How do I get rid of snakes in my house?

Question: I have seen two snakes in my house since late November. After the first snake, I placed mothballs around the foundation of the house. Could I have trapped them in the house? I’m wondering how to get rid of the snakes. At this point I will try anything! Can you spray for snakes?

Answer: Snakes in the house or around the house are not easily controlled. Although most snakes around houses are not venomous, it is prudent to be cautious.

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.

Other methods include screening all outside vents, making sure doors and windows fit tightly, and sealing cracks and holes around the foundation. Check access doors to basements and crawl spaces to be certain they fit tightly. Even tiny holes should be sealed.

During cold months, snakes often try to enter crawl spaces, cellars, sheds and basements. Once a snake is inside, it can be difficult to find. To coax snakes out, try leaving piles of damp burlap bags or rags in areas where the snake was seen. After several days, use a large shovel to remove the whole pile of bags and (hopefully) the snake.

Since snakes are wildlife, you may need a professional wildlife trapper to help you. A lot of our Orkin Pest Control Branches have such individuals.

Call the local Orkin Branch office to discuss the situation with them.

Your local Orkin branch office can also help you by sending over a highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist who will develop a customized, scientifically proven pest treatment strategy to get rid of one of the reasons snakes are around your home, the food.

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Question: Hello, I am wondering if you provide snake-ridding service. If not you, then who?