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Snakes Guide

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Snake Identification Guide

All About Snakes

There are more than 200 species of snakes found in North America. However, fewer than 20 species in the United States have venom that is considered dangerous to humans and pets. Snakes are reptiles with a wide range of sizes, colors, diets, and lifespans. While some snakes lay eggs, others give birth to live young. Snakes are most active during the warmer months when their food sources are abundant.

What Do Snakes Eat?

Snakes feed on rats, mice, insects, bird eggs, and other small animals.

Snake Facts

There are many misconceptions about snakes, such as the belief that they don’t have lungs or hearts. In fact, snakes possess two lungs—one small left lung and one larger right lung—and they also have a heart.

NOTE: Many non-venomous snakes closely resemble venomous species. We recommend exercising extreme caution when encountering or handling snakes on your property.

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Snakes Characteristics

Size

Snakes grow by shedding their skin, so young snakes, or "snakelets," may start out only a few inches long. Fully grown native snakes in the US can reach lengths of up to approximately 9 feet.
NOTE: In the Southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, non-native and invasive snake species have been introduced into the wild. Many of these species have successfully adapted to the tropical environment and are thriving. Some species of pythons, for example, can grow to over 20 feet in length.

Shape

  • Snakes have a cylindrical body shape
  • They do not have legs
  • Snakes possess two eyes, but no eyelids
  • Snakes can open their mouths very wide
  • Snakes have no fur
  • Their bodies are covered in scales, which may be smooth or rough

Color


Snakes can vary in color from solid black to bright lime green. Some species have intricate patterns on their bodies in a range of colors, while others may appear shiny or dull.

Range

Snakes can be found in all states across the US.

Snake Inspection Guide

Where to Look for Snakes

Snakes are rarely destructive to homes or property, but the sight of one can cause fear in people and animals alike. Snakes seek out environments that meet their essential needs, including a place to hide, warmth, moisture, and access to food. While snakes can make their way indoors if these conditions are available inside or near the structure, they are more commonly found outside in areas where all of their requirements can be easily fulfilled.

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Step1 Signs of Snakes Outdoors

How to Spot Snakes Outside – Snake Inspection

Snakes tend to thrive in environments where their essential needs are met, such as access to food, shelter, and moisture. The presence of snakes on your property is often a sign that rodents are nearby, as snakes are attracted to places with an abundant food supply. Properties with water sources, like ponds, birdbaths, standing water, or animal troughs, are also more likely to attract snakes.

One of the first signs of snakes that property owners notice is shed snake skins. Snakes are most active during the warmer months of spring and summer, often basking in the sun or hunting for food during the day. As the evening approaches and temperatures drop, they become less active and retreat to sheltered areas to avoid predators.

Inspect the following areas for signs of snakes. Avoid sticking your hands or feet into dark spaces and instead use a bright flashlight to visually check for snakes:

  • Rock piles
  • Stacked firewood
  • Yard debris piles
  • Dense brush
  • Tall grasses
  • Cracks in sidewalks or driveways
  • Under storage sheds or buildings
  • Untrimmed shrubs or bushes

Note: If venomous snakes are a concern on your property, we strongly recommend consulting a professional wildlife removal service before attempting any snake inspection or removal.

Step2 Signs of Snakes Indoors

How to Find Snakes Indoors

Just like outdoors, shed snake skins are often the first sign that a snake has entered your home. Snakes are skilled at hiding and can squeeze into inconspicuous spaces. While they are commonly found in basements or crawl spaces, they can also make their way into living areas. Check the following places in your home for signs of snakes:

  • Under and behind appliances
  • In rafters
  • On wall ledges
  • Around door or window frames
  • In or around stored boxes
  • Among piles of clothing
  • Near water pipes
  • Close to heat sources
  • In confined, dark spaces

Pro Tip

Snakes can be elusive indoors, but one trick to attract them is placing damp towels covered by dry towels along walls. The pile should be large enough for a snake to crawl under and hide. Snakes are drawn to moisture, so this tactic can help lure them out. Check the piles several times a day to see if a snake has taken refuge there.

How to Get Rid of Snakes

How to Capture a Snake

NOTE: If venomous snakes are a concern on your property, we strongly advise consulting a professional wildlife removal service before attempting any snake inspection or removal.

If you encounter a snake indoors or outdoors and wish to remove it, you have two main options: you can either capture the snake using snake handling tongs or set up snake traps. Both methods allow for the live release of the snake, so you can relocate it, or choose to eliminate it.

Be sure to check with local wildlife control authorities to understand the regulations regarding the relocation of snakes in your area.

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Step1 Snake Tongs

Using Snake Tongs to Capture Snakes
Snake tongs allow you to safely catch live snakes and remove them from an area. We recommend practicing with a rubber snake or a piece of hose before attempting to use the tongs on a real snake. Snake tongs come in different lengths—longer tongs provide more distance from the snake, but they are heavier and can be more difficult to handle.

When using the tongs, aim to grab the snake about one-third of the way down its body. Grabbing too close to the head can cause harm to the snake and make it more likely to struggle or escape. Grabbing too far back may put you within striking range. Once you have secured the snake, gently lift it while keeping its tail on the ground, and slowly move it toward the area where you plan to release or dispose of it. Lifting the snake too high may cause it to panic and struggle.

For transport, you can place the snake in a 5-gallon bucket with a vented lid. Be sure to release it in an appropriate area.

Pros and Cons:
Snake tongs are versatile tools, useful both indoors and outdoors. However, they do require you to get relatively close to the snake, which can be risky depending on the type of snake.

Products we recommend for Step 1

    Step2 Snake Traps

    Using Snake Glue Board Traps

    Another effective method for capturing snakes is through the use of snake glue board traps. Certain traps, such as the Cahaba brand, are suitable for outdoor use, including placement near foundations, under structures, or in gardens. Other types of glue boards are less durable and should only be used indoors. Unlike traditional traps, these glue boards do not use bait or lures, so they are most effective in areas where snakes are known to travel.

    For outdoor use, place the Cahaba snake boards in shaded areas such as gardens, near foundations, under sheds, along fence lines, or other places where snake activity has been observed. It’s important to note that snakes often travel with one side of their bodies against vertical surfaces, so position the glue boards accordingly to encourage the snake to slither into the trap. If you're planning to live-release the captured snake, remember to check the traps frequently.

    Once a snake is caught, you can either dispose of the glue board with the snake still attached or release the snake.

    How to Release the Snake:

    1. Always use caution when handling a trap with a live snake.
    2. Apply vegetable oil generously to both the snake and the surrounding glue to neutralize the adhesive.
    3. Gently wipe away the remaining glue with an oiled rag, if necessary.
    4. Release the snake in an approved area.

    Pros and Cons:
    Snake glue board traps are effective for capturing snakes without needing to get close. However, they can inadvertently trap non-target animals, such as birds or pets, and the adhesive may become ineffective in high heat.

    Step1 How to Prevent Snakes

    What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
    Keeping snakes away from your property requires multiple steps. Effective snake prevention combines sanitation, exclusion, and possibly repellents to make your property unappealing to snakes.

    Sanitation:

    If snakes are frequently seen around your home or yard, it indicates that the environment is suitable for them. Making some environmental changes will discourage snakes from taking up residence near your property. Consider the following modifications:

    • Eliminate tall vegetation where snakes can hide.
    • Trim bushes and shrubs so you can see beneath them, removing potential snake hiding spots.
    • Remove piles of lumber, rocks, or other debris that may harbor pests snakes prey on.
    • Fill or block the entrances to rodent burrows, which may attract snakes.
    • Control rodent populations, as a decrease in rodents will result in fewer snakes.
    • Install snake-proof fences around your property. These fences should be made of fine mesh, be 24-46 inches high, and be buried several inches into the ground.

    Exclusion:

    If you find snakes inside your home, it's likely that there’s an overlooked point of entry. Snakes can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s essential to thoroughly check your property for gaps.

    • Inspect the foundation for cracks or crevices larger than 1/4 inch, especially within three feet of the ground.
    • Protect vents in crawl spaces with screens that have a mesh size no larger than 1/4 inch.
    • Replace damaged door sweeps and weather stripping to close any gaps.

    Repellents:

    You can use snake repellents as part of your control strategy. Apply them according to the product's instructions to help keep specific snake species away from designated areas. However, repellents should be used as a supplementary measure in a comprehensive snake control plan.

    Do Mothballs Keep Snakes Away?

    Mothballs are often suggested as a snake repellent, but they are not suitable for outdoor use and are not labeled for this purpose. It is better to use products specifically designed for snake control.

    Products we recommend for Step 1

    Pro Tip

    Frequent snake sightings often indicate a high rodent population. By controlling rodents, you can reduce the availability of food for snakes and encourage them to leave. For tips on managing rodents, check out our guides on rat and mouse control.

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