Snake Inspection Guide

While snakes cause virtually no damage to homes or property, the mere sight of any species of snakes is liable to strike fear in many people and most animals. Snakes will harbor in areas that serve their needs. They need a place to hide and keep warm, moisture and a food source. Snakes can move indoors if these needs are met inside or near the structure. Snakes are more commonly found outside in areas where all of their needs can be easily met.

Snakes live in areas where they can have all of their needs met and it easiest for them to thrive. The appearance of snakes on your property is usually indicative of a rodent population nearby. Properties with readily available water sources such as bodies of water, bird baths, standing water or animal watering troughs will also have a higher chance of having snake activity.

Shed snake skins are one of the first signs of snakes typically noticed by property owners. Snakes are most active in spring and summer. You will often find them basking in the sun or on the hunt for prey during the day. In the evening, as temperatures cool, snakes become less active and will retreat to their protected harborage so they are less exposed to predators.

You should inspect the following areas for snakes. Do NOT stick your hands or feet into dim areas to inspect for snakes. Instead use a bright flashlight to help you visually inspect for snakes.

• Rock piles
• Stacked fire wood
• Piles of yard debris
• Dense brush
• Tall grasses
• Deep cracks in sidewalks or driveways.
• Under storage buildings or sheds
• In or under shrubs or bushes that have not been trimmed

NOTE: If venomous snakes are a known issue on your property, we strongly recommend you consult with a professional wildlife removal company prior to any snake inspection or removal efforts.

Similar to outdoors, shed snake skins is usually one of the first indicators that a snake has made its way indoors. Snakes are great at hiding and can find some very inconspicuous places to squeeze in. Snakes are most often found in basements or crawl space areas but they have been known to make their way into living areas as well. You can search the following areas for snakes:

• Under and behind appliances
• In rafters
• On wall ledges
• Near door or window frames
• In or around stored boxes
• In or around clothing piles
• Near water water pipes
• Near heat sources
• In confined, dark spaces

Pro Tip

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Snakes that are loose in a home are often hard to find. One thing that might help to "lure" the snake in is to place piles of damp towels covered with a dry towel at different places along walls. The pile should be at least big enough that a snake could crawl under it and hide itself. This is helpful because of snakes' preference for moisture. The piles can then be checked several times a day.