How can we keep our homes safe from harmful creatures?

During the rainy season, our homes are more likely to be invaded by unwelcome guests such as snakes, centipedes and scorpions, because they have been forced to leave flooded areas. Vientiane Times asked people for their thoughts on ways to keep these scary creatures at bay.

Mr Ounheuan, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: When we get heavy rain day after day, animals need shelter if their usual habitat becomes flooded, so of course they seek out other places and can come into the house. I have pets, which helps to keep snakes and other creatures out. Dogs and cats don’t usually keep still if another creature approaches. If a snake starts to crawl around the house, the dog will bark and the snake will crawl off. And chickens eat centipedes. Some people plant trees and flowers that deter creatures and insects, such as green chiretta, while some marigolds have a pungent scent and are especially good for repelling insects and pests.
 
Ms Soukvilay, a resident of Saravan province: In the rainy season I often see poisonous creatures in my house. Recently I found a big centipede in my bathroom. I was scared, but thankfully it didn’t bite me. My house is near open ground where a lot of grass is growing now. I think it’s important to clean around our houses regularly to keep animals out. It also helps to prune trees and bushes and trim potted plants in the garden, as these are where some creatures live. We should cut back bush, remove weeds, and make sure our gardens aren’t cluttered, so that animals don’t have dark places to hide in right outside our house.
 
Mr Sone, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane: I think the best thing is to sweep around the house regularly and check for dark corners where rubbish can gather, as this can attract unwelcome visitors. Creatures like to hide in dark and quiet places, and cleaning also helps to prevent the growth of invisible bacteria, as well as mould and mosquitoes. And we should also check for leaks and cracks as these can harbour poisonous creatures. If we find cracks, we should fill them in so they don’t become nesting places.
 
Ms Vanh, a resident of Luang Prabang province: If we want to keep poisonous creatures out of our houses, we need to make sure that everywhere is clean. Another deterrent is to put a net or screen in corners where animals may hide or enter. It’s easy and gets quite good results, and keeps out larger animals such as snakes and centipedes. If possible, it’s also a good idea to install screens on doors, windows and air vents. Everyone should be careful and check around the house, especially in families with elderly people and children. Parents should teach their children which animals pose a threat so they don’t try to play with them and get bitten.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 8, 2022)