OK, so snakes are not all bad. They are pretty fascinating in a lot of ways. However, most people do not care for them, or their trademark slithers. Either way, if they are in your house without your permission, you need them out ASAP.
Sure, to some, snakes are wonderful and beautiful creatures and they are often kept as beloved pets. However, if you didn’t invite a snake in to stay, you are probably not thrilled that this slithering serpent has found its way into your home, and your life.
What follows are a few ideas for keeping your home sealed off from snakes this winter.
Snakes and Winter
Though it may seem this way, snakes are not in your home simply to terrify you and give you the “willies.” Snakes typically take up residence in human homes for reasons of survival and safety. Generally, they are in search of food or shelter. They will typically come into the home and attempt to find a small, warm and covered space (a great example is behind your refrigerator) to counteract their cold-blooded nature. They are most often found in crawl spaces. Sometimes, when the spring comes and they are looking to get out, they make a wrong turn (they have a terrible sense of direction) and end up inside of your home.
Deter Rodents
Keep your grass short and pay close attention for rodents and small varmints. These are a favorite delicacy of the snake and will surely attract them to your property.
Seal Cracks
Cracks that are tiny enough to be missed by the average person, are not going to be missed by snakes and other creatures looking for a safe place to live.
Close Gaps Under Doors
Use weather stripping to seal off your home. Gaps under doors are an easy way for pests to make their way in. It is also smart to seal off your home to conserve energy and keep your house comfortable and clean throughout the year.
Pipes and Vents
A simple rule to remember: if you can see daylight through a crack or hole in your home’s pipes, vents, foundation, windows, etc., then there is a good chance that a snake can get in.
Clean Out Shrubbery and Grass
Tall grass and overgrown shrubbery will keep snakes hidden and are also, as we mentioned, attractive to rodents. And remember, rodents are attractive to snakes.
Properly Cleaned and Sealed Crawl Space
Snakes are looking to hibernate for the winter and will often find crawl spaces to be safe, warm and damp. When they do make your crawl space a snake haven, they do it on a grand scale. Close to 100 snakes could be hibernating in a crawl space at once. Yikes!
Contact Professionals
The safety of your family and your home is on the line and you may be feeling a bit frightened of what types of disease or damage the creatures might bring with them. Snakes must be handled delicately and it will almost always be in your best interest to call an expert. Why? Here’s just a quick list of reasons:
- They can make your house stink.
- They may be venomous.
- There could be an entire colony living in one place (think 70 or more snakes, of all different species).
- Snakes can harm and kill your pet with their venom. Humans are usually able to survive a snake bite because of modern medicine. But animals have no way to communicate what has happened and by the time you realize that something is wrong, it may be too late.
Contact Ja-Roy Pest Control today to get help with your snake problem.
Again, it is important to remember that you are not a professional and that you should never handle snakes that you do not know. If you are not sure whether there is a snake in your home, or whether said snake is venomous, you should never investigate on your own. In addition, keep in mind that snakes typically hang out in large numbers. While you may feel that you could handle one snake, relax and let us take care of it!
How to keep snakes out of your home this winter in Southern Louisiana
Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.
