LIFESTYLE NEWS - With glorious beach days and fun in the sun over the holiday season, don't forget that less savoury creatures never have a day off in summer.
Here’s a list of creatures to look out for, and what to do should you meet.
Snakes
Nick Kolberg, local snake specialist and Scatterlings of Africa member, says the best advice he gives to vacationers is: Take initiative to learn about the snakes that are common in the area where you are planning to go on holiday.
According to Kolberg the most common snakes in George are Rinkhals, Puff Adders, Boomslang, Night Adders and the Berg Adder.
If you need a snake removed from your property, phone Kolberg on 083 262 5934.
Safety tips:
•Move as little as possible.
•Stay calm. Snakes attack when they feel threatened.
•Wear shoes when you walk outside at night.
• Do not plant shrubs right next to your house, where snakes could hide.
•Keep vegetation around your property clear to avoid the boomslang, which live in dense bush and trees.
What to do in case of injury:
•Take a picture of the snake.
•Seek immediate medical attention.
•Call Nick Kolberg.
Bluebottles
Bluebottles is part of a colony of four creatures fused together. They float in open waters and are cast ashore after strong onshore winds. The sting of a bluebottle causes severe pain and often leaves a rash.
How to prevent injury:
•Don’t touch them with your bare hands.
•Avoid swimming when there are bluebottles on the beach.
•Don’t jump or step on bluebottles.
What to do in case of injury:
• Make sure your first-aid kit has a good antihistamine cream or gel. And if this cream or gel doesn’t work, go to hospital. If any bite gets worse after two or three days and more red and swollen, then it probably is infected and needs care from a GP.
• Home remedy for a bluebottle sting: Remove any of the tentacle that is left on the skin (not with bare fingers), apply salt water, followed by hot water with a pinch of Epsom salts. Apply this solution for 15-20 minutes. If the pain is unrelieved by the heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or wrapped ice. Do not use vinegar as it increases the toxic effects. Rather use alcohol (methylated spirits or liquor) and try to avoid rubbing. The crushed leaf of the Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig), a coastal plant, is a famous cure for bluebottle stings.
You can also:
•Urinate on the affected area.
•Rinse with sea water.
•Apply a paste of meat tenderiser and water.
•Handy Andy is said to help to minimise the pain.
•Never rinse with fresh water, it causes the tentacles to release more toxins. Therefore always add salt or meat tenderiser to affected area.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos can easily ruin a braai on the porch or a picnic outside. Cast your fears aside, here are a few handy ways to take control of mosquito bites.
How to prevent mosquito bites:
•Use mosquito nets.
•Avoid using sweet scented shampoos, soaps and lotion.
•Wear light clothing as mosquitos are attracted to bright colours.
•Turn off the lights. The heat of the light attracts insects.
• Use mosquito repellent
What to do in case of mosquito bite:
•Avoid scratching the affected area.
•Apply Aloe Vera, a cold tea bag or an ice pack.
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