May 15, 2025 | Pest Control
In Burlington and across Alamance County, the warm climate and diverse ecosystems are perfect for an abundance of snake species. While a snake in your yard or home can be startling, most are harmless and even helpful in controlling pests like rodents and insects. Learning to identify common snakes in North Carolina and knowing how to handle encounters effectively can help you feel more at ease.
Common Snakes in North Carolina
Both non-venomous and venomous snakes are found throughout the state. Here’s an overview of the species you’re most likely to encounter in or around your home.
Non-Venomous Snakes
- Black Rat Snake: These long, black snakes are excellent at reducing rodent populations and are often found in gardens, barns, or even attics.
- Eastern Garter Snake: With distinct yellow stripes running down their back, garter snakes are commonly seen in grassy areas and near water.
- Corn Snake: Often mistaken for copperheads due to their reddish coloring, corn snakes are completely non-venomous and beneficial.
Venomous Snakes
- Copperhead: The copperhead is the most encountered venomous snake in North Carolina. Their copper-colored pattern blends well into leaf litter, making them difficult to spot.
- Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin): Typically found near water, cottonmouths may venture out to yards close to ponds or streams to hunt.
- Timber Rattlesnake: Usually found in wooded areas, timber rattlesnakes may wander into yards near forests.
Identifying North Carolina Snakes
If you come across a snake, identifying it is key to understanding how to proceed. Here are some distinguishing features to look for but remember not to get too close when inspecting a snake.
- Head Shape: Most venomous snakes have a triangular or arrow-shaped head, while non-venomous snakes usually have a rounded or oval head.
- Pupil Shape: Venomous snakes generally have vertical, slit-like pupils, whereas non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
- Body Patterns: Pay attention to body markings but be cautious. For example, copperheads display an hourglass-shaped pattern that can identify them.
If you’re not sure about the type of snake, it’s best to leave it alone and avoid handling or interfering with it.
What to Do If You Encounter a Snake
Spotting a snake in your home or yard can be unsettling. However, you can take steps to manage the situation and reduce potential risks.
- Remain Calm: Snakes are generally not aggressive and will often retreat if left alone.
- Do Not Disturb It: Avoid touching, chasing, or attempting to remove the snake yourself. This can lead to defensive behavior.
- Call a Professional: If a snake is in your home or proving difficult to relocate from your yard, contact a wildlife control or pest expert for assistance with snake removal.
Keeping Snakes Out of Your Yard and Home
You can take steps to make your property less appealing to snakes and limit how often you see them near your home.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass trimmed and remove debris like woodpiles, rock heaps, or overgrown vegetation that may provide cover.
- Seal Openings: Inspect your home for gaps around doors, windows, and foundations, and seal these to prevent snakes from entering.
- Control Attractants: Limit rodent activity around your property since rodents are a major food source for many snakes. Use sealed garbage bins and clean up food scraps promptly.
- Plant Repellents: Incorporate plants like lemongrass or marigolds into your landscaping, which some believe can discourage snakes.
Living Harmoniously with Snakes
While encountering a snake might not be a pleasant experience, understanding their role in the ecosystem can help shift your perspective. Snakes are valuable for pest control and maintaining natural balance. By taking steps to identify and prevent encounters, you can reduce situations that cause stress and keep your property better protected.
If you’re facing recurring snake-related challenges, working with a pest or wildlife professional can provide tailored solutions to make your home and yard less attractive to them. With just a bit of planning and awareness, you can cohabitate with these fascinating creatures more easily.
Contact us today for a free snake control quote. Give us a call or click the button below to get started!
Mar 26, 2025 | Pest Control
Finding a snake in your crawl space is never a pleasant surprise. But why do they love these areas so much, and more importantly, how can you keep them out? For homeowners in North Carolina, understanding what attracts snakes to crawl spaces is the first step in preventing unwanted visitors.
Why Snakes Hide in Crawl Spaces
Snakes aren’t out to scare you—they’re just looking for the perfect hiding spot. Crawl spaces provide everything they need to feel hidden and secure. Here’s why your home might be attracting them:
1. Warmth and Shelter
As cold-blooded creatures, snakes rely on external warmth to regulate their body temperature. Crawl spaces offer a cozy retreat, especially during cooler months.
2. A Steady Food Supply
If you have a rodent problem, you might also have a snake problem. Mice, rats, and insects provide a food source that keeps snakes coming back.
3. Moisture and Humidity
Damp crawl spaces create the ideal environment for many snake species. If your crawl space retains moisture, it could be more inviting than you think.
4. A Quiet, Undisturbed Space
Since crawl spaces aren’t areas we frequent, they give snakes the peace and security they crave.
How to Spot a Snake Problem
Before taking action, it’s important to know if a snake has already moved in. Look for these common signs:
- Snake tracks – Wavy, zigzag patterns in dust or soft dirt
- Shed skin – Found in corners or near walls
- Rustling sounds – Subtle movements in the dark
- Droppings or odors – Snake waste resembles bird droppings and may have a musky scent
- Small holes or gaps – Tiny entry points around foundation vents, pipes, or cracks in the walls
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about checking your crawl space, consider calling a professional for a thorough inspection.
How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Crawl Space
Once you’ve identified potential snake activity, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to snake-proof your crawl space and keep your home pest-free:
1. Seal Entry Points
Snakes can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Inspect your crawl space for any openings and seal them with materials like:
- Caulk or expanding foam for small cracks
- Steel mesh for vents and larger gaps
- Weather stripping around doors
2. Install a Secure Crawl Space Door
Many older homes have open or loosely sealed crawl spaces. Installing a well-fitted crawl space door can keep snakes and other pests out.
3. Reduce Attractants
A clean, dry crawl space is far less inviting to snakes. Make your home less appealing by:
- Eliminating moisture – Use a vapor barrier or dehumidifier to reduce humidity.
- Removing rodents – If you notice signs of mice or rats, call a pest control professional.
- Clearing debris – Keep woodpiles, leaves, and tall grass away from your foundation.
4. Use Snake Deterrents
Some homeowners find success with natural or chemical snake repellents. Look for options that are non-toxic for pets and follow application instructions carefully . Professional pest control services can help with distributing products such as Serpent Guard to protect your home.
5. Modify Your Landscaping
Making your yard less snake-friendly can prevent them from getting close to your home in the first place. Try these simple landscaping tips:
- Keep grass trimmed short
- Space out bushes and flowerbeds
- Use gravel or mulch—snakes dislike moving over rough textures
Keep Your Crawl Space Snake-Free for Good
North Carolina’s climate makes it a prime location for snakes, but that doesn’t mean they should be living under your home. By sealing off entry points, removing food sources, and modifying your yard, you can eliminate a snake in your crawl space—without harming them or the environment. Need help protecting your home? Contact a local pest control expert to ensure your crawl space stays snake-free year-round!
Mar 19, 2025 | Pest Control
North Carolina’s natural beauty comes with its share of wildlife, including an array of native snake species. While snakes play an essential role in the ecosystem, it’s important to enjoy outdoor spaces responsibly and understand how to coexist with these creatures. Whether you’re a pet owner or an avid gardener, these practical tips will help you reduce the likelihood of unexpected snake encounters.
Why Snake Awareness Matters in North Carolina
With habitats ranging from forests to backyards, snakes can sometimes wander into residential spaces. North Carolina is home to a variety of non-venomous and venomous snakes, such as the copperhead and cottonmouth. While most snakes prefer to stay out of sight, understanding their behavior and taking precautions can make outdoor spaces more enjoyable for everyone—including your pets.
Snake Awareness Tips
Here are four expert-backed recommendations to help you feel more prepared and avoid potential run-ins with snakes in your area.
1. Avoid Reaching or Stepping into Unseen Areas
Snakes are experts at staying hidden, often blending into their surroundings. Piles of leaves, brush, or tall grass make ideal spots for snakes to rest or hunt. If you need to move debris or explore an area where visibility is limited:
- Always check first: Scan the area visually before reaching in or stepping. Snakes are usually wary of human presence and prefer to retreat if given the chance.
- Use tools when possible: When gardening or tidying up, a rake or stick can help you move materials without putting your hands directly into places a snake might hide.
This habit is especially helpful for pet owners. Dogs and cats, driven by curiosity, might stick their paws or noses into these concealed spaces. A quick check could save them from an uncomfortable encounter.
2. Choose Protective Clothing for Outdoor Activities
What you wear makes a big difference when spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Boots and gloves can offer an added layer of protection when you’re gardening, hiking, or clearing debris.
- For your feet: Opt for sturdy boots that overlap with your pants to reduce exposure. Snakes are low to the ground, so shoes like sandals or flip-flops offer little barrier against accidental nips.
- For your hands: Thick, durable gloves are essential for gardeners who might unknowingly disturb a snake while digging or lifting foliage. They’re also a great choice when handling firewood piles, a common snake hiding spot.
Outfitting yourself properly is a small effort that can go a long way in making outdoor activities more comfortable and stress-free.
3. Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy
Snakes gravitate toward cluttered areas where they can feel protected and hidden. By minimizing hiding spots in your yard, you reduce the chance of them settling nearby.
- Clear debris: Regularly remove piles of leaves, stacked wood, or unused equipment. These items mimic natural habitats for snakes and their prey, like rodents.
- Trim vegetation: Maintaining short grass and trimmed bushes helps keep your yard open and easier to monitor. Snakes are less likely to linger in areas where they might feel exposed.
- Protect pet spaces: If your pets spend time outdoors, regularly check their play areas and ensure spaces like doghouses are clear of debris and well-lit.
These simple steps create a more open environment, making it easier to spot any visitors from a cautious distance.
4. Use Flashlights During Nighttime Activities
Many snakes are more active at night when temperatures are cooler. Whether you’re walking your dog or taking out the trash, a flashlight can help illuminate your surroundings and reveal anything that might surprise you in the dark.
- Stick to well-lit areas: If possible, keep outdoor activities confined to spaces with lighting.
- Shine your light ahead: Before stepping outside or entering a potentially dark area (like a shed or backyard), a quick sweep with a flashlight can help you identify movement before you walk too closely.
For pet owners, this practice is especially beneficial. Dogs in particular are prone to investigating unfamiliar nighttime smells, so carrying a flashlight keeps you one step ahead.
A Balanced Approach to Snake Awareness
Snakes are an important part of North Carolina’s ecosystem, helping to control pests and maintain balance in nature. While encountering one unexpectedly may be unnerving, taking these precautions allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces with greater confidence. Cultivating a clean yard, wearing suitable attire, staying vigilant, and arming yourself with tools like flashlights can significantly reduce your chances of a surprise encounter.
For pet owners, keep in mind that awareness is a two-way street. While these tips will help you stay prepared, always keep an eye on your pets when they’re exploring outside. With a little preparation and help from your local pest control experts, you and your furry friends can coexist peacefully with North Carolina’s wildlife.
