Snake control

The good news about snakes is that running into them is fairly rare. Despite their fearsome reputation, most species of snakes are shy and do not want to confront humans. Most will not seek out humans, and if they do attack, it is done for defensive reasons because they have been stepped on or their habitat has been disturbed.

However, snakes do sometimes end up around buildings and do require some control. If you find snakes on your property, the best way to deal with them is to call your local Department of Natural Resources or reach out to the National Wildlife Species Information Center.

Have you spotted snakes on your property? The Rentokil snake experts can help identify the species of snake and take care of the issue quickly and efficiently. Contact Rentokil online or call us today at 1-855-633-6260.

How to know if you have snakes

There are certain places where snakes may be more likely to hide on your property.

• Reptile habitats - Nature reserves of rough grassland, disused quarries, large allotments, large derelict urban sites, or sunny road and railway embankments with scrub cover
• Garden features - Wood, rock or rubble piles, rockeries, ponds, long grass areas and shrubs
• Sunny areas - Suntrap areas with lots of vegetation cover and places to shelter
• Gardens, parks or other grassed areas - Under debris or are near features such as hedges, ponds, compost heaps and areas of long grass

Snakes like to hide, so you may not know they are around until you actually see them. Snakes shed their skins several times a year, so one of the first signs might be the shed skins they leave behind. If your business is in a dusty area or has a lot of dirt around, you might also see twisted trails from where they slithered by.

How to keep snakes away from your business

How ‘snake proof’ is your business? Are you aware that a snake, particularly the thinner ones, can get into your commercial property through a gap the size of a pen or pencil – as can a mouse!

Also, remember that some snakes can swim and climb so carefully inspect the exterior and interior of your building. A Rentokil Specialist can inspect your premises and advise you on proofing against entry by snakes.

'Proof' your business against snakes

Here are some things to look for when inspecting your property:

• Do you have screens on your windows and doors? Are there gaps around the frame or holes in the actual screening?
• Do you have any gaps under doors? If so, weather stripping can be an effective way to seal these.
• Are there holes, cracks or crevices in the brick or plasterwork of your building?
• Are there any holes, cracks or crevices between patio areas or pathways and your property? Drainage areas in patios are a perfect point of entry.
• Is the gauge size of your drain grates small enough to stop snakes from entering?

Take these steps to prevent snakes from entering your business:

• Make sure that there are no holes in the roof through which snakes can enter - particularly if trees overhang the building.
• Ensure baseboards do not have gaps under or behind them.
• Seal all holes where wiring, plumbing or gas enters your business.
• Cover gutters and drain pipes with fine-gauge mesh.
• If your business has wooden floorboards ensure that access to the floor space beneath them is sealed and that gaps between the boards themselves are filled.
• Long grass is a favored habitat of snakes so keep the landscaping around your property well maintained.
• Keep shrubs trimmed around their base and away from the walls of your facility.
• Ensure that tree branches do not cover your property or seating areas around your business.
• Regularly sweep up leaves and other debris on your property.
• Install solid wooden decking in seating areas (rather than slatted) to prevent snakes from climbing through it.
• Keep garbage and compost in sealed receptacles to keep potential snake prey like rats and mice out.

A mouse or rat infestation can lead to a snake problem. Learn more about our rodent control services.

• Mouse Control
• Rat Control
• Rodent Control

What to do if bitten by a snake

Snake bites are generally rare, but they do happen. If you or anyone on your property gets bitten, call an emergency service right away and get the victim to a hospital quickly. If possible, find out what type of snake it was, as this will help with treatment.

Rentokil snake control specialists

Rentokil specialists are skilled, experienced professionals – they are state-certified, licensed applicators and are required to participate in regular training programs to maintain their expertise. They understand the habits of each species and use that knowledge when developing a control program for your business. They also have respect for you, your property, your employees, customers and your time.

At Rentokil, we pride ourselves on fast, responsive service every day. We are always available for any emergency pest concerns that may develop and all appointments are scheduled at times that are convenient for you. If you would like further advice or to arrange a free pest inspection by a Rentokil Specialist, call us at 1-855-633-6260.