Encountering snakes in the home can be frightening for many, and they are not uncommon for homeowners with home gardens. Although some keep the reptiles as pets, they are not usually welcome visitors to everyone's home. Additionally, this species is important to nature, but is considered a pest in households and should be removed in a humane manner. Therefore, fending off such critters requires a strategic approach, and you can find some useful information and tips about it below.
What to do if snakes make themselves comfortable in the house?
What attracts snakes to your home and how can you keep them away? The presence of such creatures indoors is due to numerous influencing factorsDefense against snakesmust be taken into account. Because they are cold-blooded, snakes try to balance their body temperature by looking for hiding places when it is cold or hot. Another factor to consider is their foraging, although rodents on roofs or in basements could also attract snakes.
Snakes are most commonly found indoors, sneaking in through cracks, holes, or leaky areas under doors or windows. Confined and dark areas provide ideal indoor conditions for snakes to search for house mice or lay their eggs. If facade cladding, mortar or good roof insulation is missing, they can also slip through gaps or tiles in roofs, for example. Once inside, the critters retreat into cellars or attics, and you should react correctly when you come into contact with them. Also try to seal openings under doors and repair any cracks.
Try simple catching methods with traps
If you don't want to use repellent, you could try catching snakes indoors by using sticky traps or bags. For the base of a glue trap, take a larger piece of plywood and smear one side with glue. The adhesive in this method should cover the entire side of the board. Snakes need to glide over the wooden surface, taking care not to step on them by pets or children. You can then use vegetable oil to remove the snake from the trap and release it again. Wear protective clothing and make sure you can prevent a snake bite if you come into close contact.
Another method of catching snakes in the house is to use damp cloth bags and wait for them to hide in them. This attracts the reptiles because they are looking for dark and cool hiding places like this. Once the snake is curled up in the bag, you can remove it from your home. You can use a shovel or pliers as a tool to remove the snake. In this case too, approaching the snake poses a certain risk and should be carried out with the appropriate protective measures. Therefore, try to keep a safe distance from the snake and have someone else to help you.
How to get rid of snakes in the house and keep them away?
There is also the option of using a broom to steer the critters out of your home and into a bucket. This way you can then release the unwanted guests to some remote location. This is a simple method in which you sweep away the snake without hurting it. Just make sure the container you use has a lid to prevent the snake from escaping. Also be careful when handling it and be sure to wear protective clothing to prevent any possible bites. However, the expulsion will be more effective if you also take some preventive measures.
- Keep planters or larger flower pots away from house walls, corners and front doors so that snakes cannot hide behind them and enter the house.
- Try to add fewer garden decorations and keep piles of wood and other potential hiding places to a minimum.
- You should also check your home's foundation, walkways, exposed patios, windows, vents, and attic for cracks.
- Seal all possible entry points and ensure that rodents do not attract snakes to your home.
- Try to cover your vents and drains using screens and check all windows and doors for leaks.
- Also check garden hoses, pipes and other wet areas for leaks, as snakes could also sneak into toilets and bathrooms.
- Also keep attics and basements clean to reduce odors that can attract snakes.
- Bird eggs and other food sources can also attract snakes to your home, so you should check your roof and interior for them.
- Be sure to keep garages, sheds, and other entrances closed during the off-season, when snakes are moving to and from winter dens or are otherwise very active.
Can snakes be repelled using natural means?
There are some home remedies that could have a repellent effect on snakes, although this has not yet been scientifically proven. These are based primarily on scents, which snakes probably don't like. Because these reptiles have no sense of hearing but a strong sense of smell, they pick up smells through their tongues to navigate their surroundings and locate prey. Make your home uncomfortable for animals by using some of the following remedies.
- You canessential oils that snakes don't like, such as clove or cinnamon oil.
- Try it too, withVinegarand ammonia repellent solutions and leave some bowls in living rooms. Open windows and doors so that unpleasant odors can escape easily.
- Some plants such as peppermint, lemongrass, garlic, and marigolds may also be repellent to snakes in the home.
- Try to act in a humane manner by using repellents that do not pose a danger to the animals.
Also read:How to protect yourself from snakes in the garden & while hiking
