Snakes

Most snakes in the U.S. are harmless. Be that as it may, many people possess a significant fear of all snakes and will not tolerate any type of snake around their home. Because some poisonous snakes do occasionally visit rural homes or homes located in or near to snake-infested wild areas, it is helpful to know the difference between poisonous and non poisonous snakes. Poisonous snakes can be recognized by their prominent triangular head, prominent pit between eye and nostril, and elliptical pupils. Nonpoisonous snakes have narrow heads, lack a pit between eye and nostril, and have round pupils. In the great majority of cases involving snakes around buildings, the snake is found to be one of non-poisonous and very common garter snake species that readily dwell in cities and towns. Snakes are predators and eat a variety of animal life, including frogs, toads, salamanders, insects, worms, small rodents, and birds.

Prevention: Because snakes occupy a variety of habitats, it is generally impossible to eliminate the snake population in an area. If a snake pest is removed or destroyed it is likely others will eventually reoccupy the area. As long as it remains attractive to snakes. Thus, the most effective control measure is to remove as much snake harborage as possible. Areas such as woodpiles, rock piles, and other debris attract snakes and should be removed or, in the case of woodpiles, elevated off the ground. Good rodent control will do much to reduce snake problems, as rodents make up much of the diet of many snakes, especially the poisonous ones. Snakes occasionally enter houses through holes in building foundations or crawlspaces.