Aug 11, 2022 | Pest Control, Wildlife
As the season shifts from summer to early fall, cooler weather is around the corner. Many pests begin the hustle and bustle of preparing for winter – scavenging and storing food, finding a place to hibernate, or making their way into your home to overwinter. This time of year sees an increase in one pest in particular – snakes! Fall is a time for high snake activity and encounters with humans become more common.
There are many reasons snake control is important in the fall. As the leaves begin to change colors to red, orange, and brown and fall to the ground, they provide the ideal camouflage for snakes. Fall is also the time snakes begin to prepare for brumation and/or hibernation. Most snake species breed in the spring and eggs are hatched by the time autumn rolls around. These juvenile snakes are curious and more likely to be seen by humans. There are 6 venomous snake species in the southeastern United States and each of them actually breed in the fall. This means this time of year males will be actively seeking females to breed with, increasing your chance of an encounter with them. Overdevelopment in many areas has also depleted the natural habitats of many snakes, also increasing their chances of encounters with humans.
Because we see such an increase in snake activity during the fall, snake control becomes much more important. Here are some of our favorite snake prevention tips you can utilize this snake season.
- Familiarize Yourself. Identifying snakes is critical to avoiding and preventing them. Do some research and find out which snakes are common in your area, what they look like, and where to find them. Identify any areas you spend time in outdoors that could potentially house snakes and try to avoid them.
- Be Aware. Be aware of your surrounding when spending time outdoors. Look down when walking and check overhead when in wooded areas. Try to spot snakes before you walk right up on them.
- Avoid Habitats. Snakes like to hide in areas that provide them protection and coverage from predators. They can often be found in tall grass, overgrowth, on or under large rocks, rock piles, and wood piles. If you have to walk through these areas, keep your feet and legs protected, keep your eyes open
- Walk With Confidence. Snakes don’t have ears so they can’t actually hear you coming but they do respond to vibrations in the ground and can feel you coming before they actually see you. When walking outdoors walk with strong, confident steps and make your presence known.
- Cover Up. If you choose to spend time outdoors, make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants if possible. Try to avoid sandals and flip flops as they leave your feet and toes exposed to potential snakebites.
- Look Up. Some types of snakes can actually climb trees and will even use overlapping branches to move from tree to tree without ever touching the ground. When walking or boating through wooded areas make sure to look up and keep an eye out for overhead snakes.
- Clean Up. Making your home and yard less inviting to snakes will help keep them from coming in. Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of your home to keep snakes out in search of warmth and food. Remove any debris and clutter from your yard and garage. Keep woodpiles elevated and stored away from your home. Clear any overgrowth from your yard.
- Use snake repellent. There are many commercial snake repellent products on the market today. If you prefer a more green snake control option, there are also natural snake repellents you can make at home. Choose whichever option works best for you.
- Call the Pros. Snake control can be a daunting task. If you have a problem with snakes around your home, contact your local pest control company who can help identify what type of snake you are dealing with and help safely and humanely get them away from your property.
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Aug 12, 2021 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Although many people don’t welcome the sight of a snake in their yard, they are actually quite beneficial to have around. Snakes eat mice, grubs, slugs, and other insects around your home and are also a source of food for birds of prey like hawks. While most species of snakes are non-venomous, there are a few types of snakes that are venomous in our area. For this reason, you should never handle a snake unless you are 100% sure you know what species it is. Most snakes will bite when harassed whether they are venomous or not.
There are many natural snake repellent methods out there today with one of the most common being mothballs. But are they really effective? According to experts at the Blue Ridge Poison Center the answer is a resounding NO. Mothballs are made of either naphthalene or paradicholorbenzene. Both of these chemicals are hazardous to both humans and animals if exposed to or ingested. The chemical makeup of each of these substances allow them to turn into gas when they are exposed to the air – resulting in the strong smell we usually associate with mothballs. These fumes can cause dizziness and irritation to the eyes and the lungs. If ingested, mothballs can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia which is very dangerous. Mothballs also resemble candy to young children, making them more likely to pick them up and handle or eat them.
So if mothballs aren’t the answer, how can you get rid of snakes? Here are a few snake prevention tips you can use safely around your home.
- Make your home and yard less attractive to snakes who are looking for food and shelter.
- Remove any food sources such as rodents or other pests.
- Keep pet food sealed in containers.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Clean up spilled pet food and birdseed from the ground.
- Don’t overwater your lawn as this can attract worms, frogs, and slugs – another food source for snakes.
- Have your home inspected for rodents and other pests and maintain routine pest control treatments.
- Seal any entries into your crawlspace or basement that are larger than 1/4″.
- Make sure doorsweeps and window screens fit tightly.
- Cover vents and drains that come into the house.
- Keep grass mowed – tall grass and weeds provide more coverage for snakes from predators.
- Clean up any debris snakes can hide under (scarp metal, wood piles, trash, logs, etc.).
- Check the roof for overhanging vegetation – snakes are good climbers and can access your home from the roof.
If you have a problem with snakes or other wildlife, contact your local pest control company who can help identify pest attractants, points of entry, and provide you with safe and humane snake removal services.
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Sep 7, 2017 | Wildlife
Fall will soon be upon us! As the temperatures cool down we want to get outdoors and enjoy the milder weather at the turn of the season. But BEWARE! Snakes are also active during this time of the year. Most snakebites occur between April and October when the weather is still warm and outdoor activities are popular. Fall is breeding and hatching season which makes males more aggressive as they are trying to get the attention of female snakes. Newly hatched snakes are also aggressive as they are trying to avoid predators. Snakes are also preparing for hibernation or brumation (where they don’t actually sleep but instead slow their metabolism to acclimate to the cooler temperatures) which makes them more active during this time of the year. Here are some common snakes you may encounter in southern states and what you can do to keep them away from your home.
COMMON SNAKES IN THE SOUTHEAST:
Black racers are large snakes (usually over 5 feet long). They are slender and solid black in color, although some may have a white chin. They are often mistaken for other large, black snakes. Juveniles look completely different, usually gray in color with darker blotches. They tend to flee quickly when threatened. They are found throughout the eastern US. They can be found in any habitat but are more common in old fields, near forest edges, and the edges of wetlands. They are non-venomous but may bite if handled.
Brown snakes are small (usually only 6-13 inches in length). Most of them are brown in color but they can yellow, reddish, or grayish brown and can have darker spots on their backs. They can be found in wooded areas, near wetlands, and in urban areas. They are not found in areas of high elevation. They like to live under debris in residential areas or any other area with enough groundcover. They are non-venomous but may bite if handled.
Copperheads are large snakes (usually 2-4 feet long). They have a distinctly triangular shaped head. They are tan to brown with darker hourglass shaped bands on their bodies. Juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow-tipped tail. They are found in semi-protected areas like woods and swamps but may also be found in urban areas. They are found throughout the central and eastern US, with the exception of some parts of South Georgia and the entire state of Florida. They are venomous and may bite if they feel threatened.
Coral snakes are medium sized (1.5 to 2.5 feet long). They are brightly colored red, yellow, and black. If they feel threatened, they will lift up their tail and curl the tip over. Although they spend the majority of their time underground, they can be found in pine and scrub sandhill habitats, hardwood forests and pine flatwoods, and in suburban areas. They are found throughout much of the southern coastal plain, although they are most common in Florida. They are venomous and may bite if they feel threatened.
Garter snakes are small to medium sized (1.5 to 4 feet long). They have dark colored bodies with three yellow stripes running vertically. They prefer protected areas such as woods or marshes but are also common in grassy areas and around water. They are very common in suburban areas as long as there is adequate cover for them. They are common throughout the Southeast and most of the US. They are non-venomous but may bite if handled.
King snakes are large snakes (3-4 feet long). They are a shiny black color with white or yellow bands. They have a rectangular looking head with a short, blunt snout. They are found in protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, and cluttered areas. They are found throughout the southeast US. They are non-venomous but may bite if handled or threatened.
Rat snakes are large snakes (most 3-5 feet long but some longer than 6 feet). Their coloring depends on the region they live in and can be black, yellow with stripes, or gray with darker patches. They are found in semi-protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, swamps, or abandoned and vacant buildings. They are found throughout the southeast US. They may climb for food. They are non-venomous but may bite if handled or threatened.
Water moccasins are also known as cottonmouths. They are large snakes (2-4 feet long). Their color varies from solid brown to yellow with dark crossbands. Juveniles have a yellow-tipped tail. Their head is distinctly triangular. When threatened they have a characteristic display with their head in the middle of their coiled body and their mouth wide open. They are found in freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands. They are found throughout the southeast US but are more common in coastal regions. They are venomous snakes and may bite when threatened.
HOW TO AVOID SNAKES
While it is impossible to prevent snakes, there are things you can do to avoid them and prepare yourself and your family when you are enjoying the outdoors. Check out these 10 tips to avoid snakes:
- COVER YOUR FEET. If you are going to be outdoors in areas that are prone to snakes, don’t wear flip flops or sandals. Wear closed toed shoes, preferably hiking boots and long pants.
- AVOID TALL GRASS. If possible, avoid areas with tall grass when you are outdoors. If you must walk through tall grass, keep your feet and legs protected, keep a vigilant watch around you and make your presence known.
- DO SOME RESEARCH. Check out our snake facts above and try to avoid areas that are likely to have snakes. Do some research ahead of time and find out what snakes are most common in your area, what they look like, and what habitats they live in.
- LOOK UP. Many snakes can climb trees and can move from tree to tree by adjacent branches. Make sure to look up when you are walking in wooded areas and wear a hat if possible. This also applies if you are boating in areas with overhanging trees.
- WALK WITH CONFIDENCE. Snakes respond to vibrations from the ground so they can feel you coming before they can see you. Walk with strong steps to make your presence known. They will often flee before you even see them.
- PAY ATTENTION. Look around. Be aware of your surroundings. Look down when you are walking.
- AVOID HABITATS. Familiarize yourself with habitats common to snakes in your areas and avoid them. Stay away from large rocks, rock and wood piles, areas with heavy overgrowth, or any other area that snakes can use for cover.
- CHECK YOUR CAR. Snakes are known to take cover under cars, especially if you park your car in an area prone to snakes. They seek protection from predators while still having a warm surface to lay on.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME. Seal any cracks and crevices around your home that might allow snakes to come in seeking warmth and food. Remove debris and clutter from your yard and garage. Keep wood piles away from the house. Clear overgrowth from your yard. Remove anything that could potentially be used as cover for snakes.
- USE REPELLENT. There are many commercial snake repellents on the market today, as well as several natural methods of snake repellent. Find the one that works best for you.
Jun 6, 2016 | Wildlife
It’s officially summer! While outside enjoying the warm weather, beware. Snakes are also active this time of year, soaking up the sunshine and in search of abundant food sources – around rocks, in gardens, on stone patios, around brush & vegetation, or even in attics, crawlspaces and basements. Here are some common snakes you may encounter in Southern states and what you can do to keep them away from your home.
Common Types of Snakes
King Snakes
King snakes are usually large, black with white or yellow bands, with a short, blunt mouth and face. They’re commonly found in protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, and cluttered areas. Although king snakes are non-venomous, they may bite if threatened. Keep them away from your home by eliminating food sources (rodents, birds, etc.), wood, clutter, and overgrown vegetation. You can also use a preventative snake repellent product, although these treatments are not always effective.
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are large, usually ranging from 3-6+ feet in length and their color depends on what region they’re found in – usually black, yellow with stripes, or grey with darker patches. You’ll usually encounter rat snakes in semi-protected areas such as woods, over grown vegetation, swamps, or abandoned/vacant buildings. They’re known to climb if there’s a food source within reach and will bite if threatened (non-venomous). Keep them away from your home by eliminating their favorite food source – small rodents. For rodent control, contact your local wildlife removal company.
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are small to medium-sized snakes with three vertical, yellow stripes on a dark-colored body. They prefer to hang out around protected areas such as woods and marshes, but are also very common in grassy areas and around water. Garter snakes can be found in mostly any suburban area throughout the southeast and U.S. as long as there is cover for them. Limit food sources around your home to keep them away – insects, lizards, small rodents, etc.
Black Racer Snakes
Black racers are large snakes, usually 5+ feet long, with slender, black bodies (sometimes with a white chin), and are often confused with other black snakes. Black racer snakes can be found throughout the eastern U.S. in nearly any habitat, but are more abundant near forest edges, old fields, or wetland edges. They’re non-venomous snakes but may bite if provoked. Keep them away from your home by reducing potential food sources (insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, & amphibians) with regular pest control or bird control services.
Brown Snakes
Brown snakes are small (6-13″ long), brown or sometimes yellowish, reddish, or grayish-brown with rows of darker spots on the back, and are common in wooded areas, near wetlands, urban areas, under debris in residential areas, and any other area with adequate ground cover (but not found in areas of high elevation). Brown snakes are the most common snake seen in urban environments. Because brown snakes prefer to eat insects like earthworms, snails, and slugs, it’s important to eliminate sources of moisture, debris, and vegetation around your home’s exterior to keep them away.
Copperhead Snakes
Copperheads are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with heavy bodies. They have a distinct, triangular-shaped head, are tan to brown with hour glass shaped darker bands running across the body, while juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow tail tip. You’ll encounter copperhead snakes throughout central and eastern US, excluding some southern portions of Georgia and all of Florida, in semi-protected areas such as woods and swamps, but also in suburban areas. Copperheads are venomous snakes that will bite if bothered. To prevent copperhead snakes, eliminate potential food sources – mice, small birds, lizards, other small snakes, amphibians, and insects – and use caution when outside at night in the summer.
Water Moccasins
Water moccasins, also referred to as cottonmouth snakes, are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with very heavy bodies, of varying colors – solid brown to brown or yellow with dark cross bands (juveniles have a yellow tip) – with distinctly triangular heads. Water moccasins are venomous snakes known to open their mouths wide when threatened (which is white on the inside, hence the name “cottonmouth”). They’re found throughout the southeast, but are slightly more common in coastal regions, in freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands. It’s unlikely you’ll see water moccasins around your home unless you live near bodies of freshwater.
Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are medium-sized snakes, 1.5-2.5 feet long, brightly-colored red, yellow, and black, commonly found throughout much of the southern coastal plain (most common in Florida), in pine and scrub sandhill habitats, hardwood forests and pine flatwoods that flood, and suburban areas; they spend the majority of their time underground. Coral snakes are venomous and, when threatened, will lift their tail with the tip of the tail curled over.
Jun 6, 2016 | Wildlife
It’s officially summer! While outside enjoying the warm weather, beware. Snakes are also active this time of year, soaking up the sunshine and in search of abundant food sources – around rocks, in gardens, on stone patios, around brush & vegetation, or even in attics, crawlspaces and basements. Here are some common snakes you may encounter in Southern states and what you can do to keep them away from your home.
Common Types of Snakes
King Snakes
King snakes are usually large, black with white or yellow bands, with a short, blunt mouth and face. They’re commonly found in protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, and cluttered areas. Although king snakes are non-venomous, they may bite if threatened. Keep them away from your home by eliminating food sources (rodents, birds, etc.), wood, clutter, and overgrown vegetation. You can also use a preventative snake repellent product, although these treatments are not always effective.
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are large, usually ranging from 3-6+ feet in length and their color depends on what region they’re found in – usually black, yellow with stripes, or grey with darker patches. You’ll usually encounter rat snakes in semi-protected areas such as woods, over grown vegetation, swamps, or abandoned/vacant buildings. They’re known to climb if there’s a food source within reach and will bite if threatened (non-venomous). Keep them away from your home by eliminating their favorite food source – small rodents. For rodent control, contact your local wildlife removal company.
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are small to medium-sized snakes with three vertical, yellow stripes on a dark-colored body. They prefer to hang out around protected areas such as woods and marshes, but are also very common in grassy areas and around water. Garter snakes can be found in mostly any suburban area throughout the southeast and U.S. as long as there is cover for them. Limit food sources around your home to keep them away – insects, lizards, small rodents, etc.
Black Racer Snakes
Black racers are large snakes, usually 5+ feet long, with slender, black bodies (sometimes with a white chin), and are often confused with other black snakes. Black racer snakes can be found throughout the eastern U.S. in nearly any habitat, but are more abundant near forest edges, old fields, or wetland edges. They’re non-venomous snakes but may bite if provoked. Keep them away from your home by reducing potential food sources (insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, & amphibians) with regular pest control or bird control services.
Brown Snakes
Brown snakes are small (6-13″ long), brown or sometimes yellowish, reddish, or grayish-brown with rows of darker spots on the back, and are common in wooded areas, near wetlands, urban areas, under debris in residential areas, and any other area with adequate ground cover (but not found in areas of high elevation). Brown snakes are the most common snake seen in urban environments. Because brown snakes prefer to eat insects like earthworms, snails, and slugs, it’s important to eliminate sources of moisture, debris, and vegetation around your home’s exterior to keep them away.
Copperhead Snakes
Copperheads are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with heavy bodies. They have a distinct, triangular-shaped head, are tan to brown with hour glass shaped darker bands running across the body, while juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow tail tip. You’ll encounter copperhead snakes throughout central and eastern US, excluding some southern portions of Georgia and all of Florida, in semi-protected areas such as woods and swamps, but also in suburban areas. Copperheads are venomous snakes that will bite if bothered. To prevent copperhead snakes, eliminate potential food sources – mice, small birds, lizards, other small snakes, amphibians, and insects – and use caution when outside at night in the summer.
Water Moccasins
Water moccasins, also referred to as cottonmouth snakes, are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with very heavy bodies, of varying colors – solid brown to brown or yellow with dark cross bands (juveniles have a yellow tip) – with distinctly triangular heads. Water moccasins are venomous snakes known to open their mouths wide when threatened (which is white on the inside, hence the name “cottonmouth”). They’re found throughout the southeast, but are slightly more common in coastal regions, in freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands. It’s unlikely you’ll see water moccasins around your home unless you live near bodies of freshwater.
Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are medium-sized snakes, 1.5-2.5 feet long, brightly-colored red, yellow, and black, commonly found throughout much of the southern coastal plain (most common in Florida), in pine and scrub sandhill habitats, hardwood forests and pine flatwoods that flood, and suburban areas; they spend the majority of their time underground. Coral snakes are venomous and, when threatened, will lift their tail with the tip of the tail curled over.
