The tranquility of one’s home can be abruptly shattered by the unsettling presence of an uninvited serpent. Across the United States, various snake species have been known to infiltrate residences, seeking shelter, warmth, or prey. While many are harmless, their intrusion often incites fear and raises concerns about safety. Understanding these common culprits and the reasons behind their domestic appearances is crucial for maintaining a secure and snake-free environment. Let’s explore the eight most common snakes that find their way into American homes and some tips on understanding their habits, identifying them, and taking preventative measures to ensure they stay outside. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
Eastern Rat Snakes are one of the most common snakes that enter homes, particularly in the southeastern United States. These non-venomous snakes can grow up to seven feet long and are known for their black, shiny appearance. They are excellent climbers and often enter homes by scaling walls or trees to find access points like attic vents or windows. Eastern Rat Snakes are drawn to homes due to the presence of rodents, their primary food source. While their size and sudden appearance can be frightening, these snakes pose no threat to humans and actually help reduce pest populations.
2. Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
The Garter Snake is small, agile, and incredibly common throughout the United States. It’s easy to recognize thanks to its slender body and longitudinal stripes, which can vary in color. Garter snakes often enter homes in search of food, such as insects, slugs, and small rodents. They are particularly attracted to damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, or under sinks. Despite their proximity to humans, Garter Snakes are non-venomous and relatively harmless. However, their presence indoors can be startling, and it’s best to guide them outside carefully to avoid harm to the snake or yourself.
3. Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
Similar to the Eastern Rat Snake, the Western Rat Snake is a non-venomous constrictor commonly found in rural and suburban areas. These snakes are particularly skilled at climbing and often infiltrate homes by squeezing through small gaps in attics or basements. Western Rat Snakes feed on rodents, birds, and eggs, making them beneficial for pest control. However, their size, often exceeding six feet, can alarm homeowners. While they may hiss or coil defensively, these snakes are harmless and usually more scared of humans than we are of them. Proper home maintenance can keep them outside where they belong.
4. Bull Snake (Pituophis catenifer)
Bull Snakes are one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, reaching lengths of up to eight feet. Their appearance and defensive behaviors often lead them to be mistaken for rattlesnakes. Bull Snakes frequently enter homes, barns, or sheds in search of rodents, their primary prey. Their hissing and loud breathing can be intimidating, but these snakes are harmless and play a vital role in controlling pest populations. Homeowners should take precautions to seal entry points and reduce clutter, which can attract both rodents and the snakes that hunt them.
5. Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
The Black Racer is a slender, glossy-black snake known for its speed and agility. Found across the eastern United States, these snakes are skilled hunters that prey on small mammals, insects, and amphibians. They occasionally enter homes, especially in suburban areas, through small cracks or openings. While non-venomous, Black Racers can be defensive and may thrash or bite if cornered. Their presence often indicates nearby prey, such as rodents. Keeping your home sealed and free of clutter can discourage these quick and stealthy snakes from becoming indoor visitors.
6. Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
Milk Snakes are small to medium-sized non-venomous snakes with vibrant red, black, and white or yellow bands. These harmless snakes are often confused with venomous coral snakes due to their similar coloration. Milk Snakes enter homes or barns in search of shelter and food, such as rodents or other small animals. They are nocturnal and secretive, making their presence indoors a surprising discovery. While they pose no harm to humans, it’s best to relocate them safely outside to prevent repeated entries. Preventative measures, like sealing cracks and removing rodent attractants, can help keep them out.
7. Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)
Brown Snakes are small, measuring just 9 to 13 inches, and are commonly found in urban and suburban areas. These snakes feed on slugs, earthworms, and insects, making them beneficial for gardens. They often seek shelter in basements, crawl spaces, or moist areas of a home. Their small size allows them to enter through tiny cracks or gaps. Although their presence might be startling, Brown Snakes are completely harmless to humans and pets. Keeping areas dry and sealing entry points can help keep them from making your house their home.
8. Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
The Ringneck Snake is one of the smallest snakes that might sneak into a home, growing to just 10-15 inches. These snakes are easily identifiable by the bright yellow or orange ring around their necks and their smooth, shiny bodies. Ringneck Snakes are nocturnal and usually hide under rocks, logs, or in damp basements. They feed on small invertebrates like earthworms and slugs. Though harmless to humans, they can alarm homeowners due to their surprising appearance indoors. Ensuring that potential entry points are sealed can prevent encounters with these secretive creatures.
Why Snakes Enter Homes
Snakes don’t invade homes out of malice. They are usually searching for food, warmth, or shelter. Rodents, insects, and other prey often attract them inside. During colder months, snakes may seek warmth in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. In rural areas, homes near fields or forests are particularly susceptible to snake encounters. By understanding the reasons snakes enter homes, homeowners can take steps to address the root causes, such as reducing clutter, sealing entry points, and keeping yards tidy.
Signs You May Have a Snake Problem
Detecting a snake inside your home isn’t always straightforward. Signs include shed skins, slither tracks in dusty areas, or an unexplained drop in rodent activity. Unusual noises in walls or crawl spaces might indicate a snake’s presence. If you suspect a snake has entered your home, it’s essential to act calmly and avoid handling it directly. Instead, contact a wildlife professional for safe removal and ensure that any potential entry points are sealed to prevent future visits.
How to Prevent Snake Intrusions
Keeping snakes out of your home requires a combination of maintenance and vigilance. Seal all cracks and openings in foundations, walls, and roofs. Keep yards tidy by trimming grass, removing debris, and relocating woodpiles away from the house. Secure windows, doors, and vents with screens. Additionally, reducing rodent activity inside and around your home will remove a key attractant for many snake species. Regular home inspections can help you identify vulnerabilities before they become invitations for unwelcome guests.
What to Do If You Encounter a Snake Indoors
If you find a snake inside your home, remain calm and keep your distance. Most snakes are harmless and will try to escape if given the opportunity. Do not attempt to handle the snake unless you are trained to do so. Instead, try to isolate the snake in a room and call a wildlife professional for assistance. While waiting, block off any exits the snake could use to move further into your home. Handling the situation calmly and professionally will ensure the safety of both you and the snake.
Discover more of our trending stories and follow us to keep them appearing in your feed
13 Most Dangerous Animals in America
Top 10 Worst Dog Breeds to Own
10 Horses That Sold for Over $10 Million – The World’s Most Expensive Champions
Tips for Bringing an Outside Cat Inside Before the Winter Comes
References:
Snakes in the house: How they get in, how to get them out and what to do if you get bitten
Snakes in the Home
Stay connected with us for more stories like this! Follow us to get the latest updates or hit the Follow button at the top of this article, and let us know what you think by leaving your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
