may be required.

Scorpion Control - scorpions are carnivorous and have venomous stings. Some species have enough toxin to kill a human. After knocking out their prey, scorpions spit out enzymes to dissolve the prey into a broth they can suck into their mouths. They can live 15 - 25 years, longer than any other known insect or arachnid. Despite the scorpion’s usual occurrence in dry climates, scorpions need access to water or at least some moisture. Scorpions like find daytime hiding places in dark, secluded places, e.g. crawl spaces, attics, closets, and hollow block fences. They enter occupied rooms, especially kitchens looking for water.

Rentokil will site permanent monitor and control stations around your sites. These stations will give the scorpions everything they need, cool, covered, moist safe areas to shelter in. The stations contain material that has been treated with insecticidal preparation. When the scorpions enter these areas, they will coat themselves with insecticide and die. By using this method it also reduces the need to continually treat low risk areas and therefore minimising unnecessary environmental impact. If however the levels of activity are significant, we may need to consider the residual spraying of the building perimeters with insecticides.

Night inspections using UV lights will also assist in the monitoring and control of scorpions. The fluorescence is caused by an unidentified substance in a very thin layer in the cuticle of the scorpion called the hyaline layer. Newly molted scorpions do not fluoresce. As the new cuticle hardens, the fluorescent quality increases. This indicates that the fluorescent factor is either secreted by the scorpion shortly after molting or that the fluorescence is a by-product of the tanning process.

It should be noted that scorpions main diet are insects so it’s advisable to consider insect control as a further method of reducing the incidence of scorpions in the area whilst at the same time improving hygiene and living standards for employees.