What To Do If There’s A Snake In The House
Finding a snake in your house feels like the start of a terrifying horror film. However, this is a scary reality for many homeowners who live in wooded, rural areas. You may understandably want to know what to do if there’s a snake in your house.
The best thing to do if there’s a snake in the house is to get your pets and children out of the room. Next, pay attention to where the snake is, keep your distance, and lock it in a room if possible. Place a towel or blanket beneath the door so it can’t slither out, and call animal control.
Removing a snake without professional help is risky, as you may aggravate the snake and make it hostile. An aggravated snake can easily pursue and bite you if they get the chance. Follow along as we explore what to do if there’s a snake in the house.
What Should I Do If There’s A Snake In My House?
1. Create Distance
The last thing you want to do is get bitten by a snake that's invaded your house. Whether a snake is venomous or not, you can still get hurt. You must put as much distance between yourself and the snake as possible to avoid getting bitten.
That’s because snakes typically have a striking distance of half the length of their body. Some people even discover snakes in their homes when a snake snaps at them from behind or beneath their furniture. You may even hear a snake hiss without being able to see it.
In that case, you must be aware of your surroundings and carefully exit the room. Look around and if possible, keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and the snake. The snake probably doesn’t have a 6-foot striking distance, but the extra distance helps in case it slithers toward you.
2. Clear The Room
Snakes are typically shy but may strike if you frighten them, as they’re quite defensive. That’s why it’s important to clear the room of pets, children, family members, and guests. This may be difficult if the snake is in the middle of the room or if your pets fixate on the snake.
You may even need to carry your pets out of the room if they ignore your command. Stay calm and avoid shouting, as that may startle the snake and make it aggressive. Do this quickly and note where the snake is in the room.
3. Isolate The Snake
Now, you must isolate the snake to ensure it stays in the room where you found it. The best way to do this is to close the door and block the gap beneath it. That’s because many snakes can easily slither beneath a door and exit the room.
Your best bet is to shove a rolled-up towel into the door gap. Make sure the towel is tight and covers the entire gap, or else the snake may escape. It’s also a great idea to place weatherstripping beneath the door, as that’s sturdy enough to keep a snake out.
Granted, you may not have time to access weatherstripping or even think clearly when you find a snake in your house. Stay near the door and watch it closely to ensure the snake doesn’t escape from beneath the door gap. You may need to put your pets in another room if they bark and hiss at the door, as that may make the snake more aggressive, even when it’s isolated.
4. Call Animal Control
Call your local animal control service. Let them know that you isolated the snake in a room, as that will make their job easier. They may ask you a few important questions, especially if you live in an area with venomous snakes.
For example, they may ask if you got a good look at the snake, which could help them determine its species. That may change how they approach the snake and even what protective gear they bring to your home. Be patient and keep the snake isolated until the animal control service arrives.
How Much Does Snake Removal Cost?
It typically costs between $150 and $600 to remove a snake from your house. The cost depends on many factors, such as the pest control service’s labor rate, the type of snake, and the time of day. For example, animal control services sometimes charge more for emergency calls after normal business hours.
Naturally, it costs more to remove venomous snakes, as the risk is much higher. Unfortunately, most states in the United States have one or more venomous snake species. You don’t have to worry about venomous snakes if you live in Maine, Alaska, or Hawaii.
Where Do Snakes Hide In Houses?
Snakes crave warmth, so you may find them hiding in the space beneath your refrigerator and other appliances. They are also drawn to dark, cluttered spaces that give them many chances to hide, such as crawl spaces and basements. The more cluttered a room is, the easier it is for snakes to hide in it.
Snakes love dark, warm spaces where they can hide and wait for prey to appear. You may also find snakes in parts of your home with food and water, such as the kitchen. Some homeowners even open their pantries and find snakes hiding.
It’s a great idea to place snake traps behind your walls and in your crawlspace or basement if you frequently find snakes. You must also put traps in the corners of your rooms and behind furniture, especially if you live near a tree line with lots of snakes.
How Did A Snake Get In My House?
Snakes typically get into houses through holes, gaps, and cracks on doors and exterior walls. Keep in mind that the average garden snake is quite small and can easily crawl through small gaps. Snakes can even crawl through the gap under your front and back doors.
Your best bet is to patch holes, seal cracks, and place weatherstripping beneath your doors. Doing so will block snakes from slithering into your home, and it’s a cheap fix. It’s a great idea to keep your grass short and remove debris from your yard to discourage snakes from entering.
Naphthalene is a common repellent you can use to keep snakes away from your house. Some people even treat their yards with lime and set up ultrasonic devices to repel snakes. Cedar chips, marigolds, and garlic are natural snake repellents that work well.
Summing It Up
Quickly get your children and pets out of the room if you find a snake in your house. Keep 6 feet of distance from the snake, as their striking distance is half the length of their body. Lock the snake in a room, block the gap beneath the door, and call an animal control service to remove the snake.
Related Guides:
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
More by Nick Durante
