Snakes & Scorpions

[Paul Brock]

We will be moving to Uzumlu in a couple of weeks when our new home is finished.
On a recent visit our Turkish neighbours wound my wife up with stories of snakes and scorpions being prevalent so she has become concerned.
Firstly how much of a problem are snakes and scorpions and secondly what can you do about controlling them.

[Honey Bee]

 

[puma]

go to the search facilty there is a topic on there recently about snakes and scorpions

[puma]

 

[laffa]

I know for fact that there were snakes in Hisonaru, my daughter was bitten by one and had to go to the hospital for an injection, she still has a little scar on her foot, we still dont know to this day if it was shock at the thought of being bit or the reaction from the bite itself, though I believe they are not poisonous, but still not nice.

[pookie]

yes indeed Paul  -  we have both in Uzumlu.  I'm not going to say they are prevalent, but we have seen a few.  We have seen Ottoman vipers on a couple of occasions in the olive groves and scorpions like hiding out in brick walls.  We have found Scorpions around the pool - they come out to drink from the splashes in the early evening (or so it seems).  Always wear flip flops around the garden !  

If you like walking around Cadianda - I'm afraid that this is indeed Snake country.........so beware [xx(]

[Paul Brock]

Any recommendations for a deterrent?

There seem to be 3 main options:

Chemicals
Animals - chickens for scorpions, cats for snakes
or Electronic - ultrasound devices

Has anyone knowledge of the effectiveness of any of these

[KKOB]

Don't rely on chickens or cats as a deterrent. We had cats, dogs, chickens, ducks and turkeys still had scorpions and snakes. It was costing us a bloody fortune in food !

Some Turks swear by the sulphur powder that they scatter around as a deterrent but you have to make sure that the "nasties" aren't already on the land as you're going to be cutting off their means of escape.

[chris tippett]

We lived in Uzumlu for 3 1/2 years and when you come out walk into the village centre and you will see 100 + elderly Turkish men relaxing,drinking their tea and I bet most of them spent most of their long working lives in the fields and hills around the village. Whilst creepy crawlies do exist let the sight of all these 'survivors' put the whole thing into some perspective!

[peecee]

If you can get hold of it there is also some stuff called Katran.  It's a vile smelling very thick liquid that is made from the resin of a certain pine.
Most of the locals 'dab' it around the perimeter of the property (about 18" apart) and this, supposedly, keeps scorpions and snakes away.  They can't stand the smell (neither can I.  when I do my dabbing I tend to get a headache)  I do believe it works, been here over 3 years, first 2 years had 4 snakes in the garden, last year only had one that my cat had brought in!
Ask around the village, most of the villagers know what it is (and use it)
Word of warning - when you move into the house give it a good check round.  It is possible that a couple of scorpions may have moved in (they like quiet empty houses) I had 2 when I first moved in, one on the curtains one on the stairs.  It's the pale beige/seethrough ones that are dodgy.