It is very rare for a snake to be spontaneously aggressive. Snakes tend to note the presence of a person through detection of vibrations. If given the chance they generally flee as a person approaches. Never attempt to corner a snake. Many bites occur when people are attempting to kill the animals. The risk of a snakebite increases if the victim is drunk, reckless or imprudent. However, people can accidentally tread on a snake on a path at night or in a field. More than 50% of venomous snake bites are on the feet or lower legs. Wearing sturdy, high-topped footwear in areas with increased risk is recommended. Some snakes follow their prey (generally small rodents) all the way into houses, and can bite a sleeping victim if they are surprised. Control of rats and mice around houses is not only beneficial in itself, but also reduces the number of snakes attracted to the area. The grass around the house must be kept short. There are specific high risk environments and professions. This encouraged the development of various experimental vaccines. Naturally they do not protect against the bite itself, but are designed to reduce mortality and morbidity.

*

To the question whether people routinely need to carry preventive antivenom when travelling in remote areas, the answer is "no". The chance of incurring a venomous snake bite with envenomation is low. Furthermore, antivenom is not a harmless product, it is expensive and must be stored in specific conditions. Taking a couple of elastic bandages along is recommended. These can also be used for other purposes. An ampoule of neostigmine, atropine and methylprednisolone might be kept on hand. The renowned black "snake stone" can have a significant placebo effect.

*

In some areas where snakebites occur frequently, structural measures may be taken. Thus in Okinawa and a number of other areas of the Ryukyu island chain a sharp reduction in the risk of bites by local habu's (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) was produced by installing fences around houses and schools. These consisted of either a 70 cm high strong black nylon net which was attached at an angle (60°) in the ground or an electric fence. Since these animals often enter houses, a mechanical barrier can sharply reduce contact with the snakes. Eliminating places of shelter (by e.g. filling up holes in stones walls) was also moderately effective. A snake population can also be controlled by systematically hunting or catching the animals with live rats as bait. However, this requires a large-scale approach to have a significant impact.

*

A certain powder is available commercially (Snake-A-Way®) which is recommended as a snake repellent. It contains naphthalene and related molecules (similar to moth balls). The powder is applied in a thick line around a tent, for example. The idea is to irritate and eliminate the snake’s olfactory organ. Whether this is effective has not been determined with certainty.