Ah, the rat snake. This misunderstood creature is often confused for other snakes, like the venomous cottonmouth. But don’t let the name fool you—rat snakes are not aggressive and pose no threat to humans.
Still, if the sight of a rat snake sends shivers down your spine, it’s understandable! If they’re making themselves at home on your property, here’s what you can do:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Rat snakes are non-venomous and can be kept as pets. |
| Provide a suitable enclosure with hiding spots for your rat snake. |
| Feed your rat snake a diet of appropriately sized prey items. |
| Ensure proper temperature and humidity levels in the snake’s habitat. |
| Handle your rat snake with care and caution to avoid stress. |
| Consult a reptile veterinarian for any health concerns or questions. |
Call a Professional
If you can’t do it yourself, your best option is to call a professional. Professional snake removal services are trained to handle snakes safely and humanely, so you don’t have to worry about getting injured (or worse).
They can also help you find where the snake is hiding so that they can remove it as quickly as possible.
If you’re worried about cost, remember that hiring someone who knows what they’re doing will save time in the long run by allowing them to get rid of your problem right away instead of having to wait until tomorrow or even later on in the week before someone comes by again.
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Learn About Rat Snakes
As the name suggests, rat snakes are nonvenomous and they are common in the US and Canada.
These reptiles are not aggressive and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. They eat rats, mice, and other small mammals which makes them beneficial for keeping rodent populations down.
Rat snakes grow to about six feet long but their colors can vary depending on what subspecies they belong to as well as where they live.
Some have brown or black markings while others are bright orange or yellow with red eyes; these colors make them more visible when hunting prey because their natural environment is often dark underground tunnels where visibility is limited even for humans who aren’t colorblind like these reptiles!
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Natural habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and farmlands |
| Diet | Rodents, birds, eggs, and occasionally frogs and lizards |
| Size | Length ranges from 3 to 7 feet (depending on the species) |
| Lifespan | Average lifespan of 10 to 20 years (varies by species) |
| Temperament | Generally docile and non-aggressive |
| Popular Species | Corn Snake, Texas Rat Snake, Black Rat Snake, Grey Rat Snake |
| Housing Requirements | Enclosure with proper heating, hiding spots, and secure lid |
| Feeding | Pre-killed rodents appropriate for the snake’s size |
| Care and Handling | Gentle handling, minimal stress, regular health check-ups |
Research Rat Snake Removal
If you are unsure about whether or not you need to call a professional, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Rat snakes have no venom and aren’t likely to attack unless they feel threatened. They mainly use their bite as a means of defense, so if the snake hasn’t bitten you yet, it’s probably not going to.
Snakes like rat snakes typically only leave their homes when the weather gets cold or wet and they’re looking for food or warmth. This can happen at any time of year depending on where you live (though summer months tend to be worst).
You might find that your unwanted visitor leaves after a day or two on his own accord—but if he doesn’t leave on his own or returns later in the year, then it may be worth calling someone who knows how to handle these types of situations professionally.
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Distract the Rat Snake
If you are able to safely approach the snake, try using a fake rat to distract it. Your best bet is to make this yourself out of something like cardboard and fur.
A large, fluffy sock would work well for this purpose! Once you have your fake rat ready, carefully put it near the snake’s head and watch what happens.
If the snake doesn’t seem interested in your homemade puppet, try moving it closer until it becomes interested enough to strike at your creation.
Once the snake has bitten down on the fake prey item (and hopefully not you!), use this opportunity to quickly move away from both animals before they can become entangled or hurt themselves trying to fight each other off
| Techniques | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Snake Toys | Provide interactive toys designed for snake enrichment |
| Offer Food Puzzles | Utilize puzzles or feeders that require problem-solving |
| Provide Hiding Spots | Create hiding spots or shelters to mimic their natural habitat |
| Environmental Enrichment | Introduce novel objects or scents to stimulate curiosity |
| Visual Diversion | Use moving objects, such as a hanging toy or crawling insect |
| Auditory Distractions | Play low-volume music or sounds to create an engaging environment |
Reduce or Eliminate Rodent Sightings
Rat snakes can be some of the most common snakes you’ll see in your backyard. They tend to like a good source of food – rats, mice, and other rodents.
If you notice rat snakes around, this doesn’t necessarily mean that there are more rats and mice around – it just means that they are attracted to areas with more food sources.
There are a few things you can do to reduce or eliminate rodent sightings:
Keep garbage bags in the garage or a covered trashcan. Don’t leave bags outside overnight – rats love them!
Clean up after your pets; we all know how messy dogs can be – clean up their waste so that rodents don’t have easy access to it (not only will this help prevent disease but it’ll make your lawn look better too).
Don’t leave pet food out overnight; keep it stored away so rodents aren’t able find an easy meal when no one is watching them at night (the same goes for any other type of food scraps – keep garbage tidy!).
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Use Non-Toxic Deterrents
Be careful with rodenticides, rat poison, and other toxic substances. These poisons are often harmful to snakes as well as people.
Use non-toxic deterrents to keep rats away from your house. You can make homemade solutions or purchase commercial repellents that are safe for both snakes and humans.
Some examples include peppermint oil, spearmint oil, cayenne pepper powder or dried hot peppers scattered around the perimeter of your home.
Make sure that the area around your house has plenty of ventilation so it doesn’t get too humid inside during winter months when snakes hibernate there
Keep the Property Tidy
Reduce the presence of food sources. Snakes are attracted to rodents and birds, so keep your property free of food sources that could attract them. Make sure to clean up after picnics or outdoor cookouts and keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
Keep compost bins tightly covered at all times. Snakes like warm places, and compost bins can provide just that if not properly covered with a lid or screen on top.
| Actions | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | Minimizes hiding spots for rats and other pests |
| Proper Waste Disposal | Reduces attractants for rodents and other wildlife |
| Seal Entry Points | Prevents rats from entering buildings or structures |
| Clear Vegetation | Eliminates potential nesting and hiding places |
| Store Food Properly | Avoids food sources that may attract rats |
| Use Pest Control | Provides effective measures to manage rat populations |
Practice Good Hygiene Practices
When handling snakes, it is important to practice good hygiene practices. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a snake or cleaning its cage.
You should also keep children away from the cage and make sure they are supervised by an adult at all times.
Finally, if you have an infestation in your home, do not let rats or mice into the house—this will only increase their population and make it harder for you to get rid of them in the future!
In order to avoid catching diseases like salmonella (which can be contracted when handling rats), try not eating with rat snakes around (or anywhere near them).
It’s also best if you don’t clean their cages while holding one in your hands; instead use tongs or another tool designed specifically for this purpose. If someone becomes ill after coming into contact with a rat snake then contact Poison Control immediately so they can give advice on treatment options.
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Trim Brush and Shrubs Regularly
One of the best ways to keep rats away from your property is to keep shrubs and brush trimmed. Snakes love hiding in grass, bushes, and other vegetation because it provides them with safety from predators.
The more hidden they can be, the safer they feel. Trimming these areas will make it easier for you to spy on snakes as they slither around your property.
If you have tall grass behind your house or at the side of your garage where rodents may reside, consider cutting that down as well; rats are not fond of open spaces and tend to avoid them if possible.
If there’s an area behind your home that has been neglected over time and has grown into a mess where tall weeds cover everything including pathways through the yard – trimming these back would be helpful too!
Utilize Natural Snake Repellents
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of ratsnakes, there are a number of products on the market that use food-based ingredients such as cayenne pepper, hot sauce and vinegar.
These products are safe for humans and pets so you don’t have to worry about leaving them around your house when you’re not using them.
However, it’s important not to use mothballs or moth crystals as these products can be toxic to wildlife.
Keep Doors and Windows Shut Tightly
Keeping the doors and windows shut will keep snakes from coming into your home. You can also use weather stripping to help keep them out.
Use Screens on Your Doors and Windows
You can put screens on every door and window in your home if you want to, but it is not necessary unless you think that there is a chance that rats could come inside and get trapped inside with them.
If you do use screens, make sure they fit tightly so that they cannot be pushed off by any snakes looking for an entrance into your home.
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Avoid Clever Traps & Methods That May Harm Other Wildlife
Do not use glue traps. Glue traps are inhumane and kill animals slowly, if at all. They can also catch other wildlife such as birds, bats, and small rodents like chipmunks or squirrels.
Do not use rat poison. Rat poison causes slow death from internal bleeding or organ failure, leaving the animal to suffer.
It can also contaminate the water supply with toxins that will harm other wildlife (including humans) if they drink it or eat tainted prey that has died from ingesting the poison themselves.
Avoid using traps near areas where you know there will be other creatures that might be harmed by them—such as near ponds or lakes where waterfowl congregate (or anywhere children may play). If you do find dead animals that have been trapped by one of these devices in an area like this, remove it immediately!
Conclusion
Rats are a serious problem, and rat snakes can be an important solution to the problem. The most important thing you can do is learn about these amazing creatures and how they can help you get rid of rats.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you can explore for further information on dealing with snakes:
What to Do About Snakes – Humane Society: The Humane Society provides guidance on understanding snakes and offers tips on how to handle encounters with these reptiles safely.
Home Remedies to Keep Snakes Away – CallNorthwest: CallNorthwest presents a comprehensive list of home remedies that can help deter snakes from your property, providing natural alternatives to keep them at bay.
How to Get Rid of Snakes – This Old House: This Old House offers practical advice and strategies for effectively removing snakes from your surroundings, ensuring a snake-free environment.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about dealing with snakes:
How can I identify if a snake is venomous or non-venomous?
- The identification of venomous or non-venomous snakes can be challenging for inexperienced individuals. It’s best to consult a local wildlife expert or herpetologist who can provide accurate information based on your geographical region.
What should I do if I encounter a snake in my yard?
- If you encounter a snake in your yard, it is advisable to keep a safe distance and avoid provoking or approaching it. Contact a local wildlife agency or professional snake removal service to handle the situation appropriately.
How can I snake-proof my home or property?
- To minimize the chances of snakes entering your home or property, seal any potential entry points such as gaps in doors, windows, or walls. Additionally, keep your surroundings tidy, remove clutter, and trim overgrown vegetation where snakes may seek shelter.
Are there any effective natural repellents for snakes?
- While some home remedies may claim to repel snakes, their effectiveness varies. Commonly suggested natural repellents include substances like sulfur, clove oil, or cinnamon. However, it’s important to note that these remedies may not provide foolproof protection and professional assistance may be required.
What precautions should I take when encountering a snake?
- When encountering a snake, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden movements. Do not attempt to handle or capture the snake unless you are a trained professional. Instead, contact local wildlife authorities or snake removal services for assistance.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.