Why did it have it be snakes? These limbless reptiles cause more phobias than almost any other type of animal, except perhaps spiders. When these scaly pests infest your property, it can be incredibly stressful. While most snakes encountered in Florida are harmless, there’s no way you want them living with you. If you’re experiencing snake troubles, here’s what you can do about your snake problem in Pensacola.
Common Snakes In Pensacola
Florida is home to nearly 50 unique species of snakes. They come in a stunning variety of sizes, patterns, and colors, and while many aren’t venomous, there are a few dangerous species to look out for. Common snakes found in Pensacola include:
- Eastern garter snake – A common reptile throughout the Eastern United States and Canada, these snakes range between about 15 to 36 inches in length. Many garter snakes are black, brown, green, or yellow with vertical yellow stripes, but appearances can vary. They are nonvenomous but are capable of biting.
- Eastern rat snake – This species has a distinct appearance in the Florida panhandle, with no visual difference between juvenile and adult snakes. Eastern rat snakes in Pensacola are gray with dark blotches and sandy-colored belly and grow up to six feet in length. They are nonvenomous but will bite if under duress.
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake – The largest rattlesnake found in North America, Eastern diamondbacks can grow up to six feet in length. They can be recognized by their distinct dark diamond pattern and trademark warning rattle and are considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the world.
- Cottonmouth – Named for the white interior of its mouth exposed when in a defensive coil, this aquatic species is found in every county in Florida. Average cottonmouth snakes range between two and four feet in length but have been known to grow even larger. While their venom is incredibly harmful, most bites are not fatal with proper medical attention.
What Attracts Snakes To My Property?
Your property can offer everything a snake needs: food, water, and shelter. Snakes may enter your property in order to hunt rodents, insects, and small reptiles. The factors that attract these pests — like access to garbage, fallen fruit and seeds, and even pet food — can, in turn, result in snakes.
Dense vegetation can provide a comfortable habitat for some snakes, while others are likely to hide out in cluttered yards beneath sheets of plywood, metal, stacks of firewood, or rock piles. Ground-level water from ponds and fountains can also attract snakes to your property.
How To Prevent Snakes
Thankfully, you can reduce the likelihood of snakes infesting your property with a few simple fixes.
- Address other pest issues. Keep rodents at bay by keeping trash in sturdy metal bins with tight-sealing lids. Clean up excess seeds and fruit in the yard and don’t leave pet food outdoors. Fix leaky pipes and faucets and don’t overwater flower beds and gardens to reduce small critters that snakes prey on.
- Clean the yard. Carefully rake any dead leaves and remove or trim any overgrown vegetation to give snakes fewer hiding places. Get rid of any junk plywood or metal that can serve as a shelter for snakes. Move firewood stacks at least 20 feet away from any buildings.
- Seal entrance points. Keep snakes from finding their way indoors by sealing large cracks with silicone caulk or patching with metal lathe or screening. Replace damaged weather stripping and door sweeps.
If you’ve spotted snakes on your property and need assistance with removal, contact the experts at EnSec Of Florida. We can safely get rid of the snakes infesting your Pensacola property and help prevent new snakes in the future. Get in touch with us today for all your home pest control needs in Pensacola.