We live in a state that sometimes seems like it has more than its fair share of the one thing that strikes fear into the hearts of many. Snakes! Some say they are just misunderstood, and that may well be true; but facing a snake in your home, near your children and your pets, might not be the best time to get better acquainted.

Now that spring is here, snakes are coming out of their winter hibernation spots and are getting ready for a season of dining, sunning themselves on rocks, and mating so their young will be born in the summer months. These slithery creatures are an important part of the ecological system mostly by helping to control the rodent population and reducing the damaging effects of mice, rats, and even groundhogs. Most of us are perfectly happy letting snakes do their part just as long as it is nowhere near us.

Missouri has many species of snakes living in a variety of habitats all over the state. Most are harmless to humans such as the Western worm snake, the Eastern yellow-bellied racer, rat snakes, water snakes, and prairie snakes. Others, such as the copperhead, cottonmouth, and a few varieties of rattlesnakes are venomous to humans. It is important to note that these are relatively private creatures and frankly, do not really want anything to do with us either. If snakes and humans do cross paths, they will do their best to get away from us, hide from us, or at least warn us that we are too close.

Homeowners can do their part to keep snakes outside where they belong. Snakes like cool, dark places to set up housekeeping and that can be found easily in your basement or crawlspace.

• Seal any gaps in windows or doors with caulking or weather stripping.

• Seal any cracks in the foundation or skirting.

• Keep grass or bushes are well maintained

• Store woodpiles well away from the structure. These serve as great hiding places for snakes and for rodents, which are a huge food source for snakes.

Discouraging snakes from finding their way in will also discourage mice and rats from making themselves at home. If you already have evidence of mice on your property, getting that population under control is essential to keeping snakes out of your home.

Should you find any snakes in or close to your home, it is essential that you do not approach them, or try to capture them yourself. Even though there are only a few venomous snakes, all cornered animals can bite. And, if you are not sure what you are facing, this is not a chance you want to take with you or your family’s health and well being. Give us a call at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions. Our wildlife exclusion team will quickly come to your rescue to handle any snake that might be too close for comfort.