Snakes are very common across Australia. And many of these snakes can be venomous. Therefore, it is important to always take precautions when near snake habitats, such as near flowerbeds, hiking, or similar experiences. But even being careful can not be 100% effective and that is why having snake chaps is a wise investment. In this article, we look at snake proof chaps and how they can be useful.
What are Snake Bite Chaps/ Gaiters?
Snake chaps are an additional level of clothing that is worn over your trousers to protect your legs from snake bites. Snake chaps in Australia are perfectly designed to protect people from being bitten by all snakes, especially those that are venomous.
The snake protection chaps are made from materials like nylon and Cordura that are tough for the needle-like fangs to penetrate. However, it is still not impossible.
When Should You Wear Snake Chaps?
There are many cases when you might want to consider wearing snake chaps in Australia. Those who do a lot of gardening or are doing gardening work for customers/clients might want to wear snake chaps while out. Especially if you’re working near prime snake territory and habitats such as overgrown gardens or areas.
Another time is when hunting. Snakes can often be found on the same game trials that hunters like. And then those who enjoy hiking or even herping will benefit from wearing snake chaps regularly.
Those who are walking at dawn, dusk, or night are highly recommended to wear snake chaps. Most snakes come out during these periods because it is harder to see them. Their colouration and patterns have evolved to make sure it is harder to see them at this time.
While many people think snakes have developed certain patterns/colours for hunting – they also do this for protection. There are numerous snake predators about, which include birds, other snakes, mammals, foxes, and even humans. Snakes don’t have a lot of great defences against these predators other than to bite them or hide.
Are There Not Other Precautions that Can be Taken?
Many people worry that snake chaps will not allow them to fully enjoy the outside. Or are worried that they don’t provide the best protection. There are times when snake chaps might not work, for instance, if there is any damage to the material or if the snake is very large.
And while there are other options for protection, there are also other risks. For instance, you might want to use Envirobug snake repellers in your garden. These release a vibration into the ground that mimics the movements of predators which snakes prefer to avoid. Or you might want to make your garden as unfriendly to snakes as possible.
Alternatively, you could be very careful when walking in prime snake territory. Looking out for where snakes might be resting or hiding and avoiding those areas is a good precaution, even when you are wearing the best snake chaps in Australia.
However, there are problems, snakes are very secretive. Many snakes can stay hidden just centimetres from you and you would never know it. Most of the time they won’t strike. They prefer to stay hidden because this is their best chance of survival from larger animals. However, there are times when you might get too close. As a result, they will bite you.
That is why having a backup of snake chaps is best.
How to Choose the Best Snake Chaps?
There are numerous snake chaps on the market, and choosing the best option can be fraught with confusion. Which one offers the best protection? Which options are worth their value? There is no single answer as many will provide a good level of protection from snake bites. So instead, you should consider these elements when choosing snake chaps.
Price: Most durable snake gaiters range from $100- 180 AUD.
Reviews: Read what others have put about the snake chaps. Some people might have pointed out that they only cover a set amount of the leg. Or they might have too thin protection.
Material: The best snake chaps are made from specific materials, ensuring that your snake chaps are made from nylon and Cordura is the best option.
Purpose: Snake chaps can be made for different uses. There are some which are more suited for hunting, others for hiking, and some for the gardeners out there.
Location: You also want to think about the area. Australia has numerous species, but these don’t live all across Australia. Different species have their own habitats and snake chaps might need to be thicker or made of a tougher material if you plan to visit areas where the larger species can be found.
What to do if You Are Bitten While Wearing Snake Chaps
If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten while wearing snake chaps while out, there are certain processes that you must do. For one, you’ve got to check for any penetration of the materials. Look for cuts or grazes where the snake fangs might have come into contact with your leg.
If there is a cut or scratch, visit the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. If you can, try to identify the snake that has bitten you so the right treatment can be offered.
It is then recommended that you replace your snake chaps. Snake chaps are like riding helmets. Once they have been involved in an incident, they should be replaced because their structural integrity has been compromised and further incidents could mean that a bite will penetrate.
Final Word: Snake Chaps: Are they Useful
Snake chaps are useful protection against all snake bites. But they aren’t the only protection that you should have. Being aware of snakes around you is very important and coming close to them is always risky. But if you take the right care, you should be protected from all snake bites. Just remember to always identify the snake if you are bitten, so that effective necessary treatment can be taken.
