Here's How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Home

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Unless you’ve chosen to put a snake in a clear, 20-gallon terrarium, feed it vermin, and let it out to slither around, you probably don’t want it in your house. A pet snake is one thing, but much like turning the lights on in the middle of the night to find a cockroach hunting for crumbs in your kitchen, there’s just something super unsettling about a snake entering your humble abode. Speaking of cockroaches, here’s what REALLY kills them.

The reality is, most creatures, including snakes, want nothing to do with humans. It’s nothing against you that they invade your space, it’s just that they’re wild and curious … and usually hungry. Most North American species of snakes are harmless, and so while your desire to keep them out of your sight is warranted, it’s best to remain calm and use non-harmful tactics.

While your first thought might be to purchase a chemical snake repellent, many can harm people, pets, and the environment if not used properly, which is why it’s best to stick solely to repellents that state on the label that they’re made for dealing with snakes. Furthermore, be sure you read and follow the directions exactly. Try Ortho Snake B Gon, a repellent made to keep snakes from entering your home if you sprinkle it around your property every 30 days. It’s made from essential oils and is marketed as an ecologically friendly option that will not harm humans, pets or plants.

It’s also important to understand what you’re doing that could be attracting snakes to your home in the first place. Because they’re on the lookout for food and shelter, the best way to keep them at bay is to remove their food sources like rodents. You should also avoid keeping pet food out in the open. Here’s what you need to know about eliminating other pests to keep snakes away.

As for ensuring they don’t cozy up in your basement or crawl space, seal those damp, cool entry points!

Another great idea is to keep your yard tidy. Snakes like to slither beneath scrap metal, wood piles, trash and within tall grass. Be sure any construction debris is tidied up each day, stay on top of your landscaping maintenance and all your DIY projects and outdoor games and toys are cleaned up. Here are some helpful hints for clearing the clutter from your yard.

Despite all your efforts, you may find a snake staring at you while you watch TV on the couch. Don’t fret! You can call animal control to help you identify and remove it, or for more of a DIY effort, use a push broom to sweep it away at a safe distance. If you identify it as safe, you can also choose to wear gloves, pick it up and relocate it to its natural habitat. Next, check out these pictures of snakes that are both scary and beautiful.