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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Sep 14, 2021 | Wildlife
As the weather cools off and fall peeks around the corner, many people are taking advantage of the milder weather and spending more time outside. Unfortunately, many pests and wildlife, including snakes, are also enjoying the milder weather, preparing for the impending winter. Although most snakes encountered in Georgia are nonvenomous, there are a few species of venomous snakes to keep an eye out for. These include the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the eastern coral snake, and the pigmy rattlesnake.
When spending time outdoors, keep an eye out for snakes in backyards, parks, and areas near the woods. They also like to frequent areas that border streams, lakes, swamps, and ponds. Snake season begins in the spring, usually March to April. Snake season doesn’t end until late fall or even winter, depending on weather patterns and where you’re located. Snakes in the southern states will stay active much longer than up north where the cold sets in sooner.
If you run into a snake, keep these tips in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with the venomous snake species common in your area and how to recognize them.
- Try to identify the snake without getting too close to it.
- Give the snake space.
- If spending time outdoors, wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.
- Remove any brush, log piles and other attractants for rodents from around your home.
- Seal up any cracks, gaps, and holes that snakes can use to get into.
- Remember that non-venomous snakes are protected by law in Georgia.
Because snake season hasn’t quite ended yet, it’s still important to take precautions when spending time outdoors. It’s best to leave snake removal to the professionals, especially if you aren’t sure what type of snake you’re dealing with. If you have a problem with snakes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for proper identification and safe elimination of the offending creature.
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Jun 30, 2021 | DIY, DIY Wildlife Prevention, Wildlife
As the weather continues to warm up, snakes start to become more active and on the move in search of food. Most homeowners can agree that they fear finding snakes in the yard. But while most of us don’t want snakes hanging out on our property, it’s important to note that these wildlife creatures are beneficial to have around as they can get rid of other pests infesting your property. Instead of eliminating these creatures, every homeowner can take simple preventative measures to encourage them to find a different location to habitat.
Clean the Yard!
Ensuring that your yard is well-kept up is one of the easiest and simple ways to deter snakes from your property. Debris and leaf piles are a huge attractant to rodents which will then attract snakes. The leaf piles are additionally a great place for snakes to hide out in. Make sure you are cleaning up any debris piles, including sticks, brush, and tree limbs from your yard.
Overgrown trees and shrubs provide cover and shelter for snakes. Make sure that you are trimming your overgrown trees and shrubs, so they are not touching the house or garage. Don’t forget to trim the branches off the ground so there is at least 24” to 36” space underneath. This helps eliminate a place for snakes to take cover, but also makes them easier to spot.
Remove Attractant Items!
You might not be aware, but certain items are placed in your yard that could be attracting snakes. While many love to have decorative birdhouses and bird feeders in the yard, they can attract snakes. Some snakes are great climbers and will climb up to feast on the birds feeding on the feeders or living in the birdhouse. Consider placing the birdhouse or feeder on a metal pole or wood post, with the post wrapped in metal sheeting.
Install Backup!
A perch pole is a great alternative to help keep snakes away from the property. Owls or hawks are natural predators to snakes and will use the installed perch pole. Make sure that the pole is in an open area in your yard, so the birds can have a good view of the entire area.
Though, sometimes it’s just best to install fencing to help keep snakes out. If you decide to install fencing, make sure that it’s buried a few inches into the ground and should be made up of ¼” or smaller rigid mesh. At the top of the fence, make sure that it bends to keep snakes from climbing over it.
If you’ve tried all the prevention tips you can to deter snakes away from your yard but it’s not working, it might be time to call your local wildlife control company. These professionals can help establish a regularly scheduled service and treatment plan to help with your snake problem.
Apr 19, 2017 | Wildlife
Common Snakes in the South: Identification, Threats & Snake Control Tips
Eastern Kingsnakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, usually 3-4 feet long
- Shiny black color with white or yellow bands
- Short, blunt snout and rectangular looking head
- Small beady eyes
Where do you find them?
- Protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, cluttered areas, etc.
- Prevalent throughout the southeast U.S.
- Most active during summer months in the morning hours
How dangerous are they?
- Strong constrictors
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – other snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds
- Limit clutter and stored wood near your home
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Rat Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 3-6+ feet long
- Black, yellow with stripes, or gray with darker patches
Where do you find them?
- Semi-protected areas such as woods, over grown vegetation, swamps, abandoned or vacant buildings, etc.
- Prevalent throughout the southeast U.S.
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
- May climb for food
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – rats, mice, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Garter Snakes
What do they look like?
- Small to medium sized snakes, 1.5-4 feet long
- Three yellow stripes running vertically down a dark colored body
Where do you find them?
- Protected areas such as woods and marshes, but are also very common in grassy areas and around water
- Suburban areas where areas of cover/shelter are available
- Active day or night and often found under boards or debris
- Common throughout the southeast and most of the U.S.
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – worms, slugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, fish and tadpoles
- Limit items that can be used as cover/shelter around the home like scraps pieces of wood and debris
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Black Racer Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 5+ feet long
- Slender, solid black color and may have a white chin
- Often confused for other large, black snakes
- Juveniles look very different from adults; they are grayish colored with darker blotches
Where do you find them?
- Thrive in nearly any habitat, but are more abundant near forest edges, old fields, or wetland edges
- Common throughout the eastern U.S.
- Active during warmer months in the daytime hours
How dangerous are they?
- Usually flee from threats
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, and amphibians
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Brown Snakes
What do they look like?
- Small snakes, 6-13 inches long
- Most are brown but may be yellowish, reddish, or grayish-brown with rows of darker spots on the back
Where do you find them?
- Wooded areas, near wetlands, and urban areas
- Not found in areas of high elevation
- Under wood, leaves and debris in residential areas and any other area with adequate groundcover
- Most common snake in urban environments
- Most active during evening or night hours, occasionally seen crossing roads
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – slugs, earthworms or other soft-bodied invertebrates
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Copperhead Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 2-4 feet long with a heavy body
- Head is distinctly triangular shaped
- Tan to brown with hourglass shaped darker bands running across the body
- Juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow tail tip
Where do you find them?
- Semi-protected areas such as woods and swamps
- May be found in suburban areas
- Throughout central and eastern U.S. except some southern portions of Georgia and all of Florida
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
- Use caution when outdoors at night in the summer
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – mice, small birds, lizards, small snakes, amphibians and insects
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed wildlife control company
Water Moccasins (Cottonmouth Snakes)
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 2-4 feet in length with a very heavy body
- Color varies from solid brown or brown or yellow with dark crossbands
- Juveniles have a yellow tail tip
- Head is distinctly triangular (due to venom glands)
- Characteristic threat display with the head in the middle of the coiled body with the mouth wide open (mouth is white on the inside, hence the cottonmouth nickname)
Where do you find them?
- Freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands
- Throughout the southeast U.S. but are slightly more common in coastal regions
- Active day or night but most often seen foraging at night for food in warmer months
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
- Use caution when around fresh water habitats
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home (bodies of water) – amphibians, lizards, snakes (including smaller cottonmouths), small turtles, baby alligators, mammals, birds, and fish
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
Coral Snakes
What do they look like?
- Medium sized snakes, 1.5-2.5 feet long
- Brightly colored, red, yellow, and black
- When threatened the tail is lifted up and the tip is curled over
Where do you find them?
- Pine and scrub sandhill habitats
- Hardwood forests and pine flatwoods that flood
- Suburban areas
- Throughout much of the southern coastal plain (most common in Florida)
- Rarely seen, they spend the majority of their time underground
- Most sightings occur in the Spring or Fall
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – other snakes and lizards
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
Aug 12, 2015 | Going Green, Pest Control, Wildlife
The weather is warm and the snakes are out. Here are 6 ways that you can reduce your risk of a snake encounter, and keep snakes away from your home.
1. Use a snake repellant
Some home remedies like moth balls and lemon grass can be deterrents for snakes, for a natural approach, or check your local hardware store for chemical repellants.
2. Remove clutter from your yard
Keeping grass cut and vegetation trimmed down reduces areas for snakes to hide. Remove any wood piles, leaves, or other debris where snakes can hide.
Regularly scheduled pest control keeps insects and rodents out of your yard that snakes use to feed on. By keeping these pests out of your yard…you have a better chance of keeping snakes out too.
4. Check for gaps and cracks
Snakes can enter homes through any open gaps or holes that may be present. Use weather stripping under doors and seal all cracks and crevices. This will assist in keeping out pests and keeping in the cool air.
5. Don’t forget about the shed
Sheds can become cluttered and perfect places for snakes to hide. De-clutter your work space.
If you have a snake in your yard or home, a snake removal specialist will properly identify the snake and safely remove it. For more on snake control in your area, click on the links below.
Atlanta Snake Control
Savannah Snake Control
Nashville Snake Control
Chattanooga Snake Control
