snake
Jade Small
Jade Small
January 28, 2024 ·  3 min read

What to do if you find a snake in your house according to an expert

You woke up one glorious day with a deep ambition to spring clean your home! You adorned yourself with your most raggedy outfit, rolled up your sleeves, and walked right up to the broom closet. Upon opening the closet door, you were met with the fright of your life – a snake in the house!! Panic might be your first reaction, but when you finally come to your senses, you might want to look into removing the little (or massive) critter. Some snakes are deathly poisonous, so we urge you to read this before you try removing them by yourself at home.

Amy Wombey, a zoologist from the Wildlife Sydney Zoo has shared some top tips on what to do if and when you find a snake in your home. It will never hurt to be prepared for the worst-case scenario because you will be well equipped to deal with it. And depending on where you live, this might be an inevitable situation. 

When you See a Snake, Don’t Panic!

The most common reaction to snake sighting is screaming and running away. This can be seen as a threat to the snake, so please, do try to remain calm. Practice those breathing exercises that you keep meaning to try out – they work wonders. 

Consider Possible Reasons Why There’s a Snake in House or Garage

Your house might be a manicured version of the world, but it does not exclude the ecosystem that still exists regardless. Your house is a little haven for mice and other creatures that are all a delicacy according to a snake’s diet. Not only that, but the warmth of your home, like the built-in heating, is very attractive for a snake, so they might take refuge from the outside cold. 

If There is On Snake in House, Are There Any More?

A good question to ask yourself is whether or not this sake is alone. Perhaps he has he led any more into your home? If you are worried your house is now a sake’s safe haven, find each and every hold that leads into and under walls or the roof. Make sure that your garden remains neat, with regular lawn mowing sessions.

brown snake slithering across wooden surface
Pexels

Should You Disinfect the Room You Found the Snake in House or Outhouse?

You do not necessarily have to disinfect the room to prevent the sake from coming back. What you should do, is make sure you declutter the room because that is where the snake loves hiding. 

Read: Ryder, 5, survived attack by two dogs – now cruel people call him a ”monster”

Make Sure You Snake Proof Your Home

You may have heard of baby proofing, but in the case of keeping snakes out of your home, you might want to look into snake proofing. This includes some home refurbishing, so in the end, you can kill two birds with one stone. Make sure there are no holes in your roof or floorboards. Fill in anything that looks like a snake could squeeze inside because the likelihood is high. 

snake inside home coiled up by a washing machine

Look Out For Signs of Snake in Your Home

A big sign that there might be a snake in your home is that there are suddenly no signs of other pests, like rats or mice that may usually be around. If you do not have a cat at home, then there might be some cause for concern. Another sign is the tell-tale shedding evidence. If you find a snake’s skin lying around, it might be time to be on alert. 

What to Do if the Snake in House Bites You?

This one is direly important. Remember that panic can increase your blood flow, which may speed up the spread of the venom. Remain as calm as you possibly can, apply pressure with a bandage or any stretchy cloth, and call emergency services. Do not try and clean or tourniquet the bite as the hospital may be able to identify the species of the bite. This is important for possibly needing to administer anti-venom.

Keep Reading: Fire Department Warned Pool Owners About Snakes Living Inside Of Pool Noodles

Sources

  1. What to do if you find a snake in your house.” Better Homes. Eunice Oh
  2. Snakes in the house: How they get in, how to get them out and what to do if you get bitten.The Augusta Chronical. Jozsef Papp. July 14, 2021