snake in house - Ask Extension
I have a 7 foot black snake that hangs from the attic rafters in our house in cold weather and lays across our front door step in warmer weather and f...
Knowledgebase
snake in house #878085
Asked July 21, 2024, 8:51 AM EDT
I have a 7 foot black snake that hangs from the attic rafters in our house in cold weather and lays across our front door step in warmer weather and frequents our garage what can I use that is safe to rid it from the house. A pest control person told me to use moth balls are they safe to use?
Calvert County Maryland
Expert Response
No, don't use mothballs which are dangerously toxic.
If the snake is entering your house or garage, he is likely there because other animals, like mice, are also coming in.
The best way to keep unwanted visitors out of your house is to figure out how they get in and close up the area with caulk, foam, or repair. Now would be a good time to do that.
We most often hear of them in basements, but if you see one in your attic, you might want to start by inspecting theareas around the roof (you may need to hire someone) and repairing any openings before the cold weather returns.
If you have a floored attic you can try putting down a damp towel at night- they tend to go under it. You can then put a trashcan or other container over the towel and slide something thin and wide beneath the towel/trashcan to cover the opening, flip it over and take it outside and release it.
Here is our page on snakes:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/snakes/
Christine
If the snake is entering your house or garage, he is likely there because other animals, like mice, are also coming in.
The best way to keep unwanted visitors out of your house is to figure out how they get in and close up the area with caulk, foam, or repair. Now would be a good time to do that.
We most often hear of them in basements, but if you see one in your attic, you might want to start by inspecting theareas around the roof (you may need to hire someone) and repairing any openings before the cold weather returns.
If you have a floored attic you can try putting down a damp towel at night- they tend to go under it. You can then put a trashcan or other container over the towel and slide something thin and wide beneath the towel/trashcan to cover the opening, flip it over and take it outside and release it.
Here is our page on snakes:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/snakes/
Christine
