Our Pest Library
Snakes are a type of predatory reptile; with over 3,000 species living worldwide, snakes vary greatly in size, color, and behavior. What all snakes do have in common, however, is that they have scales covering their body, teeth that face inward to trap their prey, and lack legs. Snakes also have unique jaws that unhinge, in order to feed on prey three times their size. Here in Oklahoma City, snakes that invade our yards are rattlesnakes, garter snakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and ground snakes.
Snakes are eco-important pests because they prey on and help to control rodents and other pests. However, when snakes decide to hunt in our yards, they often turn into unwanted guests. It can be very upsetting for homeowners to have to worry about running into slithering snakes while spending time in their yards.
Though most snakes you will come across are harmless, it is still important to respect their space and not handle them. There are, however, many species that do live throughout the United States and Oklahoma that have venom strong enough to trigger a serious reaction in people and pets and cause significant health problems. Dangerous snakes living in our area are copperhead snakes, water moccasins, and rattlesnakes.
Snakes become a problem on properties that offer them shelter and plenty of prey to hunt. Snakes live in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Properties next to wooded areas, ponds, lakes, rivers, fields, or meadows typically have the most problems with snakes. Areas of shelter that attract snakes to our yards include leaf piles, firewood piles, bushes, rock walls, and shrubbery located next to foundations. Snakes are usually an outdoor problem, but sometimes do make their way into homes and outbuildings after following their prey inside or as a place to keep warm during the winter season.
Snakes are cold-blooded. To regulate their temperature, they move into the sun to get warmer; to cool off, they move into the shade. During the colder winter months, snakes do not hibernate, but do something similar – called brumation. In cold weather, snakes become much less active, and their metabolism slows down significantly. Snakes are rarely seen out and about during the winter season as they are most active in temperatures above 75 degrees. Snakes are mainly active during the day, retreating to their hiding spots at night to sleep.
The task of eliminating snakes from your Oklahoma property should be left to a professional. At Thunder Pest Control, we have 50 years of combined pest control experience. We know pests and how to eliminate them from properties once and for all!
We guarantee our results and take pride in treating our customers like family. We are a local company dedicated to using only the most efficient, cutting-edge services possible. If you are looking for exceptional pest solutions for your Oklahoma City area home or business, contact us now and learn more about us and our services!
In addition to our professional pest control services, take the time necessary to implement these easy-to-execute prevention tips:
Some are dangerous because their venom can cause serious health problems in humans and pets. In Oklahoma, venomous species include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. Although many of them are harmless and help control rodent populations, avoid approaching or handling any snake you cannot identify. Contact a professional for assistance if you find one on your property.
They are attracted to properties that provide food, shelter, and suitable places to hide. Tall grass, leaf piles, dense shrubs, rock walls, and firewood stacks can offer protection, while rodents and other small animals provide food. Reducing outdoor clutter and controlling rodent activity can help make your property less appealing.
They often hide in gardens, tall grass, woodpiles, rock piles, dense vegetation, and other sheltered areas around a property. They may also enter garages, sheds, crawl spaces, or homes while searching for prey or shelter. Regularly maintaining your yard and sealing gaps around your home’s foundation can help reduce potential hiding places and entry points.
Keep grass trimmed, remove piles of leaves and debris, and store firewood away from your home’s exterior. Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, cover vents and drains with suitable mesh, and keep garage and basement doors closed when not in use. Limiting rodent activity by securing trash and removing bird feeders can also help reduce the food sources that attract them.
Our team offers professional pest control services to help property owners address unwanted snake activity. With 50 years of combined pest control experience, our team can help assess conditions that may attract and recommend appropriate solutions for your property. If you discover a snake around your home or business, keep your distance and contact our team for assistance.
