Imagine stumbling out of bed and accidentally stepping on a snake. It’s the stuff of nightmares! Yet, it happens, especially in the warmer months. Snakes tend to make themselves known during prime infestation season in July through November, and if you live in a snake-heavy state like Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, then you’re at risk for a host of unwelcome, slithering visitors in your home or yard. And often, you won’t even notice until you (or your pet or child!) finds one.
“Snakes are out looking for food and shelter, and a lot of folks don’t even realize they have them until they come face-to-face with one,” says Brad Guerrera, owner of Expert Pest Control in Texas.
Luckily, you don’t have to live in fear (or move cross-country). Pest control experts share five main warning signs that signal a snake infestation and explain exactly what to do if you find yourself an unwilling host to these slippery, creepy creatures.
Best Places to Search
If you suspect you have a snake infestation, there are a few places to do an initial search. Start with a scan of the perimeter of your house from the outside. “Snakes need a gap to get in your home, so you’ll probably find gaps or cracks in the foundation, doors, or windows,” Nicole Carpenter, President at Black Pest Prevention in North Carolina, tells us.
Also, look for “especially vulnerable” spots where snakes often enter homes, such as vents, plumbing openings, or loose siding. Guererra notes that “snakes can get through surprisingly small gaps,” so keep that in mind while searching.
While outside, you should check your yard for clues of a snake infestation, which Carpenter says, “is just as worrying. At night, grab a flashlight and check places like under the porch or any dark corners outside.” Make sure to wear boots!
As you’re looking in these areas, keep an eye out for the below signs that a snake is dwelling in your home.
Signs You Might Have a Snake Infestation
- Shedded Skins. This is perhaps one of the easiest signs to spot in your home. “Snakes grow, and when they do, they leave their old skin behind,” Guerrera shares. “If you’re finding dry, scaly pieces under porches, in crawl spaces, or tucked away in garages, there’s a good chance a snake has been hanging around.”
- Slither Tracks and Snake Droppings. Check for “wavy, sidewinding tracks” around areas of dust, dirt, or mulch. “Snakes don’t leave footprints, but their movement leaves distinct trails,” Guerrera explains. They also often leave droppings behind. Guerrera describes a “dark, thick” dropping that “may contain bits of bone or fur from their last meal.” Carpenter adds that snake droppings often have “white tip,” and she suggests checking thoroughly “along walls, under furniture, and in all dark corners.”
- Weird Noises in Crawl Spaces or Attics. Often, one of the first signs of a snake infestation is the weird noises you hear in your home. Guerrera says, “Snakes are quiet, but if they get into tight spots, you might hear them rustling against insulation or slithering through walls.” Of course, other types of pests do this too, so you definitely shouldn’t take this sign lightly if you hear it.
- Sudden Decline (or Increase!) in Rodents. Don’t be too quick to celebrate if the mice or rats you used to see around suddenly disappear. This could be the work of a snake! Guerrera notes that a sudden increase in rodents is also a sign of snakes, as “it could mean a snake food source is growing, which might bring them in soon.”
- Pets Acting Strange. Rodents aren’t the only ones who might act up when snakes come around. “Pets can pick up on things long before we do, so don’t ignore the changes in their behavior,” Carpenter cautions, adding that this could indicate they have noticed a snake. This might look like your dog barking in a certain spot or getting fixated in one area of your home. “They might also sniff around places they usually ignore or, on the flip side, avoid a room or area in the yard they used to love,” she adds. Even outside pets can act differently, like birds who usually frequent a bird feeder. “You might notice fewer birds showing up, or they might stick to higher spots like trees or rooftops to stay out of a snake’s reach,” Carpenter says.
What to Do If You Suspect Snakes
As a general rule, let the professionals handle snake removal. “Don’t go poking around. A lot of snakes are harmless, but some aren’t, and you don’t want to find out the hard way,” Guerrera says.
Keep pets and kids away from the area you suspect a snake infestation and call in a professional. This is important because not all snakes will just “shoo” out like a stray cat, “especially if you’re dealing with venomous species,” Guerrera adds.
“A pest control expert will not only safely remove the snake but also inspect for signs of more and seal off entry points,” he continues. “We know what attracts them, where they like to hide, and how to make sure they don’t come back. Plus, identifying snake species can be tricky, and misjudging a venomous one can be dangerous.”
But What If You Actually Find a Snake?
“First, don’t panic,” Carpenter says. Back away and block off the room to prevent the snake from escaping or wandering around. “Use a rolled-up towel or a door sweep to seal off the area,” Carpenter explained.
“If you see a snake inside, don’t try to handle it yourself,” Guerrera warns. “Secure the room, block off escape routes, and let an expert take care of it.” And be sure to keep kids and pets out of that area for extra safety.
Prevent Future Infestations
Keep in mind: snakes aren’t being sinister when they set up shop inside your home — they’re just looking for a warm place to live. “If you’re seeing snakes, it’s likely because your property offers a perfect combination of food, shelter, and access points,” Carpenter says.
“The best way to keep snakes away is removing what draws them in,” Guerrera adds. “Snakes aren’t out to get you, but they will take advantage of an easy food source and a good hiding spot. If you suspect you’ve got a problem, it’s always better to call in a pest control company sooner rather than later.”
And take steps now to reduce your risk of a snake infestation. Minimize the attractiveness of your home for these slithering creatures by keeping your yard mowed, trimming overgrown bushes, sealing up foundation gaps, fixing leaks or standing water, and clearing out woodpiles and debris.
Staying on top of rodent issues can also help but be careful with how you do it. “If you’re using poison to control rodents, dying or weakened rodents can actually lure snakes closer, as they become easy prey,” Carpenter says. “Opt for traps or professional rodent control instead to avoid creating a buffet for snakes.”
Additionally, Carpenter suggested using caulk or expanding foam to “seal up all spots a snake might have come from like cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, or holes near vents or pipes.” Then, sprinkle snake repellent like Ortho Snake-B-Gon, clove oil, or sulfur around the perimeter of your yard.
If your home is attracting rattlesnakes in particular, then add barriers around air conditioning units, pumps, or machinery, as rattlesnakes are drawn to the vibrations caused by these machines.
By making your home and yard less snake-friendly, you are less likely to deal with an infestation. So even if some of these things might be annoying or require extra work, they are definitely worth it.
