Snakes after a Storm or Flood
Many snakes, like other residents in the path of a major storm, have been displaced and left homeless. As a result, it is commonplace to find these animals seeking shelter and food in areas close to people. These areas include inside houses, storage sheds, barns and other buildings. Damaged structures have a higher probability of attracting snakes because of the many accessible entrances. In addition, displaced snakes may also be found under debris scattered by the storm or in debris piles created during cleanup.
If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, don’t try to treat the bite yourself. Go immediately to the nearest hospital for treatment. Try to make a mental note of the appearance of the snake for identification and treatment purposes.
The South has many more species of nonpoisonous snakes than poisonous snakes. It’s important to realize that both poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes are beneficial by keeping rodent populations down. Since rodents are also displaced by storms, this is especially important.
Avoiding Snakes Outdoors
- Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing or cleaning debris. If possible, don’t place your fingers under debris you intend to move.
- Wear snake-proof boots at least 10 inches high or snake leggings in heavy debris areas where snakes are likely to be found.
- Never step over logs or other obstacles unless you can see the other side.
- If you encounter a snake, step back and allow it to proceed on its way. Snakes are usually not fast-moving animals, and a person can easily retreat from the snake’s path.
Encountering Snakes Indoors
- If you find a snake in your house, try to isolate the snake within a small area of the house.
- Nonpoisonous snakes can be captured by pinning the snake down with a long stick or pole, preferably forked at one end, and then removed by scooping up with flat-blade shovel.
- If you are uncomfortable about removing the snake yourself, seek someone within the community who has experience handling snakes to do it for you. A good starting point is an animal control shelter or sheriff’s department.
General Tips
As a last resort, you may need to kill a poisonous snake. Club it with a long stick, rod or other tool such as a garden hoe. Never try to kill a poisonous snake with an instrument that brings you within the snake’s striking range (usually estimated at less than one-half the total length of the snake).
Seal all openings around the house a quarter-inch and larger to exclude snakes. Check areas such as corners of doors and windows, around water pipes and electrical service entrances. Holes in masonry foundations should be sealed with mortar to exclude snakes. Holes in wooden buildings can be sealed with fine 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal.
Remove debris from around the house as soon as possible. This attracts rodents that snakes feed on and also provides shelter. Keep vegetation around the house closely mowed.
Don't rely on repellents. No legal toxicants or fumigants are registered to kill snakes. Repellents are available, but they have limited success.
Learn to identify nonpoisonous and poisonous snakes. Information on snake identification can be obtained from books such as field guides on amphibians and reptiles, from your local Extension office or from your state’s wildlife department.
For more information, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office listed under local government in the telephone directory.
Made Available By: Dr. James F. Fowler, Specialist, Forestry and Wildlife (retired)
|