About Nuisance Snakes

Read this article to find out all about snakes, the problems they cause, prevention methods, and professional removal tactics.

Biology

Snakes are among nature’s most misunderstood and interesting creatures.

Snakes are carnivorous and oftentimes have venom which helps them take down prey. Here is just a short list of animals snakes will eat: mice, rats, other snakes, eggs, fish, birds, and insects, in addition to many more creatures.

Roughly 20% of snake species are venomous, and it is always important to exercise caution unless you know exactly what species it is. Snakes live on land generally, but some snakes actually live in the water. As cold-blooded creatures, they are required to regulate their body heat by their surroundings. Their average lifespan in the wild is around 9 years, though many are cut down early by predators, humans, and other snakes. 

If you have ever seen a snake flick its tongue out, this is done to smell what is around them, alert them to any danger, and also to locate potential food sources. Usually every month or so, snakes perform “ecdysis”. This is commonly known as shedding their skin, and they do it to rid themselves of different parasites they may have, in addition to giving them more room to grow. 

Problems Snakes Cause

While snakes are beneficial to nature, they present some problems when they coexist around human development.

  • The first large and potentially deadly problem that snakes can pose to humans is being venomous. Venomous snake bites do not happen that often, but when they do, they can be very serious. It is important that you get rid of snakes in or near your house if there is even a chance it can be a venomous one. This is even more the case if you have children or pets running around. 
  • Another problem that snakes cause is that even if they are not venomous, all snakes have the ability to be carrying salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans through bites. Even small snakes can bite, so this is something that should be kept in mind.
  • If you own chickens or other small livestock or animals, snakes can potentially be a big concern. Depending on the size of the snake, they can easily kill chicks and swallow eggs, completely robbing you of your chickens. 

As can be seen, snakes potentially pose threats, especially to those with young children, pets, and any kind of small animals. 

Prevention Methods

One of the best ways to keep snakes away is to understand why they love your property in the first place.

Most snakes come onto your property in search of food. If you have a higher than usual rodent population or insect population, snakes will more than likely stay on your property. 

  • Don’t leave pet food out.
  • Keep all entrances to your house and garage sealed.
  • Use caulking to seal any small points where snakes can enter your home.
  • Get rid of any brush piles, metal piles, wood, or any other areas where snakes like to live.
  • Get rid of tall grass, as snakes feel more at home in taller vegetation. 
  • Put in a snake-proof fence that does not allow snakes to come onto your property, house, or garden. 

These basic steps will help you keep snakes out of your home and off of your property.

Professional Removal Tactics

If, despite your best prevention efforts, a snake manages to get into your house, garage, or any other place you don’t want it, you might want to call a professional. Professional snake removal is a great idea, because not only will they have the experience and know-how to safely remove the snake, but they will also be able to help you prevent snakes in the future. 

The usual process of a snake removal professional is to assess the situation by looking for snake droppings and whatever other signs they can find. Once they have done this, they will remove the snake for you. Then, they will be able to help you find where and why snakes have been entering, as well as suggesting ways to fix these issues.

Some snake removal professionals also offer snake-proofing and will install preventative measures. If you are not sure whether a snake is venomous or not, you have no business putting yourself at risk. Call a professional. If you have been continually having problems with snakes, it is a great idea to call a professional, because they have the experience to help you keep the slithery creatures out for good.

more information

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