SSSSSS……….Snakes everywhere! We have been receiving an over abundance of snake calls. And in typical fashion, we like to deliver useful information in a timely manner to our clients. I would have to say that 85% of the calls are typically regarding the black rat snake. Hence, this blog will focus on black Rat Snakes. If you would like to learn about other non-venomous snakes found in our area, please visit this months Bust Em’ Newsletter.
Black rat snakes are one of the longest snakes found in North America, occasionally reaching up to 9 feet long. I think that’s why we get so many calls regarding this snake. They tend to “Freak” people out. The average adult 
black rat snake is between 42” and 72” long. You typically will see them in cellars, crawl spaces, attics, barns, sheds and garages—basically a cool damp and dark space. Are you surprised to see locations with heights? Don’t be, black rat snakes are excellent climbers, especially while hunting for a meal. Most of the time when a black rat snake enters those locations they are chasing after their food source – rodents. In fact, black rat snakes play an important role in our ecological systems by reducing rodent populations, which in turn assist in the reduction crop damage. Black rats can live up to 15 years. Their natural habitat is comprised of woods, fields, rocky hillsides, and river bottoms. Black rat snakes mate from May through June, laying their eggs from May through early July, in loose soil, decaying wood, sawdust or a manure pile. Their eggs hatch between July and September and an average clutch will have 14 eggs, but may have up to 24.
To be honest, other than freaking you out, black rat snakes are harmless. In fact, they are natural exterminators for many rodents that carry harmful diseases to humans. But that being said, if a snake is getting in, so can other wildlife.
The best prevention for avoiding a nuisance wildlife issue with black rat snake or any other snake for that matter is to ensure that your residential or commercial property is sealed up tight. We call it Wildlife Exclusion and it’s the best way to humanely avoid unwanted wildlife encounters.
Most people pay their exterminator/pest control company a quarterly fee to ensure that no pests get in. In wildlife management, if done properly the first time, you make a one-time investment in your residential or commercial property and adhere to the habitat modification recommendations and the animal control issue is resolved. Please contact us at our toll free number 855-945-1212 if you are interested in pursuing any of our wildlife exclusion and prevention programs.
As I have mentioned many times before, if you remove the why and what the nuisance wildlife will typically move on. Some preventative measures to avoid a snake encounter include:
- Grains, pet food, and birdseed will attract mice, insects, and other species, which then attract snakes. Keep these foods in mouse- or insect-proof containers. Exclude insects and mice from your buildings.
- Reduce the amount of mulch in your garden, around trees and shrubs (again, this will discourage mice and other potential snake food).
- Mow closely around the building.
- Remove woodpiles, junk, and piles of rocks.
- Don’t plant right next to the foundation, because that provides cover for snakes and many pests.
Happy 4th of July. Celebrate your freedoms!…..And Vote To Keep Them!
Inspirational Quote of the Week
“If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well
make it dance.”
George Bernard Shaw
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