Snakes sometimes frighten people more than any other pest. They are masters of the “sneak attack;” they can camouflage themselves and creep up to you slowly. You likely won’t see them coming. In the blink of an eye, they might charge at and bite you. Since they have sharp fangs and are potentially venomous, the outcomes can be bleak. Pain, injuries, medical issues, and even death can occur. Snakes are a threat to both humans and animals.
You definitely don’t want a snake around your Pensacola home or business. Someone or a beloved pet could get seriously hurt. These pests live and thrive in outdoor settings, so it can be hard to manage their populations. Learn more about local species, what it takes to conquer them, and how EnSec can help.
What Snakes Are Common in Pensacola? What Are the Dangers?
Copperhead and cottonmouth snakes are two species that are rampant in the city. Both are pit vipers. Living up to their name, adult copperheads have the corresponding coloring upon their crowns. The rest of their scaly skin has a reddish tint. Red or brown dots and crossbands decorate their 2 to 3 foot long, thick bodies. In terms of shape, the patterns resemble an hourglass. Beneath the surface, these pests are pink, light tan, or brown. Mottling is on their white, brown, or yellow stomachs. They can’t reach beyond low bushes because they are ground reptiles. Copperheads are prone to biting; fatalities are rare. You’re likely to experience pain and tissue damage, though.
Cottonmouth snakes have a revealing label as well; the inside of their mouths are white. If you see this or observe them bundling up in a coil, they are feeling defensive. These critters are 2 to 4 feet long. They have triangular heads and dark nostril stripes. At the point of maturation, they have yellow, brown, black, or olive scales and bands. A lighter hue adorns their abdomens. Since the reptiles gather near bodies of water and are skillful swimmers, they’re occasionally called “water moccasin snakes.” The toxins they harbor can cause internal bleeding due to altering blood flow and cells. Severe pain, muscle or tissue injury, and extremity loss tend to accompany their bites too.
Additional things to remember about these snakes are:
- Their eyes are vertical, similar to cats
- They flourish in sunny, grassy, wooded, rocky, and watery areas
- You’ll probably see them by logs and branches
- Groups of them will be close to woodpiles, outbuildings, and covered spaces in residential and urban zones
- Indoor invasions are possible
- Kids, senior citizens, and folks with immune system conditions will be greatly affected by snake venom
- Seek immediate medical attention if you’re bitten
How Can You Prevent Pensacola Snakes?
To discourage snakes, you’ll need to be more detailed with your lawn maintenance:
- Cut the grass and trim the greenery regularly. Discard organic debris in the yard.
- Use repellent plants for gardens, like wormwood, lemongrass, and marigolds.
- Sit plants and wood at least two feet away from the property.
- Install catch net, steel mesh, or plastic sheeting fencing.
- Lay gravel down for the property perimeter; snakes will have difficulty passing it.
- Patch up holes in foundations, exterior buildings, and utilities.
- Make sure screens, sweeps, and weather stripping are intact.
- Contact EnSec if you have pests that snakes consume, such as frogs, birds, and rodents.
What Can EnSec Do About Pensacola Snakes?
Whether a snake is venomous or not, these pests can bring pain and discomfort. The expert technicians at EnSec will do an extensive home pest control inspection to identify nesting sites and susceptibilities. Then, they’ll use safe exterior treatments that are industrial-grade. Our approaches are humane and designed to stop future invasions. Call today for a free estimate!