Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm having a problem with cobras (about 1 metre in length) coming into my garden and yesterday into my house presumably through the doggie door. I think it was in the house most of the day. I worry about them killing my dogs or my kids. My garden only has a few sparse trees, nothing on the ground, very short grass. It seems to be a problem everywhere regardless. What can I do? I know they can climb my walls, as I've seen one do it.

I'd also be interested if anyone knows what other poisonous snakes live in Thailand besides the cobra, king cobra, and Malayan Pit Viper? Is there somewhere I can find more information? Thanks.

Don't take this personally but this sounds like a bit of a practical jokep; that's probably why no one has responded. On top of that, you didn't provide a name, what area you live in, etc....it will be hard to take this seriously. If this isn't a joke, email me directly and I will be happy to offer some suggestions.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>I'm having a problem with cobras (about 1 metre in length) coming into my garden and yesterday into my house presumably through the doggie door. I think it was in the house most of the day. I worry about them killing my dogs or my kids. My garden only has a few sparse trees, nothing on the ground, very short grass. It seems to be a problem everywhere regardless. What can I do? I know they can climb my walls, as I've seen one do it.
>>
>>I'd also be interested if anyone knows what other poisonous snakes live in Thailand besides the cobra, king cobra, and Malayan Pit Viper? Is there somewhere I can find more information? Thanks.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

>>Don't take this personally but this sounds like a bit of a practical jokep; that's probably why no one has responded. On top of that, you didn't provide a name, what area you live in, etc....it will be hard to take this seriously. If this isn't a joke, email me directly and I will be happy to offer some suggestions.
>

IP from the post comes up as Asia Pacific Network. I think Thailand is within Asia.
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DP

Sorry, if I was going to make a joke it would be a lot more interesting and hopefully funny than that. I live in Thailand and I only signed on to this forum to find this specific information because there's not a whole lot of info on the net about repelling cobras, probably because there aren't cobras living in the West. There are actually a heck of a lot of cobras here, and just about everybody's seen one at least once in their garden or elsewhere. I'll email you for info, and will appreciate any other comments. Thank you.

Make sure there are no holes in the foundation of your house close your doors and windows. If you see one in your garden leave it alone. They will keep the rodents out. Leave it alone and it will leave you alone. Mess with it you have a dead snake and a dead homeowner.

I'm not so sure that anyone here can offer you good suggestions on that one...

Although, I would imagine that most of us would like to see some pics of this cobra invasion you've got going on.
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- Joe Farah

http://www.milehighreptile.com/

Can you get a pet mongoose? You can name him Rikki Tikki Tavi (sorry, couldn't resist). Anyway, you should seal up the doggie door and make sure there are no other holes or cracks that they can get in through. I wouldn't take any chances with kids around.

Ha, Ha, don't think the thought didn't cross my mind though. I can just see it now, my pet mongoose running around with my pack of mini dogs...

Hey, guys, NO JOKE!!! I live in Thailand too, so I can relate to your problem; and I also have kids to protect. Your doggie door definitely has to go. Also check your bathrooms. As you probably know, most Thai bathrooms have open pipeways to let out water. Make sure you know where the pipe to your kitchen sink goes to and do the sam thing if necessary. Buy one of those round grid-like pipe coverings with holes large enough to let the water out, but small enough to keep snakes and rats away. Cement the thing in place or it won't work. If your cobras are about a meter long and blackish in color, they may be what the Thais call "hao mor." We used to have a dog that could kill them, but we lost her to old age a year or so ago and the snakes are back. Don't bother with a mongoose...if you live in rural Thailand, there are plenty of them or their relatives out there. Keep the ground as clear and exposed as possible, but they can go up walls. I've never seen it done, but we found one hanging from a light fixture and there was no other way up. I folk remedy that I heard of once involved leaving a perimeter of citrus peelings around the area because the snakes apparently don't like to cross over the acidic material. Also, close your doors as soon as it begins to get dark. Some people say raising geese helps, but we've been there and done that and it never has worked. Trim bushes so that lower branches don't go within say a foot of the ground. Don't let your dogs sleep outside if they are small. We have pugs now and keep them in at night for safety. Good luck! I'm at lertsang@yahoo.com if you want to contact me.