Imagine waking up and inadvertently stepping on a snake—it’s a nightmare scenario! But it can happen, especially during the warmer months. Snakes are more active from July through November, particularly in states like Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona where encounters with these unwelcome visitors are common in homes and yards. Often, you may not even realize their presence until you, your pet, or child encounters one unexpectedly.
“Snakes are on the hunt for food and shelter, and many people are unaware of their presence until they come face-to-face with one,” explains Brad Guerrera, owner of Expert Pest Control in Texas.
Fortunately, you don’t have to live in fear or relocate to a different area. Pest control specialists offer five key warning signs to watch for that could indicate a snake infestation and provide guidance on what to do if you find yourself hosting these slithery creatures against your will.
Key Areas to Inspect
If you suspect a snake infestation, start by conducting a thorough search in specific areas. Begin with a visual inspection of the perimeter of your home from the outside. “Snakes require openings to enter your home, so look for gaps or cracks in the foundation, doors, or windows,” advises Nicole Carpenter, President at Black Pest Prevention in North Carolina.
Identify vulnerable entry points such as vents, plumbing openings, or loose siding where snakes commonly gain access to homes. Guerrera warns that “snakes can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps,” so be vigilant during your search.
When examining your yard, look for signs of a potential snake infestation, which Carpenter emphasizes as equally concerning. “Use a flashlight at night to check areas like under the porch or dark corners outside,” she advises. Don’t forget to wear boots!
While investigating these areas, keep an eye out for the following signs that may indicate the presence of snakes in your home.
Indicators of a Snake Infestation
1. Shedded Skins: One of the most recognizable signs is finding shedded snake skins in your home. “As snakes grow, they shed their old skin, leaving dry, scaly remnants under porches, in crawl spaces, or concealed in garages,” Guerrera explains.
2. Slither Tracks and Droppings: Look for distinctive, sinuous tracks in dusty or mulchy areas signaling snake movement. “Snakes don’t leave footprints, but their slithering creates noticeable trails,” says Guerrera. Additionally, they leave behind droppings, described as dark, thick with possible bone or fur remnants, and may have a white tip, according to Carpenter.
3. Unusual Noises in Crawl Spaces or Attics: Strange noises in your home could be a sign of a snake infestation. Guerrera warns that snakes, though silent creatures, might rustle against insulation or move through walls, especially when trapped in tight spaces.
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The availability of food sources is increasing, which may attract snakes. It’s not just rodents that might behave unusually when snakes are present. Pets can sense things before humans do, so pay attention to any changes in their behavior, as it could indicate the presence of a snake. Signs may include dogs barking in a specific spot, fixating on an area, sniffing around new places, avoiding certain areas, or changes in bird behavior.
If you suspect snakes, it’s best to leave the removal to professionals to avoid potential harm. Keep pets and children away from the area and seek help from a pest control expert. If you encounter a snake, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Secure the room, block escape routes, and let an expert handle it while ensuring the safety of others.
To prevent future infestations, make your property less attractive to snakes by removing food sources, ensuring a clear yard, sealing entry points, and maintaining a rodent-free environment. Avoid using poison for rodent control as it can inadvertently attract snakes. Seal any potential entry points with caulk or expanding foam to keep snakes out.
When it comes to keeping snakes away from your yard, consider using snake repellents such as Ortho Snake-B-Gon, clove oil, or sulfur along the perimeter. If your property is particularly prone to attracting rattlesnakes, create barriers around air conditioning units, pumps, or machinery, as these snakes are often drawn to the vibrations produced by such equipment. By taking these steps to make your home and yard less appealing to snakes, you can reduce the chances of dealing with a snake infestation. While implementing these measures may seem cumbersome or require additional effort, the benefits of preventing a snake problem are well worth it. For more information on identifying signs of a potential snake infestation, check out the article “5 Signs You May Have a Snake Infestation and Not Even Know It” on A-Z Animals.
