How to secure your home against snakes and wild animals during El Nino rains

If you live in high-risk wildlife areas such as parts of Karen, Ngong Hills, Rongai or Lukenya, consider installing shade cloth or fine mesh along the base of your perimeter fence; it should stand at least 1 meter high and be buried 30 cm into the ground to prevent burrowing

How to secure your home against snakes and wild animals during El Nino rains

 Environment / Climate Change | Infrastructure
 September 17, 2026

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of a 99% probability of above-normal rainfall during the October 2026 – February 2027 El Niño rains. Flooding is likely to displace venomous snakes and wild animals from their natural habitats, forcing them to seek dry shelter and food inside human households.

1). The time to secure your home against snakes and wild animals during El Nino rains is now:
i). Inspect all doors and windows and install heavy-duty door sweeps or weather stripping on any gap larger than a quarter-inch (0.6 cm)

If you live in high-risk wildlife areas such as parts of Karen, Ngong Hills, Rongai or Lukenya, consider installing shade cloth or fine mesh along the base of your perimeter fence; it should stand at least 1 meter high and be buried 30 cm into the ground to prevent burrowing ii). Check where plumbing, electrical wiring or AC conduits enter your home and pack these gaps tightly with steel wool and seal them with expanding foam or mortar
iii). Secure air vents, weep holes and drainage pipe exits with fine 1/8-inch wire mesh (hardware cloth)

iv). If you live in high-risk wildlife areas such as parts of Karen, Ngong Hills, Rongai or Lukenya, consider installing shade cloth or fine mesh along the base of your perimeter fence; it should stand at least 1 meter high and be buried 30 cm into the ground to prevent burrowing
v). Keep your lawn mowed below 3 inches and prune the lower branches of bushes and shrubs up to 12 inches off the ground so wildlife cannot hide underneath unseen

Cut back tree branches that touch your roof or balcony to prevent tree snakes, bush babies and monkeys from entering your roof space vi). Remove piles of rocks, timber, scrap metal or building debris
vii). If you store firewood, elevate it on racks at least 12 inches off the ground and move it away from the main house structure

2). Cut back tree branches that touch your roof or balcony to prevent tree snakes, bush babies and monkeys from entering your roof space

If you have fruit trees like mangoes or avocados, harvest them early and clear fallen fruit from the ground immediately to avoid attracting wild animals. 3). Cut prey supply as snakes and wild animals are primarily driven to your home by the scent of food or the presence of rodents
i). Keep all household garbage in bins with tightly fitting, lockable lids to prevent attracting baboons, stray dogs and rats
ii). Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight iii). Store livestock and pet feed inside airtight plastic containers

4). If you have fruit trees like mangoes or avocados, harvest them early and clear fallen fruit from the ground immediately to avoid attracting wild animals.
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