How Do Snakes Get in the House and Why?
How Do Snakes Get in the House?
Snakes can get into houses through various entry points such as screens, small cracks, spaces around the foundation, vents, and pipes.
They can also be brought in through large plants transferred from outside to inside.
Snakes are attracted to homes because they provide dark, moist, and cool areas, as well as potential sources of food.
Once inside, snakes establish nests which can be difficult to spot.
To prevent snakes from getting into the house, it is important to seal cracks and holes around the perimeter of the home, replace screens, windows, and doors for snake-proofing, take care of plants and yard debris to deter snakes, and consider using repellents such as Victor® Snake-A-Way® to keep snakes away.
Key Points:
- Snakes enter houses through screens, cracks, spaces around the foundation, vents, and pipes
- Snakes can also be brought in through large plants
- Snakes are attracted to homes because of dark, moist, and cool areas as well as potential food sources
- Once inside, snakes establish nests that can be hard to detect
- To prevent snakes from entering the house, seal cracks and holes, replace screens and doors, take care of plants and yard debris, and use snake repellents like Victor® Snake-A-Way®.
Did You Know?
1. According to research, snakes can enter a house through openings as small as a quarter of an inch in diameter. Their flexible bodies allow them to squeeze through tiny gaps and cracks, even in window screens or door thresholds.
2. Snakes have a specialized heat-detecting organ called “pit organs” located on their faces. These pits can sense temperature differences as small as 0.003 degrees Celsius, helping the snake locate warm-blooded prey in the dark.
3. Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not dislocate their jaws when swallowing prey. Instead, the bones in their jaws are connected by specialized ligaments and can stretch immensely to accommodate large meals, allowing them to consume prey several times larger than their own head.
4. Some snake species can actually climb vertical surfaces, including walls, trees, and even houses. They accomplish this feat by utilizing tiny, hooked scales on their ventral sides, which enable them to grip onto rough surfaces.
5. Snakes molt their skin periodically, generally shedding it all in one piece. During this process, their eyes also shed a transparent scale over their cornea, resulting in a “milky” appearance. This gives snakes a temporarily impaired vision until the transparent scale is shed completely.
Entry Points For Snakes In Homes
Snakes are masters of squeezing through tight spaces, allowing them to enter homes through various entry points. Common access points include:
- screens
- small cracks
- spaces around the foundation
- vents
- pipes
Snakes, especially the smaller species, can easily maneuver themselves through small openings in screens or gaps in windows and doors. They are also capable of exploiting any weaknesses in a home’s foundation, such as cracks or gaps between bricks, to slither their way inside. Snakes can also find their way through pipe entry points, making their way inside through bathroom or kitchen drains.
It is crucial to keep these areas well-maintained and properly sealed to prevent snake intrusions.
Bringing Snakes Indoors Through Plants
Another way snakes can infiltrate homes is by hitching a ride on plants brought indoors. Snakes are known to hide amongst the leaves or coiled around plant stems, making them easily camouflaged during the transfer process. Often, large potted plants or plants kept in containers outside are the culprits. Homeowners may unknowingly introduce these reptiles into their living spaces while attempting to spruce up their interior with greenery. It is essential to inspect plants thoroughly before bringing them inside, carefully checking for any signs of a hidden snake. Vigilance should also be exercised when maintaining garden beds or potted plants near the entrance of the home.
- Snakes can enter homes by hiding on plants.
- They hide amongst the leaves or coil around plant stems.
- Large potted plants and plants kept outside are often the culprits.
- Inspect plants thoroughly before bringing them inside to check for hidden snakes.
- Be vigilant when maintaining garden beds or potted plants near the entrance of the home.
“Snakes are known to hide amongst the leaves or coiled around plant stems, making them easily camouflaged during the transfer process.”
Snakes Seeking Shelter In Houses
During colder months, snakes seek stable environments with consistent temperatures, leading them to venture inside homes in search of a warm hideout. Common areas where snakes can seek shelter include attics, sheds, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. These spaces provide the darkness, moisture, and cool temperatures that snakes find desirable. The insulation found within attics and crawl spaces further enhances their appeal. Snakes can find a cozy nook where they can safely nest and ride out the winter months undisturbed.
Homeowners must be aware of these preferred hiding spots and take necessary precautions to prevent any possible snake intrusions.
- Snakes are attracted to stable environments with consistent temperatures.
- Common areas where snakes seek shelter in homes include attics, sheds, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
- These areas provide the darkness, moisture, and cool temperatures that snakes find desirable.
- The insulation in attics and crawl spaces makes them even more appealing to snakes.
- Homeowners should be aware of these hiding spots and take necessary precautions to avoid snake intrusions.
Establishing Nests And Hiding Spots
Once inside a home, snakes have a knack for establishing nests in secluded areas, making them difficult to detect. They often gravitate towards cluttered or lesser-used spaces such as storage rooms, closets, or basements. The presence of boxes, piles of clothing, or other hiding places facilitates their nesting behavior. A snake’s natural inclination to hide makes it challenging for homeowners to spot them unless they stumble upon their hiding spot accidentally. The ability to identify the signs of a snake nest, such as shed skin or droppings, is crucial for effectively dealing with the infestation.
Preventing Snakes In The Home
Taking preventive measures is key to keeping snakes out of the house. The following steps can help minimize the risk of a snake intrusion:
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Sealing cracks and holes: Carefully inspect the perimeter of the home, paying attention to foundation cracks, gaps in doors and windows, and spaces around utility lines and pipes. Seal any visible openings with caulk or weatherstripping to create a snake-proof barrier.
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Upgrading screens, windows, and doors: Consider replacing old or damaged screens with a finer mesh that can effectively keep out snakes. Similarly, ensure windows and doors are properly fitted and free from gaps that may allow snake entry.
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Yard maintenance: Regularly trim grass, shrubs, and dense vegetation near the house to create an unattractive environment for snakes. Remove yard debris and keep the area surrounding the house clean to discourage snake habitation.
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Chemical repellents: Using snake repellents can be an additional defense measure against snake infestations. Products like Victor® Snake-A-Way® are designed to deter snakes from approaching the home. Follow the instructions provided and use these repellents in areas where snakes are likely to enter.
By taking these preventative measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the chances of snakes finding their way into their houses.
- Maintaining a well-protected living space will provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of all occupants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How did snake get in my house?
Snakes can find their way into houses by exploiting small openings and gaps that serve as entry points. Due to their inability to chew or dig, they rely on these vulnerabilities to gain access. Even tiny openings in doors or cracks in walls can be enough for them to slither inside. Once inside, snakes navigate various areas of the house, including walls, pipes, and trusses, using them as pathways to explore their surroundings.
What smell do snakes hate?
Snakes have a strong aversion to the smell of ammonia, making it an effective repellent. By soaking rags in ammonia and strategically placing them in unsealed plastic bags, you can create a barrier that snakes will instinctively avoid. Additionally, vinegar can be utilized to deter snakes from entering swimming pools, successfully keeping not only snakes but also other pests at bay. The pungent scent of vinegar acts as a natural deterrent, providing a simple and natural solution to repel snakes and maintain a snake-free environment.
What happens if we see snakes in house?
If you come across a snake in your house, it is important to avoid any attempts to harm it yourself. Instead, it is strongly advised to call a professional rescuer to handle the situation. Trying to harm the snake may result in venomous bites and put yourself at risk. However, if you spot a snake in outdoor areas like empty plots or drains, it is recommended to leave them be and not intervene unless they are injured.
What happens if we see snake in home?
Encountering a snake in your home can be an alarming experience, but it’s crucial to remain calm and remember that snakes are typically non-aggressive. It is important not to disturb or provoke the snake further, as their inclination is to avoid confrontation. In such a situation, it is advisable to vacate the room promptly, making sure to keep all people and pets away from the area of the snake’s presence. Once everyone is safely out, it is best to securely close the door and place a towel to block any potential gaps. Seeking the assistance of a professional snake catcher is the next step in safely resolving the situation.