What to do if you see a snake outside your house?

Encountering a snake outside your house can be a startling experience, but it’s important to stay calm and know how to react. Whether it’s a harmless garden snake or a potentially dangerous species, understanding the right steps to take can ensure your safety and prevent unnecessary harm to the snake. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you see a snake outside your home.

Should I Be Worried if I See a Snake Outside?

Seeing a snake outside your house is often more startling than dangerous, as most snakes are non-venomous and prefer to avoid human contact. In fact, snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems by controlling populations of pests like rodents and insects. It’s important to remember that snakes generally don’t seek out human interaction and will often slither away if left undisturbed.

However, it’s understandable to feel uneasy, especially if you’re unsure about the type of snake you’ve encountered. While most snakes pose little threat, some venomous species can be dangerous. Knowing how to react properly is key to ensuring both your safety and the safety of the snake.

How Can I Tell if the Snake is Dangerous?

Identifying whether a snake is dangerous involves looking for specific features that differentiate venomous snakes from non-venomous ones. Venomous snakes, like the rattlesnake or copperhead, often have triangular-shaped heads and distinct markings, while non-venomous snakes tend to have more rounded heads. Additionally, venomous snakes may have slit-like pupils, whereas non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. However, physical traits can vary greatly, so it’s important to be cautious and not rely solely on appearance.

If you’re unsure whether the snake is dangerous, it’s best not to take any chances. Keep a safe distance and avoid provoking the snake, as even non-venomous snakes can become defensive when threatened. If you’re uncertain about the species, it’s safest to call a local wildlife expert to assess the situation.

What Should I Do if I See a Snake Outside My House?

The first thing to do when you spot a snake outside your house is to remain calm and keep a safe distance. Snakes are generally more afraid of humans and will often try to escape if they feel threatened. Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that could provoke the snake, and give it plenty of space to move away on its own. If the snake is in a place where it’s likely to cause harm, such as near a doorway or along a frequently used path, it’s important to act quickly.

Once you’ve ensured your safety and the safety of others nearby, the next step is to contact a professional wildlife removal service. Wildlife experts can safely and humanely handle the snake, identifying its species and removing it without harm. Trying to handle the snake yourself, especially if it’s venomous, can put you at risk. A professional will have the right tools and knowledge to relocate the snake properly.

Should I Try to Handle the Snake Myself?

It’s strongly advised not to attempt handling a snake on your own, even if it appears to be non-venomous. Many snake bites occur when people try to grab or corner a snake, causing it to feel threatened. Even harmless species can bite if they’re scared or provoked, and some snakes may even strike without warning. In addition, without proper training, you may inadvertently misidentify the snake, which could lead to serious injury if it turns out to be venomous.

Instead of trying to handle the snake, keep your distance and contact a professional wildlife removal service immediately. These experts are trained to safely capture and relocate snakes, ensuring that no one is harmed in the process. It’s always better to let someone with the right experience and equipment deal with the situation, rather than risking personal injury or worsening the situation.

How Can I Keep Snakes Away from My House?

Preventing snakes from coming near your house starts with making the environment less inviting to them. Snakes are attracted to areas with plenty of cover, such as tall grass, dense shrubs, and piles of leaves or firewood. By maintaining your yard and garden, trimming overgrown vegetation, and clearing away debris, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of snakes taking up residence nearby. Additionally, sealing cracks and gaps around your home, including in the foundation and around windows, can prevent snakes from entering your house in search of food or shelter.

Another effective way to deter snakes is by managing their food supply. Snakes primarily hunt small animals like rodents, so controlling the rodent population around your property can help discourage snakes from moving in. Setting traps or using rodent repellents can help manage this issue. By taking these steps, you create a less hospitable environment for snakes, reducing the chances of encountering one outside your house.

When Should I Call a Professional for Snake Removal?

You should contact a professional wildlife removal service whenever you encounter a snake that you cannot safely identify or handle. If the snake is in a location where it poses a risk to you, your family, or pets—such as near a doorway, playground, or frequently traveled path—it’s best to call in an expert right away. Wildlife removal professionals are trained to safely capture and relocate snakes, ensuring minimal stress for both you and the animal. They also have the proper tools and experience to deal with venomous snakes or tricky situations, where a DIY approach could lead to harm.

Even if the snake appears to be non-venomous, it’s often safer to call a professional if you’re unsure about how to handle the situation. Attempting to move or remove the snake yourself can be dangerous, especially if you’re not familiar with local species. Professionals not only remove the snake safely but can also advise you on how to prevent future encounters, offering guidance on managing your property to keep it snake-free in the long term.

What Happens After a Snake is Removed?

After a snake is safely removed from your property, a professional wildlife expert will relocate it to a suitable environment away from residential areas. This could be a wooded area, a wildlife reserve, or another natural habitat where the snake can continue its role in the ecosystem. Relocation is a humane approach, ensuring that the snake is not harmed and is returned to a place where it can thrive without posing a threat to human inhabitants. This also prevents the snake from returning to your property, as it is relocated far enough away to reduce the chance of it finding its way back.

Once the snake is removed, the wildlife expert will also provide advice on steps you can take to avoid future encounters. This may include sealing up entry points around your home, clearing potential snake habitats in your yard, and managing local rodent populations that attract snakes. In some cases, the expert may even offer ongoing monitoring or assistance to ensure your home remains snake-free. By taking these steps, you not only ensure the safety of your home and family but also contribute to the ethical treatment and conservation of local wildlife.

Need Snake Removal? Call AAAC Wildlife Removal Today!

If you’ve spotted a snake near your home, don’t take any chances—contact the experts at AAAC Wildlife Removal. Our professional team specializes in safe and humane snake removal, ensuring the safety of your family and pets while relocating the snake to a suitable environment. Whether it’s a venomous species or a harmless visitor, we handle every situation with care and expertise.

Don’t wait for the snake to pose a bigger risk. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal today for a thorough inspection and expert snake removal services. Let us help keep your home and property safe from unwanted wildlife!

Conclusion

Seeing a snake outside your house can be unsettling, but it’s important to remain calm and take the proper steps to ensure both your safety and that of the snake. By identifying the snake from a safe distance, avoiding direct contact, and calling a professional if needed, you can handle the situation effectively. Remember, snakes often play a vital role in controlling pests, so it’s important to manage encounters in a humane and responsible manner.

Whether the snake is venomous or not, taking quick and proper action is crucial. By keeping your yard clean, sealing gaps around your home, and calling a wildlife expert when necessary, you can minimize the chances of a snake showing up near your house. With these steps, you can keep your home safe and snake-free while respecting the role these creatures play in the environment.