Snakes Facts & Information
Protect your home or business from snakes by learning techniques for identification and control.
Snake Treatment
How do I get rid of snakes?
How To Get Rid of Snakes in Your Yard
To effectively manage snakes in your yard, consider implementing these methods::
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Eliminate food sources: Remove rodents and insects that attract snakes.
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Reduce shelter: Keep grass trimmed, bushes tidy, and clear away debris piles where snakes may hide.
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Install physical barriers: Use snake-proof fencing at least 3 feet high, buried 4-6 inches deep.
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Use natural repellents: Plant snake-repelling plants like marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood around your property.
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Remove water sources: Eliminate standing water and repair leaks to reduce moisture that attracts snakes.
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Seal entry points: Close gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation to prevent snakes from entering.
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Consider professional help: If the issue continues, consult a pest control expert for targeted solutions.
Keep in mind that many snakes play a beneficial role in controlling pests, so always use humane methods and check local regulations before acting.
What Orkin Does
Contact an Orkin Pro for wildlife management services to safely remove, repel, and exclude snakes from your home. To learn how to get rid of snakes, contact your local Orkin branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Behavior, Diet & Habits
Understanding Snakes
What do snakes look like?
Snakes are legless reptiles with smooth, scaly skin and a long, tubular body. They usually have a forked tongue, a rounded or triangular head, and no visible ears or limbs. Most snakes measure between 4 inches and 30 feet, with a wide variety of colors and patterns depending on their species and environment. Their flexible spine and strong muscles make them highly agile, allowing them to slither, climb, and swim with ease.
Common Snakes Found in the U.S.
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Garter Snakes: The most common snake in the U.S., with over 20 subspecies. They have long, slender bodies with stripes in shades of green, brown, or black running along their length.
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Rat Snakes: Non-venomous snakes that play a key role in managing rodent populations. They are typically black, gray, or brown, with smooth scales and a lean build.
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Corn Snakes: Native to the eastern U.S., these non-venomous snakes are often mistaken for copperheads. They feature vibrant orange or red bodies with bold red and brown blotched patterns.
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Kingsnakes: Found throughout the southern U.S., they are known for preying on other snakes, including venomous ones. They have smooth, shiny scales and striking patterns, often in black and white or red bands.
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Copperheads: A venomous species in the eastern and southeastern U.S., easily identified by their copper-red heads and tan or brown hourglass-shaped crossband patterns.
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Rattlesnakes: Venomous snakes found across the U.S., recognizable by their triangular heads and the signature rattle at the end of their tails.
While many of these snakes are harmless and contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem, always approach any snake with caution and respect, whether in the wild or near your home.
Where do snakes live?
Snakes thrive in a wide range of environments across the United States. Here's where some common species are typically found:
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Garter Snakes: Often spotted in meadows, marshes, woodlands, and hillsides. They prefer moist, grassy areas near water sources like ponds or streams and are common in suburban and urban areas with good ground cover.
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Rat Snakes: These snakes are highly adaptable and can live in forests, woodlands, and areas close to human homes.
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Corn Snakes: Found mainly in the eastern U.S., they favor forests and areas with dense vegetation.
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Kingsnakes: Found in the southern U.S., they thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to open grasslands.
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Copperheads: Typically found in wooded areas like deciduous forests, often near rocky outcroppings or ledges.
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Rattlesnakes: Found in diverse environments, including deserts, prairies, marshes, and forests. Arizona is home to the most rattlesnake species, with 13 different types.
Snakes are incredibly adaptable creatures, thriving in habitats ranging from wetlands to deserts, as long as they have access to shelter, food, and the right temperatures.
What do snakes eat?
Snakes are carnivorous predators, and their diet varies based on size and habitat. Most snakes feed on small mammals like mice, rats, and voles, as well as birds, bird eggs, lizards, frogs, and other small animals. Larger species are capable of taking on bigger prey, including rabbits, fish, and even other snakes. Snakes swallow their prey whole, using specialized jaws that can unhinge to accommodate larger meals. Depending on the size of the prey, some snakes can go weeks or even months without eating.
Snake Lifespan
Do snakes lay eggs?
Snakes typically mate in the spring or early summer. Male snakes use their sense of smell to find females and may compete for the chance to mate. There are two main reproductive strategies:
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Oviparous snakes lay eggs (usually 3-25) in protected areas like hollow logs or under rocks. These eggs have leathery shells and take about 45-70 days to hatch.
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Viviparous snakes, which give birth to live young, are commonly found in cooler climates or higher altitudes.
These strategies help ensure the survival and growth of snake populations across different environments.
How long do snakes live?
In the wild, most common snakes in the United States live between 2-15 years, depending on the species and their environment. Garter snakes typically live 2-4 years, rat snakes around 10-15 years, and copperheads can reach about 15 years. Snakes in captivity often live longer—some species can reach 20-30 years—due to less predation and consistent care. A snake's lifespan is influenced by factors like habitat, food availability, and interactions with humans.
What do snake bites look like?
Snake bites are often identified by two distinct puncture wounds, typically accompanied by swelling and redness around the affected area. However, not all snake bites are venomous or pose a serious threat. Here's what to know:
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Appearance: Most venomous bites result in two puncture marks, while bites from non-venomous snakes may leave a series of small punctures in an arc shape.
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Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration at the bite site. Severe cases may also present nausea, difficulty breathing, or numbness.
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Venomous vs. Non-venomous: In the United States, only about 20% of snake species are venomous. Regardless, all snake bites should be treated with caution.
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When to seek medical attention: Always consult a healthcare professional following a snake bite, especially if you experience severe pain, breathing difficulties, or other systemic symptoms.
Avoid trying to capture or kill the snake, as this can increase the risk of further injury. Prioritize seeking immediate medical care.
More Snake Facts
Orkin provides Wildlife Management services for squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and more in some parts of the country.
How do I get rid of snakes in my house?
Snakes can be removed from your home by sealing entry points, reducing food sources, and creating an environment that discourages their presence.