The Arkansas Snake Infestation That Sent a Realtor Running

Quick Take

• Why snakes flooded this empty Arkansas home has nothing to do with what most people assume. See why snakes moved in →
• The sheer number of snakes isn't the most unsettling part of this viral video. Take a closer look at the breaker box. Watch the breaker box scene →
• As alarming as this infestation looks, experts say having these snakes around may actually be doing the homeowner a favor. See the surprising upside →

One real estate agent’s worst nightmare came true when he pulled up to his house listing. When Century 21 Realtor Christopher White arrived at the empty house, he was met at the door — but not by its owners. Instead, several snakes slithered out of various crevices to meet him.

White recorded the snakes as they appeared to emerge from within the house. On his Instagram, the now-pinned video reads, “Had to tell my buyer that I was absolutely not going to show this house. I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.” And honestly, who could blame him? But why were the snakes there, and what caused the infestation?

An Open House Nightmare Slithers Away

In the video, you can see the key lockbox on the home’s door in Central North Arkansas. Though the house is empty, something has taken up residence inside. At the bottom of the door, a long black snake slithers along the porch, making entry impossible. The camera pans to the left, revealing two more black snakes coiled in the corner of the porch roof above a window. When the camera moves again, the house’s electrical breaker box is in the center frame. At least two more black snakes are seen slithering through it, weaving between the panel’s door and the siding.

The situation isn’t ideal for any real estate agent tasked with showing the house. However, it’s even more unfortunate for those trying to sell their home. Such a large number of snakes typically indicates an infestation. While only five snakes can be identified in the video, there were likely more under and even inside the home.

The property has been widely referred to in news reports and on social media as the “snake house.” But as disconcerting as it is, experts say there’s a practical reason why the snakes have taken up residence. And the good news? None of them is venomous, and they pose little threat to humans, though they may bite if provoked.

Snakes Follow Their Food Source

Rat snakes such as these are creatures of habit. As their name implies, they’re extremely skilled rodent-hunters. They follow mice and rats as they hunt, often leading them into places like sheds, barns, and even homes. In this case, the lack of human activity provided the perfect location for the snakes to lie in wait. Given the location in Central North Arkansas, the rat snakes likely saw an opportunity for a consistent food supply.

However, one expert says there might be another reason these rat snakes gathered at this home. Gary McKim, president of D&G Varmint Control, told Fox16 that the presence of so many snakes indicates they may have been there to mate.

The property’s high grass and overgrowth provide ample shelter from predators, which is attractive to rat snakes. If they found a way inside the house, they could nest in any room without being disturbed. Given the time of year, these snakes may also have been seeking warmth. A home that has been empty for some time, such as this one, is an ideal mating spot.

How Dangerous Are Rat Snakes?

According to McKim, the rat snakes are not a threat to humans. While their size is intimidating, they’re typically docile and avoid people at all costs. The reason so many congregated at this house was due to its lack of foot traffic. They’re also non-venomous and aren’t likely to bite unless cornered. For this species, biting is a last resort, and they provide plenty of warning before reaching that point. People are more likely to encounter a foul-smelling odor from rat snakes when they are afraid.

Even if a bite does occur, it’s more akin to a scratch by briars or thorns. It’s not medically significant and does not pack a punch like bites from other Arkansas snakes. Infection is always a concern, but it’s relatively low on the pain scale.

Having rat snakes around is more beneficial than not having them. This property probably had little, if any, rodent issues, thanks to the skilled hunting of these snakes. Additionally, they’re fairly easy to deter if they do get inside the house. In this case, the snakes can often be transported elsewhere using a bucket or pillowcase and pose little threat to those handling them. However, for an infestation of this size, it’s always better to hire a professional—especially when your house is on the market.