​​​At ACI Pest & Lawn Solutions, we prioritize education and safe practices when it comes to handling snakes. One of the best things you can ever do is educate yourself and learn how to identify different species.  One thing Jen loves is the Facebook group called "Central Texas Snake ID".  She emphatically used to say "THE ONLY GOOD SNAKE IS A DEAD SNAKE!!!" and now she knows how very wrong she was!  Since there are so many beneficial snakes (some even eat venomous snakes) so she let's them live now.  It's pretty cool to be able to ID a snake when someone posts a photo. Knowledge is power!

 

While ACI does not offer services for snakes, we do advocate for responsible and humane relocation methods. If you encounter a snake on your property, the best approach is to remain calm. You can even encourage the snake to move away by gently spraying it with a water hose—snakes prefer to avoid areas where they feel threatened.  There are also snake relocation experts in the area that might be able to help assist you.

​

Part of proper education is learning how to ID what venomous snakes live in Texas:

​

• Copperhead: Recognizable by their distinctive "Hersey's kiss" pattern, these snakes are often found in wooded or rocky areas and are known for their defensive behavior.  They can range from bright copper color to almost a dull gray.

• Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin): Typically found near water, cottonmouths can be aggressive when threatened. They are identifiable by their "ghoul" looking, pixilated, dark coloration and white mouth interior.  Sometimes the design can be hard to see so looking for their "mask" will help.

• Diamondback Rattlesnake: Famous for their rattles, beautiful diamond shaped pattern and black/white stripped tail tips, these snakes can grow quite large and are often found in a variety of habitats, including deserts and wetlands.

• Coral Snake: With its striking red, yellow, and black bands, the coral snake is often confused with non-venomous species. Rhymes like “Red touches yellow, kills a fellow; red touches black, venom lack" are NOT proper methods to identify coral snakes.  For starters, who can ever remember it properly?  Not to mention, there are so many different colorizations even within the coral snake species (including albino) so it's best to just leave them all alone and encourage them to skedaddle by spraying them with a water hose, from a distance of course.

​​

To minimize the presence of snakes in your yard, it’s important to limit their food sources.

Here are some effective methods:

​

• Control Rodent Populations: Snakes are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, particularly rodents. Regularly check for signs of rodent activity and consider using traps or professional pest control services to manage infestations.

• Maintain Landscaping: Keep your lawn and garden tidy. Trim back overgrown vegetation, clear debris, and remove wood piles or rock piles that can serve as hiding spots for snakes and their prey.

• Secure Garbage and Compost: Ensure that trash bins are tightly sealed and compost piles are managed properly to avoid attracting rodents, which in turn attract snakes.

• Create Barriers: Installing fences that are buried a few inches into the ground can help deter snakes from entering your yard.

​​​

Snakes often get a bad rap, and there are plenty of myths that contribute to misunderstandings about these fascinating creatures. Let's explore these myths and see if they are true or false.

​

• All Snakes are Bad: FALSE.  All snakes can be dangerous as they can all bite if provoked, but the danger in handling a non-venomous snake is only due to the possiblity of getting an infection from a bite.  In reality, the majority of snake species are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. Most snakes are beneficial, helping to control rodent, toad and lizard populations.  Fun fact, snakes are "venomous" not "poisonous".  There is a difference.

• Most Snakes Can Swim: TRUE!  Although some aren't very graceful at it,  most snakes can swim so it pays to be alert on both land or in the water.

• Snakes Chase People: FALSE.  While it’s a common myth that snakes actively chase after humans, in truth, snakes prefer to avoid contact.  They will typically only strike if they feel threatened or cornered.

• Juveniles are More Venomous than Adult Snakes: FALSE.  Some believe that juvenile snakes are more venomous than adults, as they "don't know when to let go".  However, this can be misleading. In many cases, juvenile venomous snakes can deliver the same potency of venom as adults. They may be more likely to bite when threatened due to lack of experience but the danger isn't due to the amount of venom they deliver.

• You Can Tell a Snake's Venom by Its Color: FALSE.  While some venomous snakes have distinctive colors, it’s not a reliable way to identify them. Many non-venomous snakes can mimic the colors of venomous species, so it’s essential to learn about local species rather than relying solely on color.

• Snakes Can Still Bite/Envenomate After The Head is Cut Off: TRUE! A snake’s head can still deliver venom for a short time after it has been severed. This is due to the continued function of the venom glands, so it's important to exercise caution around snake heads, even if they are no longer attached to the body.

• Snakes Will Bite Without Provocation: FALSE.  Snakes are generally shy creatures that will avoid confrontation. Most bites occur when a snake is accidentally stepped on or provoked. If left alone, snakes are unlikely to bite.

• Some Snakes Eat Each Other: TRUE!  The Texas Rat Snake, Eastern Indigo, and the Texas King Snake are all known for their ability to consume other snakes, including venomous species such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. Their resistance to venom allows them to tackle these dangerous meals.  See, we told you there were some snakes that are very beneficial!

​

Hopefully by sharing this info with you, we can foster a better understanding of these important members of our ecosystem. Understanding and respecting snakes is key to coexisting safely.  If you have further questions about snakes or need assistance with other pests to keep their food source down, don’t hesitate to reach out!

​​

​

Snake Relocation Disclaimer

Please note that ACI Pest & Lawn Solutions has not personally worked with any of the experts we linked to. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot be held liable for any issues or outcomes related to their services or advice. We encourage you to conduct your own research and due diligence when seeking assistance from these experts.