You catch a glimpse of something darting through the grass—long, black, fast. Blink and you’ll miss it. Chances are, it wasn’t just your eyes playing tricks on you. That lightning-quick blur was probably a black racer snake.
Black racers are one of the most commonly found snakes in Florida, and true to their name, they move fast.
While they’re technically a non-venomous species, they still cause plenty of concern for homeowners. They slip into sheds, garages, under decks, and even up into attics, especially when there is access to warmth and an easy food source, such as frogs or small rodents.
Unfortunately, most people can’t tell a harmless black racer from a more dangerous venomous snake, especially if it’s coiled up or hiding in dry leaves. That uncertainty alone is enough to make anyone uneasy.
That’s why knowing where to turn for black racer snake removal in Florida is so important.
Whether you’ve seen one on your property or just want peace of mind, professional black racer snake removal near you ensures your home stays safe, without anyone getting bitten in the process.
What Is a Black Racer Snake?
Black racers are sleek, black, and fast. These snakes have shiny, jet-black bodies, white chins, and long, slender frames. They’re incredibly agile and can reach up to 5–6 feet in length, which makes them one of the more striking species people encounter in Florida.
You’ll often find black racers in tall grass, shrubs, or hanging around the edges of wooded areas and trees. They’re also drawn to dry leaves, sunny spots, and anywhere they can warm up and stay hidden at the same time.
When it comes to diet, black racers aren’t picky. They feed on small rodents, frogs, lizards, birds, insects, and nearly any other small animal they can catch. That’s part of why they show up in residential areas—your backyard is a buffet of their favorite snacks.
While black racers are non-venomous, they can still bite if they feel threatened or cornered. Their bites aren’t dangerous to humans, but they’re sharp enough to hurt and leave a mark.
Some black racers will even vibrate their tails in dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake’s warning—a smart move to scare off predators, but a scary experience for the average homeowner.
Signs You May Have a Black Racer (or Other Snakes) Nearby
Not all snake problems begin with a dramatic sighting. Most black racers and other snakes keep a low profile—until they don’t. Here are some subtle but important clues that you might have a slithering visitor living closer than you’d like:
- Finding shed skin around your yard, especially in garages, sheds, or under porches
- A sudden drop in the number of frogs, lizards, or small rodents in your area
- Snakes often move through dry leaves, underbrush, or along fences. If you hear faint movement in your landscaping or under decks, it may be more than just the wind.
- Black racers are cold-blooded and love to regulate their body temperature in sunny spots. If you’ve noticed a dark shape stretched across your patio or sidewalk in the morning or late afternoon, you might have a racer nearby.
- If your pet seems fixated on a particular spot—sniffing, barking, or pacing around it—it could be picking up on something you haven’t seen yet.
Even if you’re not seeing a snake daily, these signs are often the first warning that professional snake removal may be necessary.
Why DIY Snake Removal Is Risky
Trying to remove snakes on your own might seem like the brave (or cost-effective) thing to do, but it’s rarely the smart or safe choice.
First, there’s the issue of misidentification. Even experienced homeowners can confuse non-venomous snakes, such as the black racer, with dangerous venomous snakes, like the eastern coral snake or water moccasins.
If you’re wrong, the consequences can be severe.
Coral snakes are one of the most venomous snakes in North America, and a bite from one requires you to seek medical attention immediately.
Second, most snake bites happen when someone tries to catch or kill the animal. Even non-venomous snakes, such as black racers, will bite if they feel threatened, especially when cornered without a means of escape.
Additionally, most people lack the necessary equipment, such as snake tongs, traps, or protective gear. Without these tools (and the knowledge to use them), you’re more likely to end up injured or with a snake loose in your house.
It’s also worth noting that Florida wildlife laws protect certain snake species, and it may be illegal to trap, relocate, or kill them without proper training or a permit. That’s another reason to call in professional help—they’ll know how to handle the situation legally, safely, and humanely.
If you’re facing a snake problem, your best course of action is to contact a licensed team trained in snake exclusion, identification, and humane trapping.
Professional Snake Removal in Florida: What to Expect
If you’re dealing with a snake problem on your property, hiring a professional snake removal service is the safest and most effective course of action. Here’s what typically happens when you contact an expert:
- Inspection & Identification: The first step is a thorough property inspection. Professionals will look for signs of snake activity, assess risk areas (like attics, sheds, and under decks), and identify whether you’re dealing with a black racer, a venomous snake, or one of the many other snakes commonly found in Florida.
- Safe and Humane Removal: Using tools such as snake tongs, gloves, and containment devices, the snake is safely removed—often without harm—and relocated to an appropriate wild habitat. Humane handling is crucial, especially since many non-venomous species, such as black racers, are protected and beneficial to local ecosystems.
- Snake Exclusion: Removal is only part of the job. Experts will also assist with snake exclusion, including sealing holes, modifying the environment, and reducing food sources such as rodents, frogs, or bird eggs. This makes your property less inviting for future visits.
- Preventive Services: Some companies go beyond one-time removal by offering ongoing snake control solutions. This may include habitat modification, follow-up visits, and tips for keeping your yard clear of tall grass, dry leaves, and clutter that snakes love to hide in.
By hiring a professional, you avoid the dangers, stress, and legal issues that can arise from DIY snake removal. Experts have the experience to quickly determine whether you’re dealing with a black racer, pit viper, coral snake, or something else—and they’ll handle it safely from start to finish.
Where to Get Black Racer Snake Removal in Florida
If you’ve spotted a black racer—or any slithering serpent—on your property, the next step is clear: search for “black racer snake removal near you” and call in a trusted local expert.
Florida is home to dozens of snake species, and professionals in this state are uniquely equipped to deal with both venomous and non-venomous snakes, including black racers, king snakes, and rattlesnakes.
At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we specialize in professional snake removal in Florida. We serve communities all across the state—from Tampa and Miami to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and many others.
Whether you’re dealing with a non-venomous black racer or you’re unsure if that slithering visitor is a more dangerous species, trained professionals offer the peace of mind and protection you need.
Don’t risk bites, misidentification, or escalation—get help fast from a company that knows Florida snakes inside and out.
Know When to Call and How to Stay Safe
Not every snake slithering through your yard is dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you should get close. Even a non-venomous black racer will bite if it feels cornered or threatened, and many people mistake them for venomous snakes like eastern coral snakes or water moccasins.
If you aren’t sure what species you’re dealing with—or if someone does get bitten—seek medical attention immediately.
Most snakes, including black racers, play a role in Florida’s ecosystem, but they don’t belong inside your home or garage. When it comes to black racer snake removal in Florida, let a professional snake removal service handle the task safely, humanely, and by the law.
