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Your Guide to Identifying Venomous Snakes, Treating Bites & Protecting Your Property

It’s summer in Central Texas, and while we’re out enjoying barbecues, hiking trails and boating, snakes are out, too. In North America, snakes are most active between April and October due to their reliance on external heat for warmth. July falls right in the middle of this 7-month period, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from venomous snakes with our comprehensive guide.

Table of Contents

• Common Snakes in Central Texas
• How to Treat a Snake Bite
• How to Avoid Snake Bites
• How to Snake Proof Your Yard

Common Snakes in Central Texas

The two main kinds of venomous snakes in the United States are pit vipers and elapids. Within these categories are the four kinds of venomous snakes found in Texas: rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads and coral snakes.

Rattlesnakes are classified as pit vipers due to the heat-sensing organs, or “pits,” on their faces between their noses and eyes. The rattle they use to ward off predators means you may hear a rattlesnake before you ever see it. They possess the most potent venom of United States snakes, so steer clear. Texas has 10 species of rattlesnakes, with the Western diamondback rattlesnake being the most common.

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are semi-aquatic and tend to live near a body of water. These snakes get their name due to the white inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened. The Western cottonmouth is both the one recognized subspecies of cottonmouth in the state of Texas and the world’s only semi-aquatic viper.

Copperheads, like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, also fall into the pit viper category. Known for their copper-colored scales, a copperhead’s venom tends to cause less severe side effects compared to a rattlesnake’s or a cottonmouth’s venom. Commonly found in yards and wooded areas, there are three subspecies of copperheads in the state of Texas: the Southern copperhead, the broad-banded copperhead and the Trans-Pecos copperhead. For our Wacoans, copperheads are commonly found in Cameron Park and the Waco National Mammoth Monument, so watch your step.

Coral snakes are the only elapids found in Texas. While pit vipers are characterized by their heat-sensing “pits” and their large, hinged fangs, elapids have shorter fangs that are fixed to the roofs of their mouths. In other words, elapids’ fangs don’t fold back when not in use like pit vipers’ fangs do. A coral snake’s venom is neurotoxic, meaning that it affects your nervous system and may cause muscle weakness or paralysis. The Texas coral snake is the only kind of coral snake that lives in the state. It’s the only venomous snake in Texas with brightly colored red, yellow and black bands circling its body.

When faced with a snake with these colors, use the old adage, “Red on black, friend of Jack. Red on yellow, kill a fellow,” to determine whether or not the snake is venomous (this rhyme only applies to North American snake species). If the snake’s red and black markings touch, it’s a harmless, nonvenomous snake. If the snake’s red and yellow markings touch, you’re most likely looking at a venomous snake. Either way, it’s best not to approach or disturb any kind of snake.

How to Treat a Snake Bite

Symptoms of a snake bite may include:

• Pain and swelling around the bite area
• An abnormal blood count (of platelets, typically)
• Muscle weakness and/or paralysis if a snake’s venom is neurotoxic
• Trouble breathing and/or lowered blood pressure if you’re allergic to a snake’s venom

According to the Mayo Clinic, CroFab, Poison Control, Coryell Health EMS Director Daniel Lay and Cameron Park Zoo General Curator Gordon Henley, here is what to do and what not to do when treating a snake bite.

DO:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately
• Seek an ER carrying CroFab antivenin (antivenom) if you believe the bite is from a rattlesnake, cottonmmouth or copperhead (even if you’re not sure what kind of snake bit you, seeking an ER with antivenin is always a good bet)
• Remain calm, as an elevated heart rate may speed up the spreading of venom throughout your body
• Remove any jewelry or clothing near the bite area to avoid constricting any swelling
• Gently wash the bite area with soap and water
• Keep the bite at heart level to slow the spread of the venom

DO NOT:

• Delay treatment to attempt to identify the snake that bit you

If you already have an idea of the kind of snake that bit you, that’s fine, but it’s not essential to know. 98% of venomous snake bites in the United States are from North American pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads), and CroFab antivenin is specifically designed to target the complete range of toxins found in North American pit viper venoms.

• Use a snake bite kit for treatment

Suction devices, scalpels and other tools included in a snake bite kit are not only ineffective, but could make the injury worse.

• Apply a tourniquet

Tourniquets limit the venom to one limb and can lead to hemorrhaging, disfigurement or even amputation without actually stopping the spread of the venom.

• Cut open the wound and attempt to suck out the venom

“Although this often happens in the movies, it is completely ineffective and dangerous,” says Coryell County Medical Authority Diedra Wuenschel, DO. “Cutting open the wound can increase the risk of infection and cause possible tissue damage. Sucking out the venom also introduces bacteria from your mouth to the wound, and it’s pointless because the venom is already spreading through your bloodstream.”

• Use an electric shock to treat the wound

Like the idea of sucking venom out of a wound, using electrotherapy to treat a snake bite is junk science. Shocking yourself is dangerous and ineffective against the effects of a snake bite.

• Ice the affected area

Applying ice to a snake bite has been proven ineffective, and submerging the wound in ice water may cause further tissue damage.

• Take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation

Examples of NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, etc.) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®, etc.). Since NSAIDS and snake venom can both inhibit platelet function, taking NSAIDS to reduce pain and inflammation from a snake bite can increase the risk of bleeding.

How to Avoid Snake Bites

Snakes only bite when they’re surprised by your presence or feel threatened. They don’t care for humans and would actually rather retreat than go near you.

Although snakes don’t have external ear canals and eardrums like we do, they do have an inner ear that allows them to sense vibrations through their skull and jawbone. If they sense you coming, they will most likely freeze until you pass by and then make their escape.

All that to say, the best way to avoid getting bitten by a snake is to leave them alone. Snakes enjoy hiding in tall grass and brush and underneath fallen tree limbs, leaves and rocks, so watch your step and wear closed-toed shoes that completely cover your feet. They enjoy being out during the coolest times of day, so take extra caution when being outdoors in the early morning and at dusk.

Don’t get close enough to a snake to try to identify it. Stay safe by keeping your distance. If a snake does bite you, more harm than good comes out of trying to hunt or kill the snake.

How to Snake Proof Your Yard

1. Use natural snake repellents

Common natural snake repellents include ammonia, vinegar, citrus and marigolds. Snakes dislike the strong smell of ammonia, so you can soak rags in ammonia and leave them in unsealed plastic bags in the areas where you usually see snakes in your yard.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has a pungent odor that also turns snakes off. Snakes generally don’t like citrus smells, so placing orange, lemon and lime peels around your property can be an effective snake deterrent.

You can also plant lemongrass and marigolds in your yard to ward off snakes. Lemongrass contains citronella, a natural snake repellent, and snakes also dislike the pungent smell of marigolds’ roots.

2. Eliminate food sources for snakes

Small rodents, lizards and birds are a large part of snakes’ diets, so remove any snake prey by removing what they like to eat. Don’t leave pet food outside, as it can attract rodents, and in turn, snakes. Don’t keep bird feeders in your yard, and clean your yard to remove any trash that could attract snake prey.

3. Remove possible snake shelters

Snakes enjoy hiding in tall grass and weeds, so it’s important to mow your lawn on a regular basis. Ensure all of your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and get rid of any leaf piles, fallen branches, logs, large rocks and empty flower pots where snakes can live. Finally, seal any openings to your home, garage or shed with caulking or thin metal sheets to prevent snakes from coming inside.

Staying safe during peak snake season starts with awareness. By knowing what to do (and not to do) in the event of a snake bite, staying cautious around known snake hiding spots and learning how to identify Central Texas venomous snakes, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you or someone you know experiences a snake bite, call 911 and Coryell Health’s EMS team is ready to help you when you need it most.

From Colonoscopies to Prostate Exams: What to Expect & When to Go

You wouldn’t wait for your engine to fail before finally getting an oil change. Don’t wait for symptoms before you see a doctor. June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s a great time to schedule the screenings you need to keep yourself healthy for your sake and for those who count on you.

In honor of Men’s Health Month, Coryell Health has compiled a comprehensive guide to the screenings every man (or his spouse) should schedule. Not sure when you should get your first colonoscopy? Wondering what to expect at a urologist appointment? Click on your age group below or get the complete list of screenings featured in this blog to answer these questions and more.

• Screenings for Your 20s
• Screenings for Your 30s
• Screenings for Your 40s
• Screenings for Your 50s
• Screenings for Your 60s
• Screenings for Your 20s-60s

You’re in Your 20s

Even if you’re perfectly healthy (or your youth makes you think you are), you should attend an annual physical exam starting in your 20s. Although you may not think you need annual physicals until you reach a certain age or develop a medical condition, it’s important to regularly assess your risk of developing health issues and keep your vaccines and other preventive care services up to date.

Starting at 20, you should have your blood pressure checked at least every other year. This can be taken care of during your annual physical. High blood pressure can lead to various health problems, especially those associated with the heart, so it’s important to monitor it regularly. If you currently have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, talk to your doctor about their recommendation for how often you should get screened.

Another significant contributor to heart disease can be high cholesterol. Starting at 20, men with an average risk of developing high cholesterol should get a cholesterol screening every five years. However, you should get screened more often than every five years if you:

• Smoke
• Maintain a poor diet
• Are overweight
• Have diabetes
• Are inactive
• Have a family history of heart attacks
• Or have a family history of high cholesterol

Talk to your doctor and ask how often they recommend you receive a cholesterol screening.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults in their 20s attend at least one eye exam to establish a baseline for their vision so it can be monitored over time. If you wear glasses or contacts or have any eye conditions, you should attend an annual eye exam.

Lastly, you should conduct monthly testicular self-exams to check for any lumps, tenderness or other changes in your testicles. By noting these changes, you may detect minor conditions, like benign cysts or fluid retention, or something more serious, like testicular cancer. If you notice something out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment for a testicular exam with your urologist.

You’re in Your 30s

Once you’re in your 30s, your annual physical exams shouldn’t stop. Not only do they help detect warning signs of potential conditions, but they also help you maintain your relationship with your primary care physician in case you get sick.

According to Johns Hopkins, the average age of diagnosis for testicular cancer is 33 years old. Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men between 20 and 40 years old, but it also has a cure rate of more than 95%. One of the most surefire ways to detect warning signs of testicular cancer is through the monthly testicular self-exams you started in your 20s. If you notice a lump or swelling in either testicle, a dull ache in your stomach or groin or sudden swelling of your scrotum, you should immediately see a urologist.

In your 30s, you should continue to have your blood pressure checked at least every other year. If you currently have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor how often you should be screened.

When it comes to your cholesterol, you should get a cholesterol screening at ages 30 and 35 at minimum (continuing with the pattern of every five years starting at age 20). However, if you display any risk factors for developing high cholesterol, ask your doctor how often you should receive a cholesterol screening.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults 35 or older schedule routine tests for Type 2 diabetes. Staying aware of your blood sugar levels and your risk of developing diabetes is essential, as Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes symptoms tend to show themselves slowly. You should also be tested for Type 2 diabetes if you’re:

• Younger than 35, either overweight or obese and display one or more risk factors related to diabetes
• Someone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes
• A woman who has had gestational diabetes
• An overweight or obese child who has a family history of Type 2 diabetes

If your results are normal, you should continue to get tested for Type 2 diabetes every three years. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested if your results are abnormal.

If you have healthy vision, you should attend at least two eye exams between the ages of 30 and 39. This is to help you track how your vision is doing before your “complete” eye exam occurs at age 40. If you wear contacts or glasses or have eye problems, you should continue to attend annual eye exams.

You’re in Your 40s

In your 40s, you should continue to attend an annual physical exam, check your blood pressure at least every other year and get tested for Type 2 diabetes every three years unless your doctor recommends you get tested more often. Continuing to conduct monthly testicular self-exams will help you monitor any unusual symptoms that you may want to inform your urologist of.

If you’re over the age of 45, it’s recommended that you schedule a cholesterol screening more often than every five years. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, high cholesterol is most commonly diagnosed in people ages 40 to 59. As you age, your body’s metabolism changes, and your liver doesn’t remove “bad” cholesterol as effectively as it used to. Talk to your doctor about how often you should receive a cholesterol screening.

Colonoscopies allow doctors to examine the inside of your colon (your large intestine) and detect any signs of colon cancer or precancerous polyps. If you’re wondering what to expect at a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into your rectum. A small video camera at the tip of the tube then allows your doctor to view the inside of your colon. It’s simpler than it seems, and it could save your life.

When you turn 45, it’s time for your first colonoscopy if you display an average risk for developing colon cancer. However, if you display risk factors of colon cancer, it’s recommended you begin scheduling colonoscopies before age 45. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to develop colon cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than other racial groups. Other risk factors for developing colon cancer include:

• A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• A known or suspected family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• A personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should get your first colonoscopy 10 years before the age at which your immediate family member was diagnosed. For example, if your father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 50, you should get screened at age 40. Additionally, if you show any of the following symptoms of colon cancer, ask your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy no matter your age:

• Pain in your abdomen
• Blood in your stool
• Changes in your bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
• Passing excessive amounts of gas
• Anemia

How often you should schedule colonoscopies depends on your risk of developing colon cancer. Discuss your family history and other possible risk factors with your doctor to determine how often you should schedule colonoscopies.

Early signs of eye disease generally start to make themselves known from ages 40-65, so when you turn 40, it’s time to schedule a “complete” eye exam. This eye exam goes beyond basic vision screenings and looks for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration due to aging and more. After this exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will tell you how often you should get your vision checked, and you need to follow that schedule over time.

You’re in Your 50s

During your 50s, you should continue to schedule annual physical exams, check your blood pressure at least every other year, schedule regular colonoscopies based on your doctor’s recommendation and get tested for Type 2 diabetes every three years unless your doctor recommends you get tested more often. Since you’re over the age of 45, it’s recommended that you schedule a cholesterol screening more often than every five years. Ask your doctor how often you should check your cholesterol. It’s also important to continue conducting monthly testicular self-exams to identify any abnormalities you may want to inform your urologist of.

At age 50, if you’re at average risk of developing prostate cancer, you should start scheduling prostate exams every three to five years. However, according to the American Cancer Society, African American men and men whose father or brother (first-degree relative) was diagnosed with prostate cancer before they were 65 should start getting screened for prostate cancer at age 45. If you’ve had more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before they were 65, you should start getting screened at age 40.

If you’re wondering what to expect at a prostate exam, there are two main portions of a prostate exam: a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA blood test is more effective at detecting prostate cancer than a DRE, but it doesn’t hurt to do both.

During a PSA blood test, your urologist will draw a blood sample and send it to the lab for analysis. In a DRE, your urologist will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum and feel your prostate to see if there are any other lumps or abnormalities on the back of the prostate gland, where many cancers start.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screenings using a low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50-80 who:

• Currently smoke or have quit smoking in the last 15 years, and
• Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history

A pack-year means smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. A 20-pack year could mean smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

Finally, follow your optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s instructions from your “complete” eye exam at age 40 regarding how often you should attend eye exams throughout your 50s.

You’re in Your 60s or Older

The following tests and screenings should continue throughout your 60s and onward:

• Annual physical exams
• Checking your blood pressure at least every other year
• Cholesterol screenings more often than every five years (follow your doctor’s recommendation on how often you should get screened)
• Monthly testicular self-exams
• Colonoscopies every 10 years
• Prostate exams every three to five years for those who pose an average risk of developing prostate cancer
• Tests for Type 2 diabetes every three years unless your doctor recommends you get tested more often
• Annual lung cancer screenings for those who currently smoke or have quit smoking in the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history
• Regular eye exams based on your optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s recommendations

Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked. However, men over 60 with a family history of AAA should attend regular screenings. Ask your doctor about how often you should receive AAA screenings.

This painless ultrasound test helps detect an enlarged part of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. Most people show no warning signs or symptoms indicating they have an AAA in the lower part of their aorta until it bursts, and a ruptured AAA can cause deadly bleeding since the aorta is the body’s main supplier of blood.

 

Meet the Doctors

 

Whether you’re 20 or 60 years young, it’s essential to take care of yourself and commit to attending the regular screenings recommended for your age group. Investing in your health now will pay off for decades to come, and you and your loved ones will thank you for it.

To schedule a prostate exam with Dr. Pinkstaff or a colonoscopy with Dr. Gochnour, please call (254) 865-2166. If you’d like to schedule a lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan, please call (254) 248-6238.