Everyone savours the comfort of their home. But what happens when your tranquil space becomes the new habitat for a slithery intruder? We’ve all heard chilling tales of snakes finding their way into homes or backyards, turning domestic bliss into sudden panic. While snake intrusions are infrequent, when they do occur, they can prove disruptive and potentially dangerous.
This comprehensive guide by pest exterminators will help you navigate this precarious situation, detailing where snakes hide, which ones pose threats, and how to effectively chase them away or relocate them when needed.
Where do snakes usually hide?
Snakes are cold-blooded creatures and their body temperature is influenced by their environment. As a result, they seek out spaces that provide warmth, safety, and a readily available food supply. Key places within your home or garden where a snake might slither into include:
- Gardens – Dense vegetation, compost heaps, or rockeries make excellent hiding spots;
- Garages and Sheds – Snakes find solace in the clutter of old boxes, equipment, and general detritus found in garages and sheds;
- Basements and Crawl Spaces – These areas offer seclusion and are often rodent hotspots, making them perfect snake hideaways;
- Ponds or Water Features – Certain species of snakes are drawn to water, so be watchful of any aquatic elements in your garden.
Which snakes are dangerous?
Identifying the level of threat a snake poses when it infiltrates your home or garden is vital. Although many snakes are harmless and more likely to avoid human interaction, it’s always best to adopt a cautious approach. In the UK, our only native venomous snake is the Adder (Vipera berus). Recognisable by its distinct zigzag pattern, the Adder generally avoids confrontation, and while its bite is seldom life-threatening to healthy adults, it can pose a significant threat to children, the elderly, and pets.
Yet, the risk doesn’t end with the Adder. The exotic pet trade and global travel can inadvertently introduce more hazardous snakes into homes. Such snakes could be venomous species whose bites can induce a range of severe health effects.
As it’s challenging for most people to differentiate between venomous and non-venomous species, any snake sighting should be treated with caution. Misidentifying a venomous snake as a harmless one could lead to serious health risks. Consequently, in the event of a snake intrusion, always maintain a safe distance and possibly contact pest control experts. They possess the requisite knowledge and tools to deal with the situation safely and efficiently.
How to get rid of snakes
Getting rid of snakes from your living spaces can often be a multi-pronged process that involves various deterrent measures, habitat modification, and hiring pest control services when necessary. Outdoor snakes, particularly non-venomous ones, are usually better left alone, as they play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling pests. However, frequent encounters with snakes in your yard, or worse, inside your house, warrant deliberate action. Here are six practical strategies on how to get rid of snakes:
Seal any gaps
The initial strategy in deterring snakes is to ensure your home’s perimeters are secured. Snakes can exploit even small openings due to their slender and flexible bodies. Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and windows for any gaps, cracks, or holes, particularly around pipes and vents which often serve as hidden entrances. Some snakes, like the Ratsnake, can use their muscular strength to scale vertical surfaces or penetrate cavities. Use snake-resistant materials such as wire mesh, mortar, or caulk to seal these gaps, thereby creating a solid barrier against these resilient intruders.
Inspect your yard
A well-kept garden is your second line of defence against snake invasions. Clear away piles of debris, trim overgrown shrubs, and keep the grass cut short. All pest exterminators will tell you that snakes prefer environments offering good coverage and ample hiding places. By maintaining a clean and clutter-free yard, you remove potential hiding spots and make the space less appealing for these reptilian visitors.
Remove potential food sources
As opportunistic feeders, snakes are attracted to areas abundant in food. If your home or yard is a hotbed for rodents, you’re inadvertently providing a banquet for snakes. Studies have shown that snake populations often correlate with the availability of prey. By employing pest exterminators to control any rodent issues, you cut off a critical food source, thereby making your property less enticing to snakes.
Consider snake proof fencing
Snake-proof fencing serves as an additional protective barrier. This should be professionally installed to guarantee effectiveness. The fences should be buried a few inches into the ground and angled outwards, a design supported by herpetologists to prevent snakes from climbing over. Snake-proof fencing can prove particularly useful in regions with high snake populations or for properties bordering wild areas.
Lay snake traps
Snake traps can provide another viable response, especially when dealing with persistent snake problems. It is important to ensure that any trapping methods are humane and adhere to local wildlife regulations. Studies indicate that certain types of traps, such as funnel and glue traps, can capture snakes efficiently without inflicting injury, when used properly. In regions where snake conservation is emphasised, professionals can safely relocate the trapped snakes, causing minimal disruption to the local ecology.
Keep your pets indoors
During a snake intrusion, pets should be kept indoors as much as possible. Dogs and cats may try to attack the snake, putting themselves at risk. Notably, studies have indicated that dogs are more likely to be bitten by venomous snakes due to their confrontational approach and lack of the lightning-fast reflexes of cats.
Call pest control experts
In the face of a snake intrusion, reaching out to pest control services is usually the best course of action. Dealing with snakes should be left to the professionals, who have undergone extensive training and have hands-on experience managing such precarious situations. Attempting to resolve the issue independently could amplify the problem and inadvertently put you and others at risk.
Pest control experts are knowledgeable in snake behaviour and species identification, a knowledge base built through rigorous study and years of field experience. They have access to specialised tools and follow stringent safety protocols to handle these situations safely and effectively.
Furthermore, these professionals are usually up to date on the latest scientific research and employ best practices in the field. They understand the environmental implications of their actions and strive to balance the need for human safety with respect for wildlife. This includes, where possible, humane removal and release methods, as well as education for the homeowner on preventive measures.
When you call in the professionals, you are opting for a solution that is not only effective but also mindful of the broader ecological impact. You are ensuring that your home’s snake issue is addressed thoroughly, safely, and responsibly.
Conclusion
Snake intrusions can be an unsettling and sometimes dangerous experience, but with a calm approach and informed action, they are manageable. Remember to keep your home and yard clean, reduce potential food sources, and ensure your house is well-sealed. In the event of an intrusion, your best course of action is to enlist the help of pest control services. Armed with this knowledge, you can reclaim your tranquil space, keeping it free of unwelcome slithery guests.
