Look Up! The Sneaky Spots Snakes May Be Hiding In Your Home

Finding a snake all nestled up in a cozy corner of your home is probably the last thing you want. But did you know most snakes are harmless? Only a small number of then — less than a fifth — are actually venomous. Plus, snakes are naturally timid, and avoid humans if they can. 

Even when in homes, snakes often seek out sneaky, sheltered, undisturbed places to hide — places people won't normally look. For instance, under furniture, behind large appliances, in attics or drop ceilings, and in or behind storage boxes. In addition to providing hiding spots, these spots can also house mice and rats the snakes can feed on, which makes them even more enticing. And when a house also provides easy entry points and gaps connecting different parts of the house, it can become a snake hideout. 

However, shelter and food are not the only reasons snakes enter and hide in homes. Some snakes also use homes and other buildings to lay their eggs, or to find tight edges and sharp angles that could help them peel their old skin during shedding. In fact, eggs and shed skin are surefire signs you have a snake problem on your hands. If you find these in your home, don't ignore them. Take appropriate measures as soon as possible.

If you see a snake or signs that suggest you have snakes secretly living in your home, stay calm and keep your distance. Most snake bites happen when the snakes are cornered, startled, harassed, or handled. And attempting to remove or kill a snake on your own significantly increases the chances of a defensive bite. 

Instead, contact local animal control, the state wildlife agency, or the division of natural resources. If you don't have information about these authorities, get in touch with your local extension service for guidance. And while waiting for help, make sure to keep an eye on the snake. Snakes are not just sneaky and shy; they're stealthy, too. If you leave them alone, they”ll slip out of your sight without leaving a trace. You can also call an exterminator or pest control company if nothing else works. 

What can you do to fix issues that are making snakes enter your home like uninvited guests? First, carefully seal any spaces around vents, pipes, windows, or doors that might let snakes in. Likewise, fix any cracks or holes in your walks or porches that might hide snakes. Also, if you store firewood, keep it away from the house. Snakes can sometimes hide there as well. And lastly, remove nearby cover like brick piles, leaf litter, weedy growth, and tall, clumpy grasses that act like a snake magnet in your yard.