What To Do If There's A Snake In Your Screened-In Patio

There's nothing like creating outdoor spaces that wildlife love to enjoy. From pollinators to songbirds, sharing your backyard with your favorite species can be the perfect way to embrace nature. Unfortunately, there's always a chance that nature comes closer than you're comfortable with, and if you happen to find a snake on your screened-in patio, you may be wondering about the best route to take. The overall rule is to keep your distance. However, there are a variety of nuances and situations that can determine exactly what you should do.

It's typically best to avoid handling snakes whenever possible, for both your safety and that of the snake. Venomous snakes can be difficult to identify if you're not familiar with the signs to look out for, and even some non-venomous species can deliver a painful bite in self-defense. You're also at risk of harming the snake if you handle them incorrectly, whether through damaging their delicate bones or causing them to regurgitate a recent meal. Wildlife rules and regulations can also vary by location.

Because of this, the best way to handle a snake on your screened-in patio is to secure the area so no children or pets can access the porch and use a non-interactive means of removing the snake. If you're unable to safely remove the snake, or if it's a dangerous type of snake, a qualified professional can help safely remove it in accordance with regulations. Afterwards, you can take a few simple steps to help keep snakes from returning to your patio.

If you're afraid of snakes, you'll be happy to learn that they're likely just as afraid of you as you are of them. Because of this, in many situations, when given the proper space, they're more likely to flee than initiate an encounter. This means that one of the best things you can do is allow the animal to go its own way, such as by opening your patio door and keeping your screened-in patio free of any pets that may harm it until it leaves. 

One thing you'll want to avoid is trying to encourage the snake to leave through physical means. Using a broom to sweep at it, for example, may seem like fuel for flight at first glance, but it can increase the chance of the snake becoming defensive and not only remaining on your patio but also biting in self-defense.

In some cases, you may not be able to safely clear a pathway for the snake. If you're working with a venomous snake, especially one that's blocking your route to the screened-in patio door, then you'll want to instead minimize contact and consider reaching out to a qualified professional.

Once the snake has successfully vacated your screened-in porch, the next step is identifying how they entered in the first place. If there's a gap in the screen, you'll want to take the proper steps to seal and repair it, whether through a professional option or DIY screened-in patio repair. You can also consider snake-deterrent plant solutions around your patio.