What to Do If You Find a Snake in Your Home
Finding a snake inside your home can be frightening, but staying calm is the most important first step.
Step 1: Keep Your Distance
From a safe distance, note the snake’s general color, pattern, size, and body shape. Do not approach it to examine its head or try to identify it closely.
If you are unsure whether it is venomous, treat it cautiously and keep your distance.
Never poke, capture, or handle the snake.
Step 2: Protect Yourself and Others
If possible, close the door to the room where the snake is and place a towel near the bottom of the door to limit its movement.
Move children and pets away calmly. Avoid sudden movements and do not corner the snake. A frightened snake may become defensive if it feels trapped.
If you can safely observe it from a distance, remember where it moves. This information can help professionals locate it.
Do not attempt to kill the snake. Trying to strike or capture it can greatly increase the risk of a bite.
Step 3: Call for Help
If the snake is inside a living area and you cannot safely isolate it, contact local animal control or a qualified wildlife removal service.
Professional help is especially important if the snake appears large, potentially venomous, or has entered an inaccessible space.
When calling, provide the snake’s location, approximate size and color, and whether anyone has been bitten. Do not return to inspect it just to provide more details.
Do not attempt to capture or kill it. Leave the area, close the door if possible, and keep children and pets away.
Do not spray, poke, or otherwise try to force the snake out of hiding. Most snake bites happen when people attempt to handle, kill, or disturb a snake.
If someone is bitten, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Preventing Future Encounters
After the snake has been safely removed, look for ways it may have entered your home.
Seal cracks around the foundation, pipes, windows, doors, and vents. Install door sweeps where needed and keep crawl-space openings properly covered.
Don’t Forget the Garage
Garages are common hiding places because they can be dark, cluttered, and attractive to rodents.
Seal gaps around garage doors and windows, keep clutter under control, store items in sealed plastic containers, and address any rodent problems.