What are snakes?
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.
Are snakes dangerous?
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.
Why do I have a snake problem?
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.
Where will I find snakes?
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.
How do I get rid of snakes?
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 the pest professionals here at Thunder Pest Control today!
How can I prevent snakes in the future?
In addition to our professional pest control services, take the time necessary to implement these easy-to-execute prevention tips:
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the outside walls of your home.
- Remove piles of debris from your property where snakes can hide.
- Maintain gardens and keep the grass cut short.
- Inspect your home’s foundation and seal any gaps or cracks you find.
- Place mesh covers over vents and drains.
- Remove dense shrubbery away from the exterior of your home.
- Keep basement and garage doors shut as much as possible.
- Organize any outbuildings to keep them free of clutter.
- Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans and remove bird feeders to limit rodent activity in your yard; rodents are a snake’s primary food source.
- At the first sign of a snake problem on your property, contact the professionals at Thunder Pest Control.