How To Prevent Snakes From Getting Into Your Tent
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Snakes are interesting and beautiful creatures, but they are also dangerous and might hurt you. You definitely do not want to go camping with one sneaking into your tent! Here are a few tips for how to prevent snakes from getting into your tent and how to turn your tent into a snake proof tent.
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Camp In A Populated Area
If you are camping on your own turf and not sharing space with anyone else, then you have to take extra care. If you are camping in a populated area, you likely won’t have to worry about snakes getting into your tent.Â
Camp On Higher Ground Away From Water
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How to keep snakes away when camping?
It is a good idea to double check the area before setting up camp to make sure it’s free of snakes. I wouldn’t worry unless it was raining and the snakes come out of their holes seeking higher ground. The most important thing you can do right away is to avoid pitching your tent along or close to water, as snakes are attracted to areas with a lot of moisture. So if you camp along or close to a river, try setting up at least 30 feet away from the water.
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If you are camping during the rainy season, check out some tips and tricks how to camp in the rain.
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Zip Up
You do not need any camping snake repellent when you practice good camping habits. If you’re staying in a tent, a great method is to keep it zipped up so that you can sleep safely. Snakes don’t want to be found, so if you make sure there is no way for them to sneak in, then they shouldn’t be able to get near your tent.
Shake Out
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While camping, it’s a good idea to shake out your sleeping bag before getting in, just in case a snake manage to get inside. It’s likely there will be some movement but don’t panic! Snakes are very shy animals and will probably just crawl away. It’s also a good idea to shake out your shoes and clothes if you have any on. Snakes are very good at hiding, so you’ll want to look for holes and other small spaces often times.
Light
I would also consider carrying a lightweight headlamp just in case you need it. This is an easy way how to keep snakes away from campsite. They are not fond of light which may keep them away. Alternatively, you can keep a fire going all night to keep the snakes away.
Secure Your Gear
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If the snake was gonna get you, it wouldnt matter who was around. If your in an isolated area with no one around, that is when the fear comes in. Keep your food and toiletries hung up high in trees away from the site so they cannot be easily accessed by animals. Have extra rope with which to make a trip-wire (a line with a stick as its end) between two trees as well as cans or bottles set up on logs designed to make noise if disturbed in order to scare off any venomous snakes that may be lying around in wait for an easy meal
Create Awareness
Read up on snakes and learn to identify them. Learn to read the body language of a snake, so you know if it’s going to attack you or if it wants to be left alone. You’ll be able to tell whether or not it’s venomous or not by the color markings on its body. If it’s brown with red blotches all over the body, then it’s just a garter snake (harmless). If it has diamond shaped black dots paired along the width of its body and white specks on top then that would be a Texas rat snake (also harmless) but if it has black spots paired along its body with red dots in between and no white spots then stay away from that! That is most likely a coral snake and also toxic.
Know the area
Research the area where you will be camping and familiarize yourself with the types of snakes that are common in the region. Knowing what to look for and how to identify dangerous species can help you stay safe while camping.
Educate Your Children
Make sure that all of your children understand how important it is not to approach a snake, and that they should leave it alone if they see one. Snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. A snake will back away into the grass, or under a rock and hiss as they do this, they are also rattling their tail similar to a rattlesnake. Stepping over or through it without touching it lets them know their presence is no longer threatening so they can continue on their way.
Dress appropriately
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You can take steps to reduce the risk of snakes getting into your tent by dressing appropriately. It is important to cover the ankles, hands and lower legs, as these are the areas most liable to snakebites. You then lower the risk of venom entering the bloodstream should a snakebite occur. Gaiters and jeans are examples of good materials that also reduce the chances of a snake’s fang piercing the skin.
If All Fails
Most snakes are not aggressive and will only strike if they perceive you as a threat, but in the event of an encounter: stay calm, do not overreact and remember that snake venom is used to subdue prey which would otherwise be impossible to eat. So if you do find one in your campsite – leave it alone!
Problem with bears at your campsite? Check out How To Camp Safely In A Bear Country so that you can enjoy nature without worrying about bear attacks or bears stealing your food.
Jules and Ken
We are outdoor lovers, travellers, and writers all rolled into one. You have seen our posts here reviewing lots of different types of outdoor gear, camping equipment, RV equipment, kayaking, to cycling. Our reviews are guided by our years of experience being outdoors. We are happy to share our knowledge with you to make a better choice when you are outdoors.
