In areas with warmer climates, we live with snakes. Snakes slither through homes and nature reserves, and in some cases, into our homes. Although preventive measures have often been taken to keep snakes from entering the house, there is always a risk of snakes entering the house, especially in the summer. Not all snakes are deadly, but you should keep them away as a precaution.
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Part 1 of 3: Measuring Hazard
Step 1. Resist the urge to attack the snake with a broom or stick
Snakes will not attack you unless they feel threatened. All snakes, venomous or not, will not chase humans unless provoked. Be aware that you are the larger predator and the snake will stay away from you if you are not disturbed.
- If you see a snake coiling and opening its mouth wide, it means that the snake sees you as a threat. Move away slowly to avoid further risk.
- Remember that snakes are a positive thing in our ecosystem, they control rat and insect populations. Although it's not fun to see snakes in your home, don't kill them because snakes control the pest population in your neighborhood. Prevent cruelty to snakes by not overacting out of fear.
Step 2. Find out if the snake is venomous or not
While your first action may be to scream and run, it's best to observe the snake and see how much risk it poses. There are several methods to find out if a snake is venomous. Some of the main characteristics of venomous snakes are fat bodies, large fangs, slit-shaped pupils. Also note if you hear a distinctive tail creaking sound.
- If you think your area contains a particular species of snake, make sure you can identify it. The following is a list of the four main snake species:
- Copperhead snake. A venomous snake with dark and copper colored skin. The bites are very painful, but are often not fatal.
- Coral snake. The most dangerous of the four snakes. It can be recognized by its red, yellow and black striped skin. Please note that this snake is easily confused with the milk snake, a harmless snake. Although the color is the same, the patterns on the two snakes are different. The red color of the coral snake lies between two yellow colors while the red color of the milk snake lies between the two black colors.
- Cotton mouth snake. A fast-moving grumpy snake with brown and olive skin. When feeling threatened, this snake will lift its body and reveal a white layer of "cotton" in its mouth.
- Rattle snake. The most famous and easily recognizable snake from this list. Rattlesnakes have brown skin with bright stripes and a distinctive rattling tail.
- There are various types of venomous snakes, cobras, and poisonous snakes. Check local wildlife brochures to see what species may be roaming in your area. It's a good idea to identify any potential snakes in your area. That way, you are prepared for the worst situation.
Step 3. Keep pets or small children away from dangerous areas
Regardless of whether the snake is dangerous or not, make sure you reduce all potential harm. Because of their size, pets and young children are more likely to be at risk than adults. Their movements are also very unpredictable, especially for pets, and they are likely to make snakes nervous. Move them out of harm's way slowly so you can face the snake safely.
If you suspect your pet has been bitten, take him to a veterinary hospital or call a doctor. There may be redness, swelling, or bruising on the body. If that happens, you must act quickly, as they may be at risk of being seriously injured or dead
Part 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Snakes
Step 1. Create a safe distance between you and the snake
Even if you think a snake that enters your home is not venomous, you should avoid getting into its reach. Don't leave the snake alone, as it could creep elsewhere in your house, but don't try to get close to it either. However, if the snake moves, and you are concerned that your presence might provoke it, get out of the area and contact animal control.
Step 2. Open the door and lead the snake out using the broom
Do this only if you are sure the snake is not venomous. Don't push the snake with the broom. Just open the door and slowly lead the snake out. Since it is highly likely that the snake's presence in the house was accidental, the snake might even attempt to get out.
Step 3. Limit the snake's motion
It's best to use a thick blanket or clothes basket. If the snake is restless, the snake will calm down once its body is covered. When the snake can't see you or your surroundings, it will feel less threatened.
Placing a heavy object around the edge of the blanket will prevent the snake from slithering out from under it and moving elsewhere. This will give you time to properly deal with this snake
Step 4. Move the snake outside
If you're still not sure if the snake is venomous, under any circumstances, don't try to move it. Make sure you wear protective gloves, such as gloves, before encountering a snake. Approach the snake slowly, being careful not to scare it.
- The best way to hold a snake is to lift it directly under the belly, near the tail. Place your hands under his body, holding it tight but not too tight. Don't hurt the snake by squeezing it too hard. Let the snake slither a bit in your hand as this will make him feel more comfortable. Keep snakes out of your home and safely release them into the wild.
- If you trap the snake under a blanket or other clothing, you can pick it up with the clothing and move it outside. But be careful not to grip it too hard, especially since you can't see its movement.
Step 5. Call Animal Control and have them send an expert to retrieve the snake
This is the best solution if you don't want to deal with it yourself once you've restricted the snake's movement. They will safely catch the snake and release it away from your home.
Step 6. Leave the snake
If you can't see the snake, but you know it's hiding in a closet or other closed dark place, don't try to catch it. Take all your family members away from the coverage area. If you can't see a snake, you won't know if it's venomous. The snake can also be in a state of restlessness.
- If you encounter a snake outside your home, you should leave it. If it is not venomous, then the snake is not a risk to you. The snake should find its way out on its own and you probably shouldn't worry about its presence. If the snake is venomous, then you can leave the area, and seek further assistance.
- Never try to kill a snake. The most fatal bites often occur when people are trying to kill a venomous snake.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Further Risks
Step 1. Prevent snakes from entering your home
While it's hard to expect a snake to enter your home, you certainly don't want it to re-enter your home. Snakes like cool, dark places, so you should seal any holes leading to your home that are larger than half an inch in diameter.
Snakes can also enter through cracks in windows or doors, so make sure you close them tightly. Any vents or drains leading to your home can be covered with gauze, so snakes can't get through
Step 2. Find out why the snake entered your house
If you have birds in your yard or a rat problem in your home, that's what might attract snakes into your home. However, it is often very difficult to get rid of the small animals that do live in the area, especially if they are part of your ecosystem.
Step 3. Get rid of mice from your home
Snakes love mice. Since our buildings are mainly made of wood, mice often seek refuge in the gaps between the inner and outer walls. If you hear a squeaking sound or find traces of rats in your kitchen, contact an expert to fix the problem. Remember, no rats, no snakes!
- Not cleaning your pet's food can also attract rats, which will eventually attract snakes. Keep your pet's food tightly closed when it's not being eaten or bring it inside.
- Mice can easily pass through a pencil-sized hole. If there is a hole in your wall, seal it immediately. High-pitched sound devices, which are currently popular for preventing pests from entering the home, show positive results. Remember, snakes always follow their food source.
Step 4. Reduce the number of birds nesting in your yard
Whether you attract the bird's attention on purpose or not, the birds that inhabit your yard will attract the snake's attention. The bird feeder will not only attract birds to your area, but also mice, which will eat any fallen grain. While snakes are not attracted to grains, they are attracted to animals that eat them.
- Natural bird repellents are rarely effective, but you shouldn't poison birds or snakes in your area either. If you want to keep birds out of your yard, you should start by sealing any cracks and holes in your home that might attract them to nest there.
- Bird netting or sticky pads can prevent certain species from nesting in your yard. Scare tactics, such as sound recordings of frightened or predatory animals, can help. It's just that you have to prepare for several cycles, because birds are intelligent animals that are easily adaptable.
Step 5. Modify your page
If you're still having trouble getting rid of the snakes, you can keep them from getting in by building a snake fence. Drive a strong steel and stick into the ground. Mount it at a 30-degree angle, so snakes can't climb it and enter your yard.
- You may also want to consider trimming grass or weeds, as small predators like snakes like to hide in shaded, dense areas like these.
- Use cemented stones instead of stones that are just piled up as snakes will hide in the rock crevices.
- If you are worried about your children or pets, you can build a special area surrounded by fences for them to play. Reduce their risk of running into snakes.
Warning
- Learn what types of snakes roam in your area. Some areas don't have venomous snakes to worry about, but it's good to know, especially if there's a possibility of venomous snakes in your area.
- If a snake bites you, do not drive your own vehicle to the hospital. Ask someone else to drive, even if you have to knock on a stranger's door. Most dangerous snake venoms cause delirium, blurred vision, and dizziness, which can prevent you from driving safely.
- If you're concerned about snakes entering your home or yard, keep the phone number of the wildlife rescue organization or Herpetological Society who will keep the snake out of your home. You'll be better prepared if you can prevent it.
