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What you need to know about snakes

Jan 25, 2023

Although some snakes are non-venomous, all snakes can bring diseases into your home, and venomous snakes can really hurt you, your family, or your pets. Snakes are without a doubt some of the scariest pests to discover in your home or on your property. The safest way to deal with a snake pest control problem is to hire a professional exterminator. Snakes can nest in hard to see places, such as under leaf litter, inside hollowed logs, or underground in abandoned animal burrows. Snakes might even take refuge in domestic areas such as a shed or garage. Once you find a snake nest, it can be dangerous to try to capture the snake (or more than one snake) who lives there on your own. While some snakes are non-venomous, venomous snakes can inflict major injuries with just one bite. Store bought or homemade snake repellents and do-it-yourself traps just aren’t as reliable in helping you get rid of snakes to protect yourself, your family, and/or your pets.

It can be challenging to tell what kind of snake is living on your property. It is a common misconception that all venomous snakes have “cat’s eye” or slit-shaped pupils and that all non-venomous snakes have round pupils. In Arkansas, the Coral Snake is a venomous snake native to the state that happens to have round pupils. Plus, if you are close enough to look at a snake’s pupils, you are probably too close for your own safety!

When are snakes typically most active?

Snakes are most active during the warmest times of the year, and they are slower during the cooler months. Most snake bites in Arkansas and Oklahoma occur between April and October. Some species of snakes typically hunt at night, while others may be more active during the day.

What kinds of snakes are found in Arkansas and Oklahoma?

There are nearly fifty kinds of snakes found in Arkansas and Oklahoma. These include venomous snakes, Coral Snake mimics, water snakes, terrestrial snakes, crayfish/mud snakes, and woodland snakes.

Which local snakes are venomous?

Fortunately, out of the nearly fifty kinds of snakes in Arkansas and Oklahoma, only fifteen percent of these (fewer than ten species in each state) are venomous. In Arkansas, venomous snakes include the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, three Rattlesnakes (Western Diamondback, Timber, and Western Pigmy) and the Coral Snake. In Oklahoma, venomous snakes include the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, and five Rattlesnakes (Western Diamondback, Timber, Western Pigmy, Prairie, and Western Massasauga.)

West Termite, Pest & Lawn is the best local pest control option, ready to help you with any snake pest control issues, infestations, or sightings you may be dealing with. Call us today!

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