South Florida has a diverse ecosystem, which means tons of different animals could come into your yard or even your house. While many animals are harmless, some of them can destroy your yard or hurt your pets and children. As a result, it is important to be aware of how to prevent animals from coming onto your property.
One of the most common animals to slither onto your property in South Florida are snakes. While many snakes are afraid of people, they can become defensive when approached. Some types of snakes can deliver painful and even poisonous bites.
Because of the risk of allowing snakes to live on your property, being aware of how to prevent them can help you keep your family safe.
What Kind of Snakes Live in South Florida?
Florida is home to 46 species of snakes. Out of those 46 species, 34 can be found in South Florida. Because South Florida is home to many different types of snakes, it’s important to be aware of them.
While many of the snakes in South Florida are harmless, some of them are venomous and can lead to life-threatening injury when they attack. The venomous snakes found in South Florida include:[1]
- Eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake
- Pygmy rattlesnake
- Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
- Coral snake
The non-venomous snakes in South Florida might not cause life-threatening injury, however, they can still pack a punch when they bite. These snakes include:[1]
- Southern or banded water snake
- Scarlet kingsnake
- Scarlet snake
- Common kingsnake
- Common or red-tailed boa
- Eastern ribbonsnake
- Common garter snake
- Eastern, yellow, or Everglades rat snake
- Striped crayfish snake
- Saltmarsh watersnake
- Rainbow snake
- Black racer or black snake
- Ring-necked snake
- Red-bellied mudsnake
- Black swamp snake
- Eastern indigo snake
- Coachwhip
- Florida green watersnake
- Florida brown snake
- Florida crowned snake
- Rimrock crowned snake
- Pinewoods litter snake
- Smooth earth snake
- Rough green snake
- Brahminy blind snake
Are Snakes Dangerous to Humans and Pets?
Snake bites can be extremely painful and if the snake is venomous, life-threatening. Because of this, snakes can be dangerous to you, your children, and even your pets. If a snake feels like you are threatening their food source, shelter, or young, it could become defensive and strike you.
If you like to leave your dog outside in your yard unattended to run and play, they are at an increased risk of being bitten by a snake. The same goes for any children who like to play around the backyard after school. As a result, you should always contact a snake removal company if you notice that snakes have taken a liking to your property.
How to Keep Snakes Away From Your Home
Snakes might come onto your property looking for food or shelter. With that being said, a few things might cause them to be attracted to your home. For example, if mice, rats, frogs, or small farm animals are on your property, you could begin to attract snakes.
If you are wondering how to keep snakes away from your home, there are a few preventative measures you could take:
- Replace grassy areas in your yard with mulch or gravel to prevent snakes from having a hiding place
- Remove bird feeders, bird baths, or other sources of food and water that may attract snakes
- Keep your pet food inside
- Trim your bushes and trees to prevent snakes from using them as shelter
- Reconsider water features like ponds or fountains, as snakes may see them as a water source
- Install snake-proof fencing that sits just above or below ground to prevent snakes from breaching your property line
These tips are only preventative measures to ensure that snakes do not come near your yard or home. If you already have a snake problem, you should always contact a professional to assist you in removing them.
What Should You Do When You Find a Snake Inside Your House?
Have you noticed snake skins around your home? Did you open your toilet lid only to find a giant snake slithering inside? If so, your first reaction might be to attempt capturing them to get them out of your house.
While many people try to remove snakes on their own, this can be dangerous. First, you might not be familiar with the different species of snakes. This could cause you to put yourself in harm’s way by attempting to capture a venomous snake, increasing your chances of experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
Removing snakes on your own is dangerous, so the first thing you should do is contain the area. Next, contact a professional wildlife removal company who is trained and experienced in handling even the most venomous snakes. They can remove the animal from your home quickly and efficiently, ensuring no one is hurt in the process.
Get Connected to a Professional Snake Removal Company in South Florida
If you have snakes on your property or in your home, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers are here to help. With decades of experience in snake removal across South Florida, we are experienced in snake capture and removal.
To learn more about how we can help you remove snakes and other animals from your property, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
References:
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: South Florida’s Snakes, Retrieved September 2023 From https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/south.shtml