Snake Removal and Control
There are 22 species of snakes in Pennsylvania, and only 3 are poisonous. Most people fear, distrust and are disgusted by snakes, yet they rarely cause damage, but can be a nuisance.
All snakes are protected by Fish and Boat Commission regulations, and some of Pennsylvania’s snakes are endangered, protected or threatened. It is not advised that you resolve snake conflicts without help, but always consult the rules and regulations pertaining to snakes with the Fish and Boat Commission.
About Snakes
About SnakesSnakes are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is about the same as their environment. That’s why you see snakes sunning on warm rocks on cool days and hiding in the shade or under rocks on warm days. They hibernate over the winter.
There are semi-aquatic, water snakes and terrestrial snakes. Semi aquatic snakes live on the land but may enter the water in search of food. Water snakes hang from limbs and vegetation, dropping into the water when finding food or frightened. They eat mostly fish and amphibians. Terrestrial snakes feed on toads, salamanders, rodents, and sometimes bird eggs. In general, snakes are not naturally harmful or damaging to people and property.
It is good to know the difference between poisonous snakes, which can be a danger to people and pets when startled or threatened, and harmless, non-poisonous snakes. Their coloration is an indicator, but is difficult to recognize because of variations within the species. As a rule of thumb, any Pennsylvania snake with lengthwise stripes or a solid color is nonpoisonous.
Poisonous snakes have elliptical-shaped pupils (like cat’s eyes) and a “pit” between their eyes and nostrils. Nonpoisonous snakes have round pupils and no “pit” between the eyes and nostrils. Additionally, poisonous snakes have single undivided scales on the underside of their tails, while nonpoisonous have a double divide row of scales.
Most snakes are not interested in humans, but rather the shelter and sometimes food humans provide. Removing the attractive sources is the simplest way to discourage snakes. Eliminate tall grass, brush piles, rock piles, and keep wood piles away from the house or elevated 18″ off the ground. Controlling rodent populations and insects removes the food source.
If you find a shed snakeskin in a shed, garage or other dark, safe place for snakes, do not be alarmed, it probably just means that one was in the area and has moved on to search for food. But if you suspect a snake in your home, attic, or basement, call Nuisance Wildlife to examine and rid your home of any intruders.
Snake Diseases
Snakes are not known as carriers of diseases, but all snakes can carry salmonella which can be transmitted to humans with a bite.
Professional Removal and Control of Snakes
Snake concerns arise when they get too close to people and their shelters. If you find a snake in the house, it is probably trying to get out or has found a good supply of food. Removing the food supply and closing the entrances snakes (and the rodents they are seeking) use for access will generally solve the problem.
Stay away from rocky areas, woods and brushy areas, and other safe dark places snakes may congregate. Do not try to capture a snake because of danger of bites, especially if you cannot identify the species.
Service Areas
We offer snake control and removal in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Duncannon, Enola, Dillsburg, Carlisle, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg, Hershey, Marysville, Hummelstown, Steelton, Middletown, Highspire, Halifax, Dauphin and other areas within a 25 mile radius of the Harrisburg area.
We provide snake control and removal in Dauphin County which includes Lower Paxton Township, Middle Paxton Township, Susquehanna Township, Derry Township, Swatara Township, Lower Swatara Township, East Hanover Township, West Hanover Township, South Hanover Township, and Londonderry Township.
We provide snake control and removal in Cumberland County which includes East Pennsboro Township, Hampden Township, Lower Allen Township, Upper Allen Township, Middlesex Township, Silver Spring Township.
We provide snake control and removal in Perry County which includes Rye Township, Penn Township.
We provide snake control and removal in York County which includes Carrol Township, Newberry Township, Fairview Township, Monaghan Township.