They also flock inside homes when the weather wreaks havoc with their cold-blooded bodies. For example, during periods of extreme heat, the pests seek out leaky water pipes and other cool, damp areas. Additionally, snakes in houses are commonly found in walls, crawl spaces, basements, attics, and drop ceilings.
Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.
Research has shown that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with these oils and will exit cargo or other confined spaces when these oils are introduced to the area.
Ammonia is a common snake repellent. Snakes hate the smell of ammonia and won't come near it. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed plastic bags. Leave the bags where you usually see snakes to keep them away.
Sulfur: Powdered sulfur is a great option to repel snakes. Place powdered sulfur around your home and property and once snakes slither across it, it irritates their skin so they won't return. Sulfur does give off a strong odor so consider wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth when applying it.
According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too. However, this is not a very common occurrence, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
However, like most pets, they can accidentally find their way into your home at any time. Because snakes rarely nest, getting rid of one in your yard or home can be as simple as waiting it out. Once the weather changes or the snake is in need of food, it will usually leave on its own.
When it's cooler, snakes are typically out moving. Just because you see one does not mean there are more. If you see 6+ babies or adults in the same location in a short amount of time, then you have a problem.
"A snake may burrow into bedding to seek warmth. If you have a vent under or near your bed, snakes will likely hide there for warmth and to feel safe." And since snakes are such skilled hiders, the first sign that one is cozying up under your bed may come from your ears tipping you off that they're hiding out.
Weird noises in dark, cramped places – unexpected noises coming from flooring areas may indicate the presence of a snake, as they have a propensity to seek out small, dark, and often damp places in order to lay eggs, or simply just to hide.
In particular, snakes can get into your house walls through various small spaces and gaps and remain there for as long as it is cold outside.
Snakes are most active whenever temperatures are between 80-90F. This means that the snakes may be active most of the day during the spring, and during the early mornings and late afternoons throughout the summer.
Snakes can enter garages and basements through drain pipes or a crack under the door. Door sweeps and garage door thresholds are easy and inexpensive ways to seal openings that can allow snakes inside. Even pet doors can be an entry point for snakes.
The only way people will know whether there is a snake in their house is by seeing it, Sollenberger said. Snakes don't really have an odor and don't really make sounds so it would be impossible to smell them or hear them.
The newest evidence comes from a paper in Applied Animal Behavior Science, which found that dogs can smell the difference between a venomous rattlesnake and a harmless boa, but they find the smell intriguing rather than terrifying.
Brown tree snakes have them too. This helps them create a fold where the belly scales meet the small scales covering their backs. This fold, called ventrolateral keel, grasps the slightest irregularity on trees and walls.
But experts warn that animals can sometimes use these typically one-way corridors to work their way indoors—including snakes. Appliances such as dryers and air conditioners can provide an accessible entryway into houses, especially if they're left open or their guard mechanism isn't up to snuff.
When snakes excrete waste, it is actually a mixture of feces and urine that looks white and is more of a liquid than a solid, much like bird droppings. The pests' waste may contain bones, hair, scales, and other indigestible materials leftover from meals.
Use Natural Predators
Snakes have a few natural predators that can help keep them away. Common snake predators include cats, raccoons, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and foxes. Keeping any of these animals around your home will help deter snakes from coming near.
It's likely that most snakes won't choose to go near dogs. They're bigger, noisier, and more of a hassle than a good snack. Simply by having your dog around, you will likely help to keep snakes away.