Pest Control Fact Sheets
Snakes
There are 3 types of snake that might be seen in the borough. The Grass snake, Adder and Slow worm.
Grass snake
Grass snakes are not poisonous. Although they may hiss and strike out if disturbed, they are completely harmless to man.
They are olive green with dark spots on the sides and back, white and black scales on the belly, and a cream or yellow collar. It is the largest British snake usually measuring about 4 feet long.
Grass snakes mainly live in woodland but can often be found in parks or gardens. They can sometimes be seen lying in water on very sunny days. They are the most common snakes seen in British gardens and feed mainly on frogs, toads and fish.
Grass snakes hibernate in the autumn, and do not appear until spring. After mating in May, the females lay their eggs in June or July. They lay their eggs in warm, moist, rotting vegetation, such as garden compost heaps.
Adder or Viper
The Adder, or Viper, is Britain's only poisonous snake. It is easily recognised by the dark joined-up diamond pattern down its back. The body is usually grey or brown but there are several different colour types.
Males grow to about 18 inches in length and females to 2 feet. They eat small animals, nestling birds, eggs, lizards, young frogs and toads. Mating takes place in April to early May and the live young are born in August/September.
Adders are reluctant to bite unless harmed and generally avoid humans. Adder bites are not often fatal. The last reported fatality was in 1972. However, bites can be more serious in children than in adults.
If you see an Adder you should leave it alone.
Slow worm
The Slow worm is actually a lizard without legs. They are completely harmless and eat slugs, which is why they can often be found in gardens. Young slow worms are pale gold and adults are grey, brown or bronze. There is also a blue spotted variety. Slow worms grow to about 12 inches long.
Snakes and the law
It is illegal to kill, injure or sell any native British snake or lizard including Grass snakes, Adders and Slow worms (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). Snakes and lizards are an important part of Britain's wildlife, and have a right to live too.
What should I do if I see a snake?
If you see a snake, that you believe to be native to the UK, leave it alone. Snakes regularly get trapped in netting over garden ponds and can drown if not released. If you see a trapped or injured snake please call the RSPCA, or our animal warden.
If you think the snake is not native to the UK call the RSPCA or animal warden for advice. Try to stop it from escaping by placing a bucket or bin over it and weighing it down, but only if you can do so safely.
Snake bites
In the unlikely event of being bitten by an adder you should:
- Try to keep the patient calm and stop them from moving the affected part of the body, if possible
- Take the patient as quickly as possible to the nearest hospital for treatment
- Do not try to suck out the poison or attempt any treatment yourself
How to contact us
If you would like further advice please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct at the address shown.
Fact sheet
This information is also available as a downloadable document.
Snakes 
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