Once the snake is safely removed, it’s time to figure out how it got in—and how to keep others out.
Seal entry points (this is the most important step). Snakes can squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter-inch. Walk around your home’s foundation and look for:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around pipes, conduits, or vents
- Spaces under doors (install door sweeps)
- Gaps around windows
- Open crawl space vents (cover with hardware cloth)
Remove food sources. Snakes follow their prey. If you have mice, rats, or large insects, snakes will come. Address pest problems with traps or professional pest control.
Remove hiding places near the house:
- Keep grass mowed short
- Remove wood piles, rock piles, and debris from near the foundation
- Trim shrubs and bushes so they don’t touch the house (snakes can climb)
- Store firewood away from the house (mice nest in woodpiles; snakes follow)
Consider snake repellents? Most commercially available snake repellents have not been proven effective. The best repellent is a clean, sealed, pest-free home.
