Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Snakes control

Why snakes visit, which are venomous and how to make a yard less inviting.

When to call a pro

Snakes at a glance

Scientific name
Suborder Serpentes
Size
1 to 6 feet (30–180 cm)
Appearance
Legless reptiles; pit vipers have heat pits and often thick bodies
Where found
Woodpiles, tall grass, rock walls, crawl spaces, garages
  • Health riskModerate
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When snakes are active Peak: May–Sep
  1. Jan Rare
  2. Feb Rare
  3. Mar Low
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Rare

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Shed skins near foundations
  • Snakes basking on warm surfaces
  • Rodents, which snakes follow

Call a professional when

  • A venomous snake near the home
  • A snake inside the house you cannot safely guide out
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Most snakes are harmless and eat rodents. For a bite, call 911 and stay calm and still. Do not cut the wound or apply ice.

Our snakes guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep snakes out

  1. Keep grass short and remove brush piles
  2. Control rodents
  3. Seal gaps in foundations and doors

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Lizards Geckos and anoles indoors: harmless, but here is how to keep them out. Mice Droppings, gnawing and scratching in walls: trapping, sealing and safe cleanup. Rats Norway and roof rats: bigger, warier and more destructive than mice.
Photo credits

Thank you to Ahunt and Charles J. Sharp for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · CC BY-SA 4.0