7 Signs That Snakes Are Sneaking Into Your Home

Snakes are naturally tricky creatures that prefer hiding in plain sight rather than spending time in the open. They are silent predators that will lie in wait undetected until something, or someone, walks by. The biggest danger is getting bitten by a snake you accidentally step on. These crawling reptiles prefer areas with lots of coverage and shelter, and that sometimes includes people’s backyards, especially if there’s a water, food, or shelter source in the form of clutter and junk.

Finding snake skins

Snake skins in your yard are a clear sign that snakes are nearby. Snakes shed their skin as they grow, leaving behind a dry, papery shell. Typically found near hedges, rocks, or other cool, damp areas, these skins indicate that snakes consider your yard hospitable due to food, warmth, or shelter.

Noticing slithering trails

If you spot weird, zigzag lines in dusty or dirty areas around your yard, you might have had some uninvited slithery guests. Snakes leave these trails when they move from one place to another, leaving visible marks behind. Pay special attention to soft soil areas or spots that accumulate dust, as these are prime areas for snakes to leave their tracks.

Spotting droppings

Snake droppings are often tubular with a white calcium deposit, resembling bird feces but with a longer shape. These droppings may also contain fur, bones, or other remnants of the snake’s prey. If you do notice such droppings, it’s wise to be cautious and consider reaching out to pest control.

Smelling a musky odor

Some snake species, such as the rat snake, leave a distinct musky smell wherever they go. If you notice an unusual odor in your yard, it could be a sign that snakes are nearby. This scent may be stronger around potential entry points or nesting areas. If you’re unsure of what the smell is, it’s best to contact wildlife experts.

Hearing leaves or bushes rustling

If you hear leaves or bushes rustling when there’s no wind, it might be a snake moving through your yard. Snakes often move through leaves to hide from predators. This sound is usually soft and steady. However, this doesn’t mean they’ll stay in your yard as they may just be moving through it. Still, if it keeps repeating day after day, it might be a sign that they’ve settled in.

Finding burrowing holes

Keep an eye out for small, round holes in your yard, which could indicate that snakes are burrowing underground. These holes may serve as their entry points or hiding spots. Inspect areas around the foundation of your house and garden beds. If you spot several holes, snakes may be visiting or even residing on your property.

Having fewer rodents in your yard

If you notice fewer rodents in your yard, it might mean snakes are around. Rodents are a favorite snake snack, so their sudden absence can indicate snake activity. However, this doesn’t apply to people whose yards are usually rodent-free as there’ll be no surefire way to determine whether or not there are less rodents than before.

How to keep snakes away

Snakes like to live in areas with lots of shelter and commonly live near junkyards and sheds. There may also be a rich presence of prey animals such as rodents or birds.

Trim grass and remove weeds

Start by keeping your grass trimmed and removing weeds. Tall grass and overgrown plants create cover that snakes love. Keep firewood, compost piles, and other debris away from your house as these are perfect hiding spots for them.

Seal gaps and cracks

Seal any structural gaps in your home, like cracks in the foundation or gaps under doors, to prevent snakes from entering. Installing tight-fitting screens on windows and vents also helps. Use snake repellents like sulfur or other commercially available repellants at the perimeter of your yard.

Get rid of potential food sources

Your uninvited snake guests won’t stay around for long if you reduce or remove their food sources. Reducing the rodent population will make your yard less inviting for them. Use humane traps or consult a pest control expert to figure out why rodents like being in your yard and what you can do to get rid of them.

Mistakes to avoid when cleaning your yard

While snakes can sometimes be very persistent in staying on your property, there are still a couple of things that should be avoided. For starters, using guns (of any kind) to shoot the snake is illegal in many US states.

Using chemicals

Harsh chemicals or DIY repellents that promise quick fixes for snakes are usually fake. These solutions can harm other wildlife and often don’t work effectively. Don’t try to kill snakes as it’s dangerous and illegal in many areas. Filling up burrowing holes with toxic substances is also prohibited and a bad idea because it will have negative effects on the environment.

Not using hand protection

Avoid moving firewood or rock piles with bare hands. Snakes might be hiding there, and disturbing them can cause them to bite you. Thick gloves can provide some protection against bites but the most important thing is to be very careful.

Improper yard care

Skipping yard maintenance can make your home inviting to snakes. However, simply mowing the lawn won’t solve the problem. Keeping the area free of debris, unnecessary water sources, and overgrown plants helps, but the best way to keep them at bay is to clean and declutter the entire yard.

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