Watch out for floating fire ants and snakes

As historic flooding continues Friday in northeast Houston, Montgomery County and Liberty County, residents approaching floodwaters should be aware of the dangers and wildlife the water may bring.

In addition to the risk of drowning in floodwaters, floodwaters can also contain downed power lines, human and livestock waste, chemical waste, bacteria that can lead to disease, physical objects such as vehicles and debris, and wild and stray animals.

LIVE UPDATES: Hidalgo says hundreds of homes will be affected by flooding over the weekend

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to contaminated flood water can cause wound infections, rashes, gastrointestinal diseases, tetanus, leptospirosis and melioidosis. If someone is caught in floodwaters, it is recommended that they wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles.

Snakes are often found after heavy rainfall and in floods. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, most snakes try to avoid people because they are just looking for food and shelter. Most snakes in Texas are also non-venomous. But if a poisonous snake bites you, immediately go to the nearest hospital, as there are no effective home remedies.

Snakes will likely look for rodents that have also been displaced by the floodwaters. If you encounter a snake, stand back and wait for it to go away. If you are working in flood water, wear work gloves and boots that are at least 10 inches high. Snakes often tend to rest on floodwater debris to warm themselves in the sun, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.

After disasters, rodents such as rats, mice and other pests may try to enter homes and buildings. Rodents can spread disease and bite people or pets. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, rodents that survive disasters often move to new areas to find food. Rodents are often found under rubble, woodpiles, trash and other materials. Rats can also swim and will travel long distances to move around their habitat.

It is recommended to dispose of all debris and waste as soon as possible after the flood and also store the waste in rodent-proof containers.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, flood water will not drown fire ants.

“Instead, their colonies emerge from the ground, form a loose ball, float and flow with the water until they reach a dry area or object they can crawl on,” wrote Paul Nester of Texas A&M AgriLife Pest Management.

Floating fire ant colonies look like ribbons, streamers, mats, rafts and an actual “ball” of fire ants floating on the water, Nester wrote, and as the water recedes, the ants will try to nest in anything they come into contact with. This includes piles of rubble and flooded houses.

Therefore, those working in floodwaters should wear appropriate clothing.

Alligators are common in rivers and creeks in southeastern Texas, but during floods alligators may move into areas where they are not normally observed.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, alligators are wary of people, but people should still keep their distance. Alligators will likely disappear as water levels drop. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for tips on what to do if you see an alligator.