Snake Removal: Safe Removal and Snake-Proofing

Snake Bite? What to Do Right Now

Snakebites are emergencies. The CDC estimates 7,000–8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year, and about 5 die.

1. Call 911 immediately

   for a suspected venomous snakebite. Don’t wait to see if symptoms appear.

2. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions

   until help arrives.

3. Move away from the snake.

   Don’t try to catch or kill it.

4. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222

   with questions about the bite while you wait for help.

For first-aid steps while you wait, see the CDC’s guidance on venomous snakes. Call (844) 442-2144 about the snake itself only once the person bitten is getting care.

Common Harmless Snakes Found Near Homes

Most snakes in yards and garages are non-venomous. The table lists common examples, not an identification guide.

Harmless snakes still bite when grabbed. The rule is the same for all of them: don’t handle it.

Why Snakes Come Inside

Snakes don’t want your house. They want food, shelter and the right temperature.

• Rodents

  mice and rats are the biggest draw. See rodent control.

• Cool, damp spaces

  crawl spaces, basements and garages in hot weather.

• Warm spots

  sunny foundations and slabs in spring and fall.

• Cover

  woodpiles, rock walls, tall grass, clutter and debris near the house.

• Gaps

  openings under doors, around pipes and in foundation cracks.

Homes With Kids and Pets

Children and pets are the most likely to walk up to a snake. A few habits lower the risk in snake country.

• Teach kids to stop, back away and tell an adult when they see any snake
• Keep play areas mowed and clear of boards, rocks and toys left on the grass
• Check shoes, gloves and toy bins kept outdoors before using them
• Walk dogs on a leash in tall grass and near water
• Use a flashlight outside at night in warm months
• Ask your vet about what to do if a pet is bitten, before it happens

How Snake Removal Works

A snake visit is often simpler than other wildlife jobs, but the follow-up matters.

1. Locate the snake

   using your description and the pro’s inspection.

2. Identify the species

   from a safe distance.

3. Capture with tools,

   such as tongs, hooks and secure containers. Some pros use snake traps for hidden snakes and check them often.

4. Remove it

   and handle it under your state’s rules.

5. Inspect for entry points

   and anything that attracted it.

6. Recommend or perform exclusion

   and habitat changes.

Snake-Proofing and Exclusion

Snakes fit through small gaps. Wildlife researchers advise sealing openings as small as 1/4 inch, or even 1/8 inch to be safe.

A fence around a whole yard is a bigger project. It’s most common around play areas or pools in venomous-snake country.

Do Snake Repellents Work?

Stores sell plenty of snake repellents. The research doesn’t back most of them.

Habitat changes and sealing gaps work better than any spray. Save the money for door sweeps and vent screens.

Snakes and State Law

Many snakes are protected. ICWDM says snakes are considered nongame wildlife and are protected in most states, with some listed as threatened or endangered.

• Killing protected snakes can be illegal, even on your own property.
• Rules on relocation and release vary by state.
• Wildlife rules vary by state; the specialist should follow your state’s rules and hold any permits it requires.
• Ask the pro which local species are protected before any capture starts.

Snake Removal by state

Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.

Snake by the Door Right Now?

Keep your distance, keep kids and pets inside, and call. A local wildlife pro can be on it fast. Related wildlife: Raccoon removal · Squirrel removal · Bat removal Back to all wildlife removal → · All pest control services