Pest Control Tip: Snakes
Fewer things elicit ear-piercing shrieks and panic than snakes. Despite the efforts of herpetologists who try in vain to educate the masses about snakes, people do not know enough about them to know when they’re in danger and when a snake looks scarier than it actually is. In fact, some snakes don’t even bite and many snakes that do bite aren’t always venomous.
However, regardless of their level of danger, you more than likely don’t want to run into them on your property and definitely not within your home. Here are some tips on how to keep your home and property snake-free.
Within the home:
Once a snake has gotten into your home, there is not much you can do besides freak out or calmly try to capture the slithery serpent. If you are unsure if the snake is harmful, the best solution is to call your pest control company and let the experts handle the situation. They have the equipment and the expertise to do the job correctly and carefully.
To keep snakes out of your home, you need to start on the exterior of your building and go from there.
On your landscape:
Snakes, although somewhat unnerving, are actually quite beneficial to the ecosystem. They are excellent at keeping your home and property rodent-free, and also feed on small amphibious animals such as frogs, toads and salamanders. So if you see a snake outside, think twice about whether or not you want to get rid of your free pest-control. You might just want to capture it and release it a little farther from your home, at a distance you’re more comfortable with.
Pest control experts recommend keeping debris off your property. Snakes need a place to hide out and stay cool, and any place will do. Try to find a way to cover wood piles and fill in ground holes. To keep them from gaining access to your home, caulk any cracks or repair any holes to your foundation.
Pest control specialists also recommend getting a cat. Yep, you read right. If you have snakes on your property, it is guaranteed that they are there because there is an abundant food source. If a kitty cat is able to take care of your rodent problem, snakes will wander off to find food someplace else. Plus you have a new furry friend to keep you company!
Remedies that don’t work:
There is some argument about a few methods of repelling snakes. Some people use mothballs, sulfur, lime, “Snake Away,” and hemp ropes. According to pest control professionals, these methods are not successful. However, some online forum users claim differently. Lime, in particular, is harmful to humans and definitely should not be used. The other methods are harmless enough, so if you want to try and experiment, see how effective they are for yourself.
As always, the best way to keep your snake population down or get rid of an imposing guest within your home is to call your pest control company. The snake might be harmless enough, but unless you know for certain, don’t take any unnecessary risks.