Have you spotted more snakes around your home this summer? Georgia snakes are much more active now than in most summers because we had such a mild winter. This doesn’t mean you should lock up your kids and stay inside for the last few weeks of summer, but it does mean you may need to pay a little more attention and know what to do if you see a snake near your home. 

The good news is that of the 46 species of snakes we have in Georgia, only 6 are venomous. Another bit of comforting news is that snakes don’t want to bite people; they’d rather attack things like small rodents. So if you spot a snake, as long as you keep your distance and don’t threaten it at all, you have virtually nothing to worry about.

What to do if you see a snake

Generally speaking, you want to keep your distance, especially if you’re not able to tell what type of snake it is right away. If you must get the snake removed, call in the professionals. We’ll come safely remove it. 

If that’s absolutely impossible and you must take care of the problem immediately on your own, use a shovel to place the snake into a deep, covered bucket. Make sure your kids and pets are somewhere safe and be sure to never use your hands. 

Here’s a quick guide on how to identify venomous snakes. Knowing how to identify venomous ones will not only give you peace of mind, it’ll also help keep you and your family safe.

How to keep snakes away

Living in Georgia, it’s almost impossible not to encounter at least one snake near your home; Georgia is their home, too. However, we never want to put our children, pets, or selves at risk, so here are a few things you can do to keep them away:

• Keep your grass cut. Snakes love hiding in tall grass. 
• Always look into dark places before reaching your hand in to grab anything. Snakes also love dark, cool spaces, so outdoor storage bins, sheds, and closets are prime places for them to call home. 
• Try to avoid walking through pine straw. If you use pine straw throughout your yard, try to avoid walking through it often. If you need to walk through it, make sure you wear sturdy boots and long pants, and be very cautious of copperheads that tend to blend in. 
• Rake leaves and eliminate debris. Snakes are good camouflagers, so no area of debris is safe. Keep your lawn clear at all times (and bonus, it’ll look better, too!). 

Ultimately, we want you to be safe and aware, but we don’t want you to be scared of your own yard or the outdoors. Keep your distance and keep our number on hand in case you come across a snake in your yard in order to stay safe. Have any questions? Reach out to us here.