Florida has its fair share of native snakes, but despite popular belief coming into contact with these creepy serpents is not as prevalent as you may think. Nonetheless, as a homeowner with a bit of landscaping in Florida, chances are, your paths will cross on occasion. This article will provide you with an overview of the most common snakes in the state of Florida, as well as tips to keep these pesky reptiles off your property.
The Most Common Snakes In Florida
Believe it or not, snakes are just as frightened of you as you are of them, and in most instances, they will move as quickly as possible in the other direction when they come into contact with you. Although there are 50 species of snakes in the Sunshine State, there are only six that are venomous to humans.
The most common non-venomous snakes in Florida include:
- Burmese Python
- Common Kingsnake
- Banded Water Snake
- Black Pine Snake
- Black Racer
- Blue Stripe Garter Snake
- Eastern Coachwhip
- Black Rat Snake
- Florida Rough Green Snake
- Florida Water Snake
- Indigo Snake
- Eastern Corn Snake
The six common venomous snakes in Florida include:
- Southern Copperhead, also referred to as Copperhead, Highland Moccasin, or Chunkhead
- Cottonmouth, also referred to as Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, also referred to as Rattlesnake or Rattler
- Timber Rattlesnake, also referred to as Canebrake Rattlesnake
- Dusky Pigmy Rattle Snake, also referred to as the Pigmy Rattler or Ground Rattler
- Eastern Coral Snake, so referred to as coral snake
What To Do If You Find A Snake Outside
The vast majority of encounters people have with snakes in Florida are with non-venomous species. If you happen to encounter a snake on your property, attempt to stay as calm as possible. Also, keep children and pets away while you attempt to determine if the snake is venomous or non-venomous.
Snakes will typically try to escape you, so make sure you do not stand between them and any brush they could take cover in. Snakes may attempt to strike if they feel threatened, so it’s critical to keep a safe distance between you and the snake while trying to identify it. If you can determine that the snake is non-venomous, the best course of action is to let it be. If you feel that you must remove the snake from your yard, spray it gently with water while keeping a distance. This will send it on its way. If you are unsure if the snake is venomous, it’s critical to contact a trusted professional to help you identify the snake and remove it from your property. Remember, when in doubt, enlist the help of a professional pest control company.
What To Do If You Find A Snake Inside
The first step is to identify if the snake is venomous or not while keeping a safe distance. According to the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, the majority of snakes found inside Florida homes are non-venomous and can be removed easily by utilizing a wastebasket or trash can with a lid and a broom. You can find instructions on how to remove a snake from your home here.
How To Prevent Snakes From Entering Your Home
- Keep A Clean Yard
Keeping your yard inhospitable to snakes is critical to maintaining them off your property. Thoroughly examine the outside of your home, and remove any places snakes would deem an excellent hiding place. Make sure to remove debris, piles of landscaping material, piles of leaves, and large piles of bricks or stones from your yard. Following these guidelines will go a long way in preventing snakes from making your yard their home.
- Seal Crevices
One of the best ways to keep snakes out of your home is to seal the openings where snakes could squeeze through to gain access to your home. Make sure to check the clearance of door bottoms and openings where pipes enter your home. If you notice open spaces, fix them immediately.
- Consider A Snake-Proof Fence
If you live in an area where venomous snakes are prevalent, you may consider investing in a snake-proof fence. According to NCSU, you can build a snake-proof wall by burying a ¼ inch mesh wire screen six inches underground and building it up 30 inches.
- Take Away Snake Food
When you take away snakes’ preferred hiding places, you also eliminate spots where mice and rats congregate. Many experts advise that it’s a good idea to involve a professional pest control company or agent to keep rodents away from your property. Also, practice anti-rodent hygiene by not leaving pet food out for more than an hour and closing your trash cans tightly.
Final Thoughts
While there are many species of native snakes in the state of Florida, many are non-venous and not threatening to humans. The good news is that snakes are rarely abundant in any one location, which means a snake infestation at your home is highly unlikely. The best thing you can do to keep your family safe from snakes is to teach everyone to respect snakes, lookout for them, and never use your hands to remove them. Following the tips we provided in this article can help you keep your property free of snakes this summer.
