Since you live alone, you have the advantage of not having to wrangle children or pets!
- Slowly back out of the room and close the door.
- Roll up a towel and stuff it tightly under the door gap so the snake cannot slither into the rest of the house.
- Keep an eye on the room from a safe distance.
3. Do NOT Try to Catch or Kill It
This is the most important rule. Trying to swat it with a broom, trap it under a bucket, or handle it yourself is how accidents happen. Let the professionals handle it.
4. Call for Backup
Since you don't need to be a hero, this is the perfect time to call for help.
- Animal Control or Non-Emergency Police Line: They can often dispatch an officer or animal control specialist who has the proper tools (like a snake grabber and a secure bin) to safely remove it.
- Pest Control / Wildlife Removal: Many local pest control companies also handle wildlife removal. They are experts at catching snakes and releasing them safely back into the wild.
5. The "Open Door" Trick (Only if you know it's harmless)
If you are absolutely certain the snake is non-venomous (like a common garter snake or rat snake) and it is near an exterior door, you can simply open the outside door, turn off the lights in the room, and give it time. Snakes often sense the change in temperature and light and will simply slither outside on their own. However, if you have any doubt at all, just close the door and call a professional!
🔍 How to Tell if it’s Venomous (From a Safe Distance)
If you can safely take a quick photo with your smartphone from 6+ feet away, it can help animal control know how to handle it. If you can't get a picture, look for these general clues (though there are always exceptions!):
- The Head Shape: Venomous snakes (like copperheads or rattlesnakes) typically have a distinct, triangular or arrow-shaped head that is much wider than their neck. Non-venomous snakes usually have rounded, smooth heads that blend seamlessly into their neck.
- The Eyes: Venomous snakes often have vertical, cat-like slit pupils, while non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. (Note: This is hard to see from a distance!)
- The Tail: Venomous snakes usually have a short, blunt tail that ends right after the vent. Non-venomous snakes usually have a long, tapering tail.
If you can't tell, always assume it might be venomous and call a professional.
🏡 How to Keep Them from Coming Back
Once the snake is safely removed, take a quick walk around the outside of your house to see how it got in.
- Seal the Gaps: Check for gaps under exterior doors, cracks in the foundation, or holes where pipes enter the house. A snake can fit through a gap as small as a quarter! Use caulk, weather stripping, or steel wool to seal them up.
- Clear the Perimeter: Snakes love to hide in tall grass, thick bushes, or piles of firewood right up against the house. Keep your yard tidy and trim back any branches touching the roof or siding.
- Remove the Food Source: If you have mice or insects in your home, snakes will follow. Keeping your home pest-free is the best snake deterrent.
❤️ The Heart of the Matter
Finding a snake in your house is definitely a surprise, but it is rarely a disaster. They are just wild animals looking for a quiet place to rest. By staying calm, closing the door, and calling a professional to handle the removal, you keep yourself perfectly safe while letting the snake go back to where it belongs.
You’ve got this! Just remember: Space, Isolate, and Call for Help. 🐍✨