If a snake has entered your home, it’s essential to remain calm and take the following steps to ensure your safety and the snake’s safe removal:
- Keep Your Distance: The first rule when encountering a snake is to maintain a safe distance. Most snake bites occur when people attempt to handle or corner the snake. Stay at least 6 to 8 feet away from the snake to avoid provoking it.
- Do Not Approach or Agitate the Snake: Never attempt to touch, handle, or provoke the snake in any way. Snakes may feel threatened and strike if they perceive danger.
- Keep Pets and Children Away: Ensure that pets and children are kept away from the area where the snake is located. Make sure they understand not to approach or engage with the snake.
- Isolate the Snake: If possible, close the door or place a barrier (e.g., a towel or cardboard) between you and the snake to limit its movement and prevent it from entering other areas of your home.
- Identify the Snake (Optional): If you can do so from a safe distance and without agitating the snake, try to identify its species. This information can be useful for professionals who may be called to remove it. However, do not put yourself at risk to identify the snake.
- Call a Professional: The safest and most effective way to deal with a snake in your home is to contact a professional snake removal service or a local wildlife control expert. They have the necessary equipment and experience to safely and humanely remove the snake. Do not attempt to catch or remove the snake yourself unless you have proper training and equipment.
- Close Off Access Points: After the snake has been safely removed, inspect your home for any possible entry points where the snake may have entered. Seal these openings to prevent future snake infestations.
- Remain Cautious: Even after the snake has been removed, remain cautious and vigilant for a while, as there may be more snakes in the area. Take steps to make your property less attractive to snakes, such as removing debris and clutter where they can hide and eliminating food sources like rodents.
Remember that most snakes encountered in homes are not venomous and are often harmless. However, it’s best to treat all snakes with caution and seek professional assistance for their safe removal to prevent any accidents or harm to the snake.
