Discovering holes in your yard can be unnerving, as it is often difficult to tell what created it, and if it is still occupied or not. Snakes, for example, tend to move into holes previously dug by rodents or other animals. Being able to identify these holes and determine if they are occupied by snakes is a small but important way to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
Why is a Snake on My Property?
Snakes are on your property because they provide access to shelter or food. You can usually ignore a snake in your yard. Monitor the area, and you’ll find the snake will leave on its own.
If you notice the same snake on your land several days in a row, there’s a pretty good chance there’s a food source (rodents).
This is also true if the snake winds up inside your house. Finding a snake in your home can be a clear indication of a larger rodent infestation.
What Does a Snake Hole in the Yard Look Like?
Snakes don’t create their own holes. Rather, they take over the former holes of rodents, turtles, and frogs, usually after eating them. It is for this reason that it can be difficult to tell if a hole is occupied by a snake or by some other animal. Typically, snakes prefer holes that range from as small as half an inch to several inches in diameter and are usually narrower at the entrance, widening as they go deeper into the ground. The shape may be circular or slightly oval.
To identify recent snake activity around a hole, look for fresh snake tracks near the entrance. These tracks often appear as wavy lines in the soil. Another sign is the presence of shed snake skins nearby, as snakes shed their skin periodically, often close to their burrows. Additionally, disturbed or displaced soil around the entrance of the hole can indicate recent snake activity.
What Kind of Snake is in My Yard?
Noticing potential snake holes in your backyard can naturally lead to questions about the type of snakes you might be dealing with. Texas is home to a great many snakes—105 different species, to be precise. Fortunately, only 15 of these are potentially dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, some of those are quite common and are sometimes seen in residential areas.
Here are a few snakes you could run into in the Lone Star state:
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
One of the most infamous snakes, the western diamondback rattlesnake is named for the rattle on the end of its tail, which is made up of several hollow, interlocked segments of keratin. The muscles that contract to produce the rattling do so extremely quickly—50 times per second, on average. Rattlesnakes only bite humans when they are threatened or severely agitated, and even then, they will give ample warning before biting. With that said, rattlesnake venom is extremely potent, so these creatures are best left alone.
Copperhead
The copperhead is a venomous pit viper that is quite common in Texas. It gets its name from the copper coloration on its head. This snake prefers woodland areas and swamps, but can still also be found in residential areas. Although the potency of its venom pales in comparison to that of the mighty diamondback, you still don’t want to get bit, so contact a wildlife professional before entangling yourself with one of these.
Eastern Coral Snake
A highly venomous snake found in parts of eastern and southern Texas, the eastern coral snake boasts a dazzling pattern of red, yellow, and black bands, making it rather easy to spot. The coral snake is somewhat reclusive and avoids humans, so seeing them is somewhat rare.
Rat Snake
The rat snake is a non-venomous snake found throughout the state of Texas. A constrictor, the rat snake squeezes the life out of its victims, which usually take the form of rodents. These snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar coloration and defensive behavior of hissing and tail-vibrating, but the similarities end there. Rat snakes are harmless to humans and can even be a kind of natural pest control.
Garter Snake
One of the most common snakes in all of North America, garter snakes are found in abundance all over the continent. Known for its long, slender body and distinct stripes, garter snakes feed primarily on small amphibians and fish. Although harmless to humans, garter snakes can become a nuisance in residential areas, and often have to be extricated from homes.
Western Hognose Snake
The western hognose snake is a non-venomous snake commonly found in the prairies and grasslands of Texas. It has a sandy-colored body with brown splotches, looking very much like a rattlesnake to the untrained eye. Bites from Hognose snakes are exceedingly rare.
Coachwhip
The coachwhip is a non-venomous snake that relies on superior speed and agility to subdue its prey. This snake is found in various habitats, such as grasslands, deserts, and scrublands. Although non-venomous, the coachwhip tends to strike repeatedly when threatened, so it’s best to appreciate this creature from a distance.
Remember, most snakes prefer to avoid human interaction and pose little threat to humans. If you’re unsure about the type of snakes in your backyard or feel trepidation about dealing with snakes directly, contact a professional wildlife removal service like Trutech, whose team of experts can help identify the snake species and provide safe and effective solutions.
How Can I Tell if a Snake Hole is Occupied?
If you’ve noticed holes in your yard and suspect they might be snake holes, it’s important to differentiate them from other animal burrows. Snakes prefer burrowing in loose soil or areas with ample ground cover, such as tall grass, shrubs, or under rocks or debris. While holes created by moles or gophers often have a visible mound of soil around them, by the time snakes take over the hole, the mound has usually gone away.
Another clue to identify snake holes is by examining the tracks near the hole. Snakes often leave distinctive tracks in the vicinity of their burrows, which can be identified by a long, sinuous trail on the ground, often with a distinct S-shaped pattern.
To determine if a snake hole is currently occupied, you can try a few methods.
- Carefully place a layer of fine sand or flour near the entrance. Check back after a day or two; if you notice fresh tracks or disturbances, the snake hole is likely still in use.
- Another method is to place a small, non-toxic object, such as a twig or leaf, at the entrance and monitor it over time. If the object remains undisturbed for several days, it could indicate that the snake hole is vacant.
Remember, snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and are generally beneficial to have around. However, if you suspect venomous snakes or have concerns, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service like Trutech for safe and effective snake removal.
Snake Holes in My House
Snakes are skilled at finding their way into homes, often through small openings that may go unnoticed. But they cannot create their entry points like mice and rats can. Understanding how snakes get inside your house and knowing the typical places for snake entry holes can help you take preventative measures to keep these slithering creatures out.
So, how do snakes manage to infiltrate your home? There are several ways:
- Cracks and gaps: Snakes can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, or windows of your house. Even the smallest openings can be an invitation for these reptiles.
- Doors and windows: If doors and windows are not properly sealed or have gaps in their frames, snakes can easily slither their way inside.
- Vents and pipes: Snakes are excellent climbers and can make their way into your home through vents or pipes that are not adequately covered or protected.
Now that you have an idea of how snakes gain access to your house, let’s explore the typical places where you might find snake entry holes:
- Foundation: Snakes can enter through gaps in the foundation, especially near utility pipes or areas where the foundation has shifted or cracked.
- Exterior walls: Look for cracks or holes in the exterior walls of your house, particularly around utility openings or damaged siding.
- Attic: Snakes can access your attic through gaps in the eaves, vents, or damaged roof shingles.
- Crawl spaces: Inspect crawl spaces for any openings or gaps that snakes could use as entry points.
Who Do Call for Snake Control in Texas?
By identifying potential snake entry holes and sealing them off, you can minimize the risk of snakes finding their way inside your home. If you suspect you already have snakes in your house, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service like Trutech to safely and effectively handle the situation.
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