An Overview of Snakes

Few animals get such extremes of love and hate as snakes. Some people keep snakes as pets. Herpetologists (snake researchers) spend their lives studying them. They have a mythos in religion and culture and are even tattooed on people’s skin.
But for others, even thinking about a snake triggers ophidiophobia: the intense fear of these slithering reptiles. Seeing one in person is its own form of trauma, something that requires immediate support.

The majority of people lie somewhere in between, finding a captive snake at the zoo interesting, but wanting them nowhere near your home. It’s especially upsetting when you find one in your yard or outside your house and, in rare cases, inside your home.

Snakes are found throughout the world on all continents except Antarctica. They have existed on earth for around 100 million years, long before early humans. In nature, snakes are an important part of the environment. They are carnivores that primarily feed on eggs, rodents, insects, other snakes, frogs, tortoises, birds, and other small mammals. The size of prey depends on how large the snake is, although they can consume prey several times their size if they can catch it.

Because of this, snakes are instrumental in helping to maintain nuisance wildlife populations, such as those of rats, mice, and unwanted poisonous snakes. They also serve as food for birds and larger mammals in the food chain. Many people, including scientists, discourage killing snakes for this reason. But because snakes can be dangerous, and because fearing snakes is such a natural instinct, they are a common household pest that needs to be dealt with quickly and humanely.

Snakes as Pests

Snakes out in nature are an important type of wildlife. But in or near the home, snakes are pests. They make their way into yards looking for food and can find their way into a home through gaps around doors and walls, holes in siding, missing mortar in a brick wall, and pipes – all of which provide enough room for a snake to enter your home. Once inside, they will often retreat to basements or attics but can be found anywhere.
Encountering snakes is its own challenge. Yet sometimes you may not encounter the snake itself. You may encounter a sign that one lives there, such as:

• Discarded Snake Skins
• Rustling in the Walls
• Strange Smelling Tap Water
• Excrement Containing Fur or Bones

For many, this can be even more frightening, as not being able to identify the snake or know where it lives is arguably “scarier” than running into one.

Snakes are also a common result of a rodent infestation as mice and rats are a major food source for them. If you have a rodent infestation in your home and live in an area where snakes are common, you should check for any reptiles that have followed the rodents in.
The exact type of snake in your home or yard will depend on the area you live in and which snakes are native. There are over 120 species of snakes in North America, each with its own size, colors, behaviors, and habitats. Snakes generally measure anywhere from a few inches long to 10 feet, with most falling somewhere in the middle.

With the variety of snakes, identifying them can be a challenge unless you are familiar with all local snake species. Not all snakes are venomous. Not all snakes can bite. But it’s normal to fear even the most harmless of garter snakes, and if you’re not sure if a snake is venomous, it’s always a smart decision to be careful around any snake you see.

Which Snakes Are Dangerous?

The majority of snakes in the United States are harmless. Out of the more than 100 species, only 21 have a venomous bite that can be painful or potentially fatal to people and pets like dogs or cats. Each state in the continental U.S. has at least one venomous snake present, although sightings in many northern states are extremely rare.

States with warmer weather have a greater number and variety of snakes, which is true for venomous species as well. Most poisonous snakes, along with the greatest number of snake bites, live in the warm climates in southern states or in more temperate states during the summer.

The poisonous snake species found out in nature fall into one of four types:

• Rattlesnakes – 16 poisonous rattlesnake species are found throughout the United States. These snakes often have a muted coloring and their namesake rattle on their tails. Rattlesnakes use this rattle as a warning when they feel threatened.
• Copperheads – 2 species of copperheads live across much of the Midwest and Eastern U.S., going as far south as northern Florida and as far north as New York. These snakes are generally tan in color and prefer forested areas and rock outcroppings.
• Cottonmouth – Also called a water moccasin, the cottonmouth is the only venomous water snake in the U.S. They are found in the southeastern states, in or near the water of lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. They are semiaquatic and have been seen both swimming in the ocean and traveling along dry land.
• Coral Snakes – These snakes are notable for their red, black, and yellow bands, and are usually thin and average 3 feet. One species lives in the southern states from North Carolina to Texas, and the other lives in southern Arizona and New Mexico.

Every year, approximately 7,000 people are bitten by snakes in the U.S. with around 5 deaths. Western diamondback rattlesnakes and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are responsible for the majority of deaths, while copperheads cause the largest number of bites.

A snake bite is typically painful and results in swelling and redness at the bite site. The venom can also cause dizziness, vomiting, and an allergic reaction. The effect of the bite depends on the snake, the amount of venom, the age of the person, and what area of the body was bitten. A snake bite is more likely to be fatal on a younger or older person, and more dangerous around the abdomen or a vein.

Venomous snakes are also responsible for injuries to cats and dogs. About 100,000 animals are bitten each year, with a 20% mortality rate.

It is worth noting that a significant portion of annual human fatalities occurs in those who own venomous pet snakes or are handling wild snakes. Without professional training and safety equipment, approaching a wild snake is not recommended. In the wild, most snakes prefer to avoid biting humans, as their venom is a precious resource. The people that are bit are typically 20 to 35-year-old males, with bites caused by intentionally provoking the snakes.

What Is a Black Snake?

Snakes live in a mysterious underworld that few people ever truly become comfortable with. They seem to sneak up on us when we least expect it and are gone just as fast as they appeared. Snake legends are prevalent in almost all of the ancient civilizations. The Greeks had Medusa the Gorgon with her head full of snakes, the Vikings had Jormungand the massive sea serpent whose venom ultimately killed Thor, and of course the devil himself is represented as a serpent in the Garden of Eden. With these and many other stories embedded in our collective memories, it is no secret that many people have an extreme fear of snakes.

Putting aside the irrational misunderstanding of snakes, people legitimately fear being bitten by a venomous snake. With over 100 species of snakes in the United States, there are only 4 categories of snakes that are venomous and therefore a danger to humans. These venomous snakes are all different species within 4 groups of well-known snakes, rattlesnakes, coral snakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth snakes. By knowing the snakes in your area, especially the venomous ones, you can safely deduce that any snake you meet outside of your known venomous snakes is non-venomous and therefore harmless.

People use the term black snake loosely; whatever black colored snake is most prevalent in a given area will be termed by the locals a black snake. Many snakes that we call black snakes, have distinguishing features. Snakes that are predominantly black are common, but they almost always have some feature that helps you determine a garter snake from a black racer. Below, these details will be described so that you can accurately identify and appreciate the snake calling your yard home.

Do Black Snakes Bite?

Black snakes can bite, if they feel threatened and are mishandled, but most black snake bites are harmless, nothing more than a mere flesh wound. There are many different snake species which appear all black. Most of these black snakes are harmless, however sometimes an adult cottonmouth can appear all black; and a cottonmouth is certainly a dangerous snake.

Cottonmouths/water moccasins are easily distinguishable from non-venomous black snakes. Adult cottonmouth snakes, also called water moccasins, are almost always found near or in water. Cottonmouth snakes are found in coastal regions in the Southeastern United States. Young cottonmouth snakes have patterns of dark brown and tan, but as they age these patterns darken and they appear uniformly black. Unlike most non-venomous snakes, cottonmouth snakes are stout and heavy bodied, not slender and whip-like. Cottonmouth snakes have a head that is wider than its neck and body which accommodates its venom gland and fangs. Additionally, when threatened cottonmouth snakes coil their bodies, raise their heads, and open their mouths wide exposing the white interior of their mouth and fangs.

Unless you are facing down a cottonmouth, most black snakes you encounter are non-venomous.

What Is This Black Snake?

Snakes live in a mysterious underworld that few people ever truly become comfortable with. They seem to sneak up on us when we least expect it and are gone just as fast as they appeared. Snake legends are prevalent in almost all of the ancient civilizations. The Greeks had Medusa the Gorgon with her head full of snakes, the Vikings had Jormungand the massive sea serpent whose venom ultimately killed Thor, and of course the devil himself is represented as a serpent in the Garden of Eden. With these and many other stories embedded in our collective memories, it is no secret that many people have an extreme fear of snakes.

Putting aside the irrational misunderstanding of snakes, people legitimately fear being bitten by a venomous snake. With over 100 species of snakes in the United States, there are only 4 categories of snakes that are venomous and therefore a danger to humans. These venomous snakes are all different species within 4 groups of well-known snakes, rattlesnakes, coral snakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth snakes. By knowing the snakes in your area, especially the venomous ones, you can safely deduce that any snake you meet outside of your known venomous snakes is non-venomous and therefore harmless.

People use the term black snake loosely; whatever black colored snake is most prevalent in a given area will be termed by the locals a black snake. Many snakes that we call black snakes, have distinguishing features. Snakes that are predominantly black are common, but they almost always have some feature that helps you determine a garter snake from a black racer. Below, these details will be described so that you can accurately identify and appreciate the snake calling your yard home.

Do Black Snakes Bite?

Black snakes can bite, if they feel threatened and are mishandled, but most black snake bites are harmless, nothing more than a mere flesh wound. There are many different snake species which appear all black. Most of these black snakes are harmless, however sometimes an adult cottonmouth can appear all black; and a cottonmouth is certainly a dangerous snake.

Cottonmouths/water moccasins are easily distinguishable from non-venomous black snakes. Adult cottonmouth snakes, also called water moccasins, are almost always found near or in water. Cottonmouth snakes are found in coastal regions in the Southeastern United States. Young cottonmouth snakes have patterns of dark brown and tan, but as they age these patterns darken and they appear uniformly black. Unlike most non-venomous snakes, cottonmouth snakes are stout and heavy bodied, not slender and whip-like. Cottonmouth snakes have a head that is wider than its neck and body which accommodates its venom gland and fangs. Additionally, when threatened cottonmouth snakes coil their bodies, raise their heads, and open their mouths wide exposing the white interior of their mouth and fangs.

Unless you are facing down a cottonmouth, most black snakes you encounter are non-venomous.

Black Racer Snake Identification

Eastern racer snakes are found throughout much of the United States, and their appearance varies depending upon their region. Northern and southern black racers are some of the most common snakes found in the United States. Southern black racers are shiny black in color, and a speedy slitherer. In fact, a black racer can scoot along at a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. Juvenile black racers have a blotchy pattern, but as they mature their body turns to a shiny jet black. The black racer snake’s chin and throat are white.

Their quick movements and comfort in residential plants and shrubs mean they often encounter humans along their path. Black racers are slender snakes who can grow up to 6 feet in length. Their head simply appears as a rounded extension of their body, not blocky or triangular like many venomous snakes. Black racer snakes are constrictors and lack venom. They feast upon many other critters that we consider pests such as rats, mice, toads, moles, insects, lizards, and even other snakes. Black racers are a harmless addition to the ecosystem around your home and should be left alone.

Do Black Racer Snakes Bite?

Like most cornered animals, black racers will bite. If cornered, the black racer will freeze hoping that your eye will miss him; if he thinks he has been seen, he usually flees. This speedy serpent can get away rather quickly. If cornered, the black racer may emit a foul-smelling odor to convince his attacker to back off. Yet, there are still some among our human race that simply cannot resist the temptation of picking up a snake. These are the people who get bitten. The black racer will bite if it is picked up, threatened, and scared. Thankfully, this common snake is non-venomous. While the black racer bite may be painful, it is not dangerous. Be sure to wash a black racer bite with soap and water, but that is usually the extent of treatment required.

Black Rat Snake Identification

The black rat snake is another mostly black snake that is common throughout the United States. Technically, now this snake is properly called the Eastern rat snake, but many people still refer to it as a black rat snake or a pilot snake. This snake is non-venomous and therefore not a danger to humans. Rat snakes are long and slender in appearance with a pointed snout. It is mostly black at first glance, but as you observe it more carefully, you’ll see an underlayer of scales that appear white or yellow. The black rat snake has a white or cream throat and chin. The black rat snake is differentiated by the black racer by their coloring. The black racer appears shiny and truly all black, when closely observed the black rat snake is more dull with bits of white or yellow peeking through the mostly black scales.

Rat snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they have similar characteristics. In areas where different colors of rat snakes thrive, they sometimes interbreed causing surprising colorations. Black rat snakes are common throughout most of the eastern United States. It is a constrictor and therefore does not have venom. These snakes are well adapted to human dwellings and buildings. They are adept climbers and swimmers. This black snake commonly eats pests such as rats, mice, toads, frogs, lizards, and young birds.

When confronted by humans, a black rat snake prefers to run away. If it is unable to make a quick get away, a black rat snake will strike out and bite. People most often get bit when they attempt to handle a snake. A wriggling snake in the hands of a little boy is delightful in the moment, but can very likely lead to a bite. The bite of a black rat snake can be painful, but it is harmless. Wash any puncture wound with soap and water. Rat snakes are a harmless addition to our landscapes; they keep rodent populations in check and pose no real threat to people and pets.

Getting Rid of Black Snakes

As previously described most black snakes are harmless. They act as nature’s organic and most cost-effective rodent control. However, many people simply cannot bear the idea of being surprised by black racers or black rat snakes as they garden or play a friendly family game of football. Call Nextgen Pest Solutions today, to have our experts inspect your home and yard and implement a snake prevention and elimination program.

Black Kingsnake Identification

The black kingsnake is larger than many other predominantly black snakes. It is thicker than the slender black racer and black rat snake, and often grows to be 5-6 feet in length. Black kingsnakes have shiny black scales, with yellow or white dots or thin, irregular lines sprinkled throughout its body. The black kingsnake’s belly is a black and yellow checkerboard pattern. Because it sometimes interbreeds with other kingsnakes, the black kingsnake’s coloring or pattern may be slightly different.

Black kingsnakes prefer solitude and are most often found in areas where it can avoid human contact. Look for black kingsnakes in densely wooded forests, under rock and wood piles, and thick brush near bodies of water. Black kingsnakes hunt a bit differently than other black snakes described. It ambushes prey and bites down on its head. It keeps the prey’s head pinned down and swallows its prey live. The black kingsnake’s superpower is its ability to be resistant to rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperhead venom. Because it safely can, kingsnakes often eat rattlesnakes. For this reason alone, the kingsnake is a keeper in my book.

Recall that black kingsnakes use their powerful jaws to keep its prey pinned down while it consumes them. Additionally, these are the same jaws that battle rattlesnakes… and win. If you pester, pick up, and harass a black kingsnake, they will bite. The bite is painful, but not as dangerous as venomous snakes. These black snakes should be left alone and permitted to peaceably perform their role within the food chain.

Black Swamp Snake Identification

Black swamp snakes are found in Florida and the coastal southern part of Georgia. They are small, slender, mostly black snakes. Most adult black swamp snakes are only 10-15 inches in length. They are primarily aquatic, found in slow moving streams and rivers, but they should not be confused with the venomous cottonmouth/water moccasin. Black swamp snakes are small and slender. They are shiny black on top, but their underbelly is bright red. These wriggling water snakes are nocturnal and feed on earthworms, small fish, frogs, and salamanders. If captured, the nonvenomous black swamp snake does not even bite. While struggling to get away, it may release a foul-smelling musk from glands at the base of its tail.

Ring-necked Snake Identification

Ringneck snakes are reclusive and rarely seen, but they are found throughout most of the United States. They are found in a variety of environments, open woodlands, wet environments, and arid areas. When viewed from above, ringneck snakes appear all black with a thin yellow line around their neck. They are slender snakes and are usually between 8-14 inches in length. Ringneck snakes were thought to lack venom for many years, but it is now known that they do have venom; their venom is very weak and does not harm healthy humans. They do not have fierce fangs like pit vipers, rather two slightly elongated teeth. They are not constrictors, rather they use their mild venom and elongated teeth to kill their prey.

From above, ringneck snakes appear almost all black with a thin ring around their neck. But on the underside, their bellies are brightly colored. Their bellies range from bright red, yellow, or orange. Ringneck snakes are most known for their defensive behavior of showing off their brilliant underbelly. When threatened they roll their body into a tight coil and elevate it. This ensures the threat sees the bright red or yellow coloring. In nature these bright colors often warn predators of danger or highly toxic venom. In this case, the bright coloring is a ruse; if captured, ringneck snakes will violently squirm and release a foul-smelling odor.

Cottonmouth Identification

Many black snakes you encounter are perfectly harmless to humans and provide free pest and rodent extermination. However, cottonmouths or water moccasins are the exception to this general rule. Juvenile cottonmouths are not all black in color, but as they mature, their spots and patterns darken, so that when they are fully grown they are dark and almost all black in color. Adult cottonmouth snakes have a yellow or cream colored facial stripe that forms a band around their eyes.

Cottonmouths are pit vipers and their venom is extremely dangerous to humans. To easily distinguish a cottonmouth/water moccasin from other black snakes, here are a few keys:

• Cottonmouth snakes are very wide or stout, not slender and trim like many other black snakes.
• Cottonmouth snakes have vertical elliptical pupils like a cat, where nonvenomous black snakes have round pupils.
• Cottonmouth snakes have a round pit organ between their nostrils and eyes, where nonvenomous black snakes do not.
• Cottonmouth snakes have a wide blocky head with an obvious neck, where most nonvenomous black snakes’ heads are much more narrow.
• When threatened, cottonmouth snakes tend to coil their body and open their mouths wide exposing their fangs and the vast white interior of their mouths.

Snake identification is tricky business. If you think you are picking up a black racer, but it is actually a fully grown cottonmouth, the results can be devastating. Most snakes should be left alone to conduct their business in peace.

How Do Professional Wildlife Control Officers Get Rid of Snakes?

There are many species of snakes in the United States, and only 8 species are venomous and therefore dangerous to humans. If a snake gets indoors or if you have a snake in your yard, the chances are good that it is one of the many harmless snakes. When we get your snake call, your snake situation becomes our priority. Not only can we get rid of the snake that is threatening your peace and security, we can show you how to prevent snakes in the future.

If you have a snake inside your home, our first priority is to remove the snake as quickly and safely as possible. If you are sure the snake is non-venomous, sometimes people can remove the snake themselves. If you cannot identify the snake, leave it alone and call a professional service like Nextgen Pest Solutions. If the snake is coiled up in the corner near the sliding glass door, open the door and sweep it out. Sometimes the simple act of giving the snake an escape route will get it to leave. If you have nerves of steel, you can cover the snake with a trash can or a sturdy box. Keeping it covered will prevent it from slithering off into other rooms in the house or under the bed. The snake can remain trapped under the box while you await a professional’s help, or you can attempt to remove it yourself. Keep the snake covered and slide a strong board underneath the box. If you can slip this under the snake you can turn it upside down and now you have the snake in a covered box.

When Nextgen Pest Solutions Wildlife Removal Officer arrives, we will immediately remove the snake from the premises. We have the necessary equipment and experience to get rid of the snake and restore the peace to your home. After the urgent business is taken care of, we can also take a look around your home and give you tips and tricks to prevent snakes in the future.

How To Prevent Snakes In Your Yard and Home

If you are surprised by snakes in the garden more often than you are comfortable with, there may be some simple environmental changes that you can implement that will reduce the snakes in your area. When a customer complains of chronic snake sightings, that usually means their home or yard is providing snakes with food and shelter/harborage. By addressing these issues, snakes can usually be reduced in an area.

Snake Inspection

The basis for all Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a thorough inspection by a knowledgeable technician. Our technicians are trained to look for openings around your home, signs of snake food availability, and areas that may be offering shade and shelter to snakes. When you work with our team, we provide ongoing advice on how to create an unfavorable habitat around your home for snakes.

One of the main reasons snakes are plentiful in your yard is you have plenty of food for them. Rodent control is central to snake control. Nextgen Pest Solutions’ rodent control program will starve the snakes out of your yard. Sometimes, our inspection reveals holes or passageways into your home. By sealing these holes, you can prevent not only snakes, but rats, squirrels, birds, bats, and racoons from entering your home.

Habitat Modification to Reduce Snakes

Habitat modification can be very successful in reducing the number of snakes in your yard. Snakes most often prefer to be hidden, either by tall grasses or shrubs, rock piles, wood piles, or other yard clutter. Clean up extraneous yard debris and keep the wood pile as far from the house as practicable. To prevent snakes, keep the grass, trees, and bushes trimmed and tidy. While bird feeders invite colorful singing songbirds to your yard, they also invite squirrels and other rodents to the party. Many snakes consider birds, squirrels, rats, and mice that feast upon your feeder’s offerings to be a meal. Clever serpents learn to seek shelter near a feeder so that they can easily eat when they get hungry. Additionally, if you leave pet food outside, you not only draw stray cats, but all the critters that snakes deem an appropriate meal. By making some simple changes to your landscape and habits, you diminish snakes in your yard.

How Do Professional Wildlife Control Officers Get Rid of Snakes?

There are many species of snakes in the United States, and only 8 species are venomous and therefore dangerous to humans. If a snake gets indoors or if you have a snake in your yard, the chances are good that it is one of the many harmless snakes. When we get your snake call, your snake situation becomes our priority. Not only can we get rid of the snake that is threatening your peace and security, we can show you how to prevent snakes in the future.

If you have a snake inside your home, our first priority is to remove the snake as quickly and safely as possible. If you are sure the snake is non-venomous, sometimes people can remove the snake themselves. If you cannot identify the snake, leave it alone and call a professional service like Nextgen Pest Solutions. If the snake is coiled up in the corner near the sliding glass door, open the door and sweep it out. Sometimes the simple act of giving the snake an escape route will get it to leave. If you have nerves of steel, you can cover the snake with a trash can or a sturdy box. Keeping it covered will prevent it from slithering off into other rooms in the house or under the bed. The snake can remain trapped under the box while you await a professional’s help, or you can attempt to remove it yourself. Keep the snake covered and slide a strong board underneath the box. If you can slip this under the snake you can turn it upside down and now you have the snake in a covered box.

When Nextgen Pest Solutions Wildlife Removal Officer arrives, we will immediately remove the snake from the premises. We have the necessary equipment and experience to get rid of the snake and restore the peace to your home. After the urgent business is taken care of, we can also take a look around your home and give you tips and tricks to prevent snakes in the future.

How To Prevent Snakes In Your Yard and Home

If you are surprised by snakes in the garden more often than you are comfortable with, there may be some simple environmental changes that you can implement that will reduce the snakes in your area. When a customer complains of chronic snake sightings, that usually means their home or yard is providing snakes with food and shelter/harborage. By addressing these issues, snakes can usually be reduced in an area.

Snake Inspection

The basis for all Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a thorough inspection by a knowledgeable technician. Our technicians are trained to look for openings around your home, signs of snake food availability, and areas that may be offering shade and shelter to snakes. When you work with our team, we provide ongoing advice on how to create an unfavorable habitat around your home for snakes.

One of the main reasons snakes are plentiful in your yard is you have plenty of food for them. Rodent control is central to snake control. Nextgen Pest Solutions’ rodent control program will starve the snakes out of your yard. Sometimes, our inspection reveals holes or passageways into your home. By sealing these holes, you can prevent not only snakes, but rats, squirrels, birds, bats, and racoons from entering your home.

Habitat Modification to Reduce Snakes

Habitat modification can be very successful in reducing the number of snakes in your yard. Snakes most often prefer to be hidden, either by tall grasses or shrubs, rock piles, wood piles, or other yard clutter. Clean up extraneous yard debris and keep the wood pile as far from the house as practicable. To prevent snakes, keep the grass, trees, and bushes trimmed and tidy. While bird feeders invite colorful singing songbirds to your yard, they also invite squirrels and other rodents to the party. Many snakes consider birds, squirrels, rats, and mice that feast upon your feeder’s offerings to be a meal. Clever serpents learn to seek shelter near a feeder so that they can easily eat when they get hungry. Additionally, if you leave pet food outside, you not only draw stray cats, but all the critters that snakes deem an appropriate meal. By making some simple changes to your landscape and habits, you diminish snakes in your yard.

Getting Rid of Black Snakes

As previously described most black snakes are harmless. They act as nature’s organic and most cost-effective rodent control. However, many people simply cannot bear the idea of being surprised by black racers or black rat snakes as they garden or play a friendly family game of football. Call Nextgen Pest Solutions today, to have our experts inspect your home and yard and implement a snake prevention and elimination program.

Are Snakes Hard to Get Rid Of?

Most snake species avoid homes and areas with lots of people, which they perceive as a threat. Instead, they prefer more rural settings, especially grasses, woodlands, marshes, and deserts. Yet some environments that snakes live in overlap with our yards. As construction continues to populate new areas, this overlap continues to grow, making it even more likely to find snakes in your yard.

The snakes that come inside of a home do so either by accident (such as being washed in during a flood), to chase prey, or to escape cold weather. As a reptile, snakes are cold-blooded, meaning they do not regulate their own body temperature. Instead, they need sunlight and the ambient temperature to keep them warm. As winter weather approaches, some snakes will move indoors to wait out the cold.

Inside the home, snakes are most often found in garages, basements, and crawl spaces due to warmth, easy access, and the presence of mice/rats. However, like most pets, they can accidentally find their way into your home at any time.

Because snakes rarely nest, getting rid of one in your yard or home can be as simple as waiting it out. Once the weather changes or the snake is in need of food, it will usually leave on its own. Leave the snake alone and it may eventually move on.

Yet this option is not always a possibility. In fact, there are several reasons that you would want to keep snakes from coming onto your property or immediately remove a snake that is already there, such as:

• Snakes are frightening and you don’t want to come across one unexpectedly.
• Snakes could be poisonous, endangering your family and pets.
• A snake has nested because there are nearby food and water sources.
• You frequently have snakes on your property.
• A snake inside could become trapped, causing it to attack or perish.
• Snakes could attract other predator snakes.

For most people, the first reason – not wanting to share your living space with a wild animal – is more than enough reason to remove a snake. Even when they are harmless, a wild snake does not belong indoors. Nor do many people want to find one outdoors within their immediate area.

Actively removing a snake already on your property, especially inside your home, is tricky, as these animals can be difficult to capture without the right equipment. If there is any risk that a snake might be poisonous, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Bring your children and pets inside and call professional wildlife control. Many bites and fatalities from snakes happen because an untrained person is handling a venomous snake.

How to Get Rid of Snakes Fast

The best way to deal with outdoor snakes is to leave them alone unless they are venomous. But if you are constantly struggling with snakes in your yard or have a snake indoors, there are several options to address this. These include:

• Professional Live Trapping – Calling a professional wildlife control company is the safest and most reliable way to remove a snake. It is an absolute must if the snake is venomous. A humane wildlife control company will capture the snake with special equipment and take it to a more natural habitat far away from your home. Depending on how accessible the snake is, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
• Call the Fire Department – In cities with a lot of poisonous snakes, some local fire department services will provide venomous snake removal if they are available. Most of them are also humane, and they will often release the snake elsewhere as well. As a professional company, this method is fast because the fire department can typically capture the snake the same day, but as it is not their primary service, sometimes they are unavailable or unable to find the snake, and not all fire departments provide this support.
• DIY Removal – If you are comfortable with approaching a snake, there are some general strategies for eliminating a snake in your home or yard yourself. We’ll explore these methods later in this guide, where you can see the different methods available for you to get rid of snakes on your own.
• Exclusion – From natural remedies to pesticides to physical deterrents, there is a range of ways to prevent snakes from entering your property. You can implement these on your own or turn to a wildlife control company that can seek out and exclude your yard and home.

Often a combination of these approaches works best. Professional pest control companies, for example, typically remove and relocate the snake first, then can come and provide exclusion and deterrents so snakes are unable to make their way back.

Can You Get Rid of Snakes on Your Own?

As long as a snake is not poisonous, and you are not struggling with a snake phobia, you can get rid of snakes without professional help. This is easier when the snakes are outside rather than in your home. It is also less risky to focus on methods of exclusion and repelling.
Handling the snake to remove it involves a degree of risk and can make the problem worse if the snake becomes frightened, causing it either to flee or bite. In addition, snakes are so important to nature, that it is often best to avoid any method that might harm the snake.
If you notice a snake somewhere on your property and want to attempt removal yourself, follow these steps to safely get the snake to move on and prevent re-entry:

• Stay Calm – Snakes are naturally shy. Excessive noise or movement can cause them to flee, often into an area that is harder to reach. It can also cause them to strike out, which is frightening if not dangerous. Back away from the snake slowly and let it be. If you are outdoors, it might go elsewhere on its own at this point.
• Identify the Species – Use resources to compare the appearance of the snake to local species in your area. Certain species have similar characteristics so careful observation is necessary. As an example, the poisonous coral snake has coloring like that of milk snakes, king snakes, and scarlet snakes. If you even suspect that the snake you see is poisonous, whether it is inside or outside, stop at this point and call a professional.
• Remove Snakes – You can remove a snake both directly and indirectly. The direct method involves physically moving it elsewhere through an implement or trap. This is more important indoors. Alternatively, you can take steps to make your yard less habitable for snakes to increase their likelihood of leaving.
• Keep Snakes Out – The final step is exclusion which can be performed after snake removal or prior to snakes as a preventative measure. It addresses all the spaces through which snakes will enter, the sources of food and water they find in your yard, and areas they can rest. By removing these, your yard is both less attractive and, in some cases, physically impossible to enter.
• Monitor – Watch your yard and home over the coming months for the presence of snakes. If you do continue to see snakes, you will need to adjust your exclusion tactics and consider involving a professional company if the issue remains unfixed.

Regardless of your comfort with reptiles, it is important to approach snakes, like all wildlife, with caution, even when they are harmless. These are wild animals that can behave unexpectedly, and even nonvenomous snakes can cause a painful bite.

Home Remedies for Repelling Snakes

Repellents are often the first DIY snake control method that both residential and commercial properties use to get rid of snakes. Over the years, many different suggestions have been made for getting rid of snakes with natural household items. Science is undecided on many of these methods, but some people claim they have successfully kept snakes away with them.

Most natural snake repellents rely on scents that snakes are believed to dislike. Snakes have a strong sense of smell, picking up odors through their tongues to help them navigate their environment and seek out prey. By making your property smell unpleasant enough, snakes will theoretically avoid entering.

The benefit of these DIY home remedies for snakes is that they are affordable and easily available with either material you have at home or can find at a local store. These natural snake repellents are generally safe for use around your home with the exception of naphthalene. The options include:

• Mothballs – Naphthalene is an ingredient found in many commercial snake repellants. It is also the main ingredient in mothballs. The smell is supposedly irritating to snakes. Placing mothballs in holes and crevices where snakes might enter might help to deter them. Use care with mothballs if you have children or pets as they are toxic when ingested, and the EPA considered them a carcinogen.
• Ammonia – It is possible that snakes dislike the smell of ammonia. Some people recommend soaking rags in ammonia, placing the rags in plastic bags, and putting the bags around your yard.
• Smoke – A smoky fire might repel snakes. You can build a fire pit near the area where snakes are active and let it burn for a few days. Moss and leaves will generate the most smoke without flames. Practice fire safety, don’t leave the fire unattended, and adhere to any burn restrictions in your area.
• Sulfur – Powdered sulfur can irritate a snake’s skin when they come into contact with it. You can purchase powdered sulfur at your hardware store and sprinkle it around your yard. Since the smell can be strong, you might want to wear a mask while applying it.
• Onions and Garlic – These vegetables contain sulfonic acid which can repel snakes. Some people recommend chopping them up, mixing them with road salt, and sprinkling the mixture around the edges of your yard.
• Lime and Peppermint – A mixture of lime and peppermint both repels snakes with the scent and is irritating to their skin. You can apply this mixture around your property as a repellent.
• Vinegar – Distilled white vinegar has been recommended to repel snakes around water, such as swimming pools and ponds. Apply the vinegar around the perimeter of the water to keep snakes out.

All of these solutions have little scientific evidence to support them or are directly contested by scientific findings. While people will occasionally attribute their success in removing snakes to these natural remedies, there is the potential they could cost you time and effort without an effective solution to your snake challenges.

In cases where natural remedies are effective, they can take a few days to repel snakes. They also require frequent reapplication to provide ongoing protection from snakes. If effective, and a snake already lives on your property, it may also trap the snake inside.

Indoor Snake Prevention Through Exclusion

Natural and chemical deterrents may be able to keep some snakes away. But if you live in an area with many snakes, there are going to be situations when a snake may find its way to your yard. Often, this is harmless and temporary. Snakes are typically solitary, and so if you wait, the snake will likely make its way to the next property as it continues its journey.

The most pressing concern is making sure that you keep snakes out of your home, and for that, you can use a process known as exclusion. This is the process that professional pest control uses to keep snakes out. Exclusion is the process of preventing snakes from entering a property by sealing up any places they can use as an entrance point.
This requires some handyman skills and an eye for detail, as snakes can fit through holes as small as a quarter. But some of the tools you can use include:

• Mesh
• Netting
• Mortar
• Lava Rocks/Mulch (Sharp for Snake Skin)
• Metal Sheets
• Snake Proof Fencing
• Expanding Foam

Physically closing off entrance points is both safe and humane. Your family, pets, and the local snakes have no risk of harm, and snakes will be unable to enter your property. It can also have supplementary benefits like reducing heat/energy loss and preventing other pests, like rats.

The extent of your exclusion will play a part in how effective it is. In areas of low risk where you rarely deal with snakes, addressing the most pressing issues can be enough to get rid of snakes. Other homes may need to implement every possible exclusionary tactic to effectively keep snakes out.

These methods are more effective than repellents for keeping snakes out of your home, although some homes will use either commercial repellents or home remedies in conjunction with exclusion and managing the habitat in the yard. Again, the need for this depends on risk factors and your success with the exclusion process.

Outdoor Snake Prevention Through Habitat Management

Habitat management can help prevent snakes from spending any extended out of time outdoors on your property. Out in nature, snakes spend time alternately laying in a warm, sunny place to regulate their body temperature and cooler hiding spots out of the way places to safely rest. Removing those on a property makes the home less habitable for snakes.

Taking some time to research the snakes found in your area can help you judge the average size and any hiding spaces local species are more naturally drawn to. While snakes generally follow the same behavior patterns, more specific knowledge allows you to focus your efforts if the species in your yard have particular characteristics.
In general, you will want to address the following to limit snake habitats in your yard and keep them from entering:

• Trim Grass – Tall grass provides a hiding space and a place for snakes to absorb the warmth of the sun. This applies to both lawns and areas of wild, natural growing grasses. Try to keep grass no more than a few inches high. This limits areas where a snake can hide, and while they might still lay on the grass in the sun, it will be easier for you to see them and avoid them.
• Clean Rock and Wood Piles – A pile of rocks or woods provides a sheltered area to protect snakes from weather and predators. If you rarely go near the pile or leave your firewood out during warm months, snakes can live there for months while feeding on nearby rodents. You should remove piles of debris or cover firewood with a tarp that is sealed to the ground.
• Cut Back Branches – Some snakes will climb into trees, slither along branches, and drop into your yard. This could derail any type of border you have around your yard to keep snakes out, such as fencing or a chemical repellent. By regularly trimming trees, you can control how far snakes can come into your yard.
• Limit Rodents – Many snakes eat mice and rats, so you’ll want to remove anything that could attract rodents to your yard. Bird feeders that drop seeds on the ground, accessible trash, feeding pets outside, and storing food outdoors are all common attractors for rodents. By changing this, you remove a food source, forcing them to leave when hungry.

Thoroughly clearing the exterior of your property of the areas that may harbor snakes can reduce their numbers or prevent snakes altogether. Snakes may still be found slithering across a yard as they travel to find a meal, but their time spent there will be brief.
Snake habitats also change seasonally, so you may find snakes in different areas depending on the time of year. During cooler months, spaces in your yard that provide warmth and shelter are more likely to offer snakes a place to hide or live in brumation (the word for how reptiles hibernate). These includes:

• Sheds and Outbuildings
• Rock Piles
• Wood Piles
• Tree Stumps
• Squirrel and Rodent Burrows
• Car Engines

Like in the summertime, you will want to remove rock and woodpiles, as well as old tree stumps that can provide a place for snakes to burrow. Fill in ground holes created by other animals as well so that snakes cannot move in to get out of the cold.

Note: For sheds, also make sure to look for any rotting wood or holes in the foundation or siding. Also, be sure that the crawl space access door seals to the surrounding wall without any gaps. Shed doors should shut completely, leaving no space around the door and the frame that a snake could enter through.

Get Rid of Snakes in Your Home or Yard

There are far more options for snake prevention than there is snake removal, which is why prevention is more important to get rid of snakes on your property. Once a snake is on your property, either indoors or outdoors, removal or extermination is all that remains.

Some snakes need to be removed immediately, whether for your own peace of mind or because they are somewhere they shouldn’t be, like indoors, in a garage, in a pool, or on a patio. The following are some ways to remove a snake from your home:

• Grab It – Although rarely the preferred option, it is possible to pick up the snake and carry it outside. This requires you to have no fear of snakes and to be completely certain the snake you are about to handle is not venomous. Wear thick gloves, such as gardening or snake handling gloves, to gently pick the snake up and carry it to a new location.
• Scare It Away – Contrary to their aggressive appearance, snakes are fearful. You can scare a snake away. They are deaf animals, so noises will not work, but they do sense vibrations and movement, so fast movements, stomping on the ground, or throwing heavy objects nearby can frighten them away. Note that snakes can also bite when they’re afraid, and they are fantastic jumpers, so this is only useful for non-venomous snakes and from a significant distance.
• Water – Outdoors, you can use your garden hose to stand at a distance and spray the snake. This will not harm the reptile, but is unpleasant and will often convenience the snake to go elsewhere. Be sure to spray from an angle rather than directly over the snake so that it is forced to move away from you.
• Use a Tool – Since most people would rather not handle the snake, household tools can also help you move the snake from a safe distance. To temporarily trap the snake before you remove it, you can place a trash can upside down on top of a coiled snake. Placing rocks or a heavy object on top will help weigh it down. This gives you time to gather a removal implement or call for a professional without having to worry about the snake moving to a new location.

Professionals use tools to pick up most snakes. There are bars and hooks specifically designed for snakes that can be useful for picking up and moving snakes. Since it’s unlikely to have those tools, you can try the following:

• Fireplace Tool/Pole – By placing a hook on a long-handled pole or similar instrument beneath the snake at about the middle of its body, it can be possible to pick up the snake and carry it elsewhere. This works best for removing snakes from pools and for short distances. Depending on the tool you’re using, the snake could slide off during the process.
• Broom – With a broom, gently herd the snake from a room to an open door. Sweep the snake in the direction you want the snake to go, pushing it slightly if the snake hesitates to move. This again works best for short distances. Blocking off other detours before you begin by closing doors or setting boxes in the way can help direct the snake. This option does not work if there are stairs between the snake and the outdoors.

When there is a snake inside your home that you can no longer find – perhaps it became frightened and slithered off – know that snakes seek out warm places. You might find the snake by looking behind water heaters or under appliances. You can also lure the snake out by placing a heating pad or blanket on a cold floor.

Killing the snake is another option, although not one considered humane or good for the environment. This is usually done by striking it with a heavy or sharp object, such as a garden hoe. If killing a snake, use caution as the threatened snake may strike back, harming you. A bite from a nonvenomous snake will still be painful.

DIY Snake Trapping

There are a variety of commercial traps available on the market for snakes. These traps are not meant to kill the snake, but instead, capture it so that you can take it elsewhere. To do this successfully, you will need to monitor the trap and remove the snake once it is caught. Leaving it for a long period of time could cause the snake to die from lack of food and water. The most common traps include:

• Glue Traps – These use a strong adhesive on a cardboard backing which holds the snake when it slithers over the trap. You can release the snake by pouring vegetable oil over the trap to dissolve the glue. There is debate over whether glue traps are humane and there is a risk that other animals, including pets, can become trapped.
• Funnel Traps – This trap allows the snake to crawl in through the large end of the funnel into an enclosed box, but makes it difficult to climb out through the narrow end of the funnel. Commercially they are available in metal wire and collapsible mesh forms. There are also many instructions online for making your own trap out of household materials.

With any trap, bait and placement are important. Fresh eggs are a common bait as are commercial baits that mimic the smell of live animals. You should place traps in an area where the snake is active. It can still take some days for the snake to willingly approach the trap, which may be too long a wait for most homes and businesses.
If you are trapping and taking a snake further than your backyard, be aware of any local regulations regarding where you can release the snake.

How to Get Rid of Snakes Permanently

While removing a single snake or a few snakes is a one-time process, keeping snakes out permanently is an ongoing process. Tackling this long-term challenge on your own requires constant habitat maintenance in your yard every year, along with exclusion to make sure that snakes cannot enter your home.

Professional snake control takes a comprehensive approach to removal and exclusion. In addition to trapping and removing any snakes currently on your property, a professional will identify what brought the snake in and how to prevent re-entry in the future. They will also have extensive knowledge and experience of snakes local to the area that helps them handle snakes most effectively.

If you have been attempting to manage snakes without success or would rather leave the challenge to a professional to begin with, snake control by a humane wildlife company is the most guaranteed way to limit snakes. It can bring you the confidence of knowing that your family and pets are safe from poisonous snakes, or even a startling encounter with a reptile on your property.

How Pest Control Specialists Get Rid of Snakes

A poisonous snake should only be handled by a professional snake expert. No matter if it is inside the house or outside in the yard, do not approach a snake you suspect is venomous and call a snake control company or the fire department.

For other snakes, especially those inside, professional removal is still a safe way to get the snake away from your property. It can save you stress and means you do not have to buy any special equipment.

Some of the places where professionals often remove snakes from include:

• Garages
• Crawl Spaces
• Basements
• Attics
• Roofs
• Yards

The method a wildlife management expert will use to remove a snake depends on where the snake is. Visible snakes can often be handled immediately, but a snake that is hidden will need to emerge first before it can be trapped.

Since it is faster to remove a snake in plain sight, it can be helpful to keep the snake in an accessible area if possible. For instance, keep a snake in place by covering it with a bucket or trash can. If indoors, shut the door to trap it in a room or surround it with boxes or another type of barricade. This can keep the snake in place until a professional can arrive. You should only take these steps if it is safe to do so.

Once on the scene, the snake remover will perform a brief inspection to confirm where the snake is, how many are present, and the species. For removal, they will generally use one of the following methods:

• Hooks

A snake hook consists of a metal hook mounted on a long pole. The hook serves a dual purpose as it allows the handler to both move rocks and other items the snake may be hiding beneath. The snake handler can also pick up the snake and carry the reptile. Despite this being a hook, it is not sharp and does not harm the snake. Instead, the snake’s muscular body rests in the bend of the hook. It is actually a humane method as it allows the snake freedom of movement as it is handled.

The snake handler will transfer the snake from the hook to a box cage and drive the cage to a park or place with a lot of nature. Removing a snake this way can be done in a couple of hours, but requires that the removal expert can both see and reach the snake.

• Traps

When you know a snake is present, yet the snake expert cannot locate it, they will use a trap. A box trap has a wide entry that narrows into a small hole. The snake can easily crawl into and not out. The professional will place the trap in an area where the snake is likely to travel to and fill it with bait that will tempt the snake into the trap. The trapped snake is released back into nature.

A trap can take several days to capture the snake and will require return visits so that the wildlife professional can check the traps, removing the snake once it is caught. Individual homeowners are able to place traps themselves. The pros of relying on a professional include benefiting from their knowledge. Snake experts understand the behavior of snakes and their diets, so they can optimally place and bait the traps.

• One Way Snake Doors

If a snake is inside of a wall or somewhere that cannot be reached, the pest control specialists may choose to briefly install a one-way snake door. This type of door allows a snake to come out of the property but prevents it from coming back in, forcing it to move to a new location.

A humane snake control company chooses removal over extermination whenever possible. They will not kill the snake as this is often unnecessary unless the snake is particularly venomous or of an extreme length. Instead, they will release it back into the wild, although at a great distance from your home.

The releasing process may require a permit or compliance with local rules surrounding wildlife. This is another benefit of relying on a snake control company, rather than DIY for snake removal, as the professional will best know how to relocate the snake legally.

How Professional Wildlife Control Prevents Snakes

The professional exclusion process addresses many of the same issues and concerns as the DIY exclusion process. Much of the plan that a professional snake control company will give you contains strategies for habitat management – the steps you can take to around your yard to make it less likely to draw in snakes.

Yet there are still several benefits to choosing a professional to manage your snake exclusion, or at least consulting with one. The snake control expert is trained to:

• Provide local knowledge of snakes.
• Find small holes and habitats that might be missed.
• Use science-backed exclusion methods.

Professional snake exclusion can be done after snake removal or to limit a recurring or future snake problem. It will focus on preventing snakes from both outdoor and indoor settings using:

• Professional Inspections – During a property inspection, a wildlife control technician will thoroughly survey your property. They search your yard for hiding spots, burrows, or other living spaces, the area around your house, and – if snakes might be inside – potential hiding spaces in garages, basements, and attics. This helps them locate any snakes that are on the property and need to be removed, as well as note risk factors such as nearby open spaces and potential snake habitats in your own backyard.
• Exclusion and Deterrent Installation – A snake control company will determine where snakes might come into your yard and home. They can take steps to exclude them, such as sealing the entry holes and installing snake fencing when necessary.
• Other Pests Control – Some wildlife control companies address other forms of wildlife in addition to snakes. This includes the rats, mice, squirrels, and other animals that snakes eat. If an inspection determines you have other pests on the property, these companies can eliminate them so that your home is less tempting for snakes.
• Information and Consulting – A snake expert can help you develop a plan for excluding and preventing snakes whether you are starting the process or have already taken steps to keep snakes out. The plan can guide you through habitat management, bolstered by specific knowledge and experience with local snakes.

These services are available from many wildlife control companies on a one-time and recurring basis. Regular inspections can locate snakes that have come onto the property, survey for new habitats that have developed, and implement any new management methods as needed.

When exclusion is performed successfully, the potential for snakes in your yard or home can be almost nonexistent. This will make you feel safer, reduce the chance of a bite during an accidental snake encounter, and save you the cost of later snake removals.

Get Rid of Snakes with Professional Pest Control

Effective snake control encompasses a range of techniques and processes with the plan customized to each individual property. It can combine DIY work with professional experience in a way that maximizes the protection and minimizes your cost. Careful action on your part is often enough to manage snakes, while professional services provide a guaranteed way to get rid of snakes.
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For those located in Florida and Georgia, Nextgen Pest Solutions offers snake removal and exclusion locally and has offices near you for 24 hour emergency snake control when needed. Our emergency snake removal service is the best way to handle a venomous snake in your yard or house as we can respond in two hours or less. Emergency snake control is available 24 hours a day and every day of the year.

To get an estimate on snake control, request information about the best snake handling procedures, or schedule a service, you can call Nextgen Pest Solutions at (866) 827-7231. You can also fill out the contact form and one of our friendly agents will be in touch with you shortly to assist with your snake challenges.