Say ‘so long’ to your snake problem
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While most snakes are harmless, they’re still unwelcome house guests. When they become a nuisance on your property, call in the pros to get rid of the critter, whether it’s slithering around your yard or inside the house itself. We’ll explain the entire process, from who to call for snake removal to preventing snakes in the future.
Upon hearing that dreaded hissing, the first instinct might be to call municipal animal control for snake removal. However, animal control is unlikely to assist with the issue unless the snake is a proven danger to people and pets. Even then, they will likely direct you to a local wildlife removal company or a specialized snake removal company. Here are the benefits of hiring a pro.
Since animal control doesn’t usually handle snake removal, you’ll likely have to hire a wildlife removal or snake removal company for the job. Hiring a wildlife removal expert ensures the job is done correctly and humanely. You don’t have to worry if your home traps will work or if the snake will escape when you try grabbing it with tongs. That said, wildlife removal companies are expensive. It costs $340 on average to remove a snake, and prices vary from $130 to $600 depending on the species, number of snakes, and location. However, it’s worth the money.
Attempting to catch and relocate a snake yourself can be dangerous. Naturally, venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and copperheads are dangerous, but even nonvenomous species pose a threat. Plus, a layperson cannot always determine whether or not a snake is venomous. While it’s possible to do the job yourself, which we discuss in greater detail below, hiring a pro is safe and offers peace of mind.
Snakes get into houses in several ways, and a wildlife removal expert can often figure out how it happened. It may be as simple as a gap in a door’s weather stripping. Other possible causes include open vents, cracks in a house’s foundation, entry via plumbing, or the snake was inside something brought into the house, like a plant or firewood.
Once you know how a snake got into the house, you can prevent it from happening again. Fixing the problem is usually up to you, not the wildlife expert, but they may offer advice and set up traps in high-risk areas.
While it’s possible to remove a snake from your home or yard by yourself, it’s not always safe. Before attempting to do so, you should always confirm that the snake is nonvenomous—let an expert handle it if you’re unsure. If you’ve confirmed that the snake on your property is nonvenomous, here are the most common ways to remove it:
Secure it with snake tongs or a snake hook and release it away from your property
Trap it in a garbage can, snake bag, or catch-and-release trap
If the snake is outside, gently spray near it—not directly at it—with a garden hose or use a natural repellent like ammonia to ward it away from the property
Before addressing a wildlife issue yourself, ensure you follow local laws and regulations regarding wildlife control. Many animals are protected, making removal restrictive. Always consult with local wildlife authorities or experts in your area who can provide guidance.
The short answer is yes, you can call animal control for snake removal. Sometimes, an animal control officer will be dispatched to remove the snake from a home, but it’s not guaranteed. Animal control is typically only equipped to deal with pets and other domesticated animals. If your local animal control cannot remove snakes, they’ll likely recommend contacting a wildlife removal company.
To get rid of snakes, wildlife removal experts use similar tactics that a person does during a DIY removal. However, these pros are well-trained and often have more sophisticated equipment. Here’s the basic process:
Humanely trap it in one of several different ways, like a glue trap, catch-and-release trap, or with snake tongs and a snake bag
Remove the snake from the house and safely release it back into nature
