Snakes are not just an occasional backyard surprise for many Mid-South residents this spring. A local wildlife removal company says it is seeing roughly a 50 percent jump in requests to pull snakes out of homes compared with this time last year. On a recent call to a Covington house, technicians reviewed video that appeared to show a snake about four to five feet long, then later found a shed snake skin in the garage. The company is warning that the next 90 to 120 days will be a high-risk window for snakes slipping into yards and buildings.
Ranger Wildlife Removal and Prevention told Action News 5 that calls are up about 50 percent this year compared with last year. During the Covington visit, the on-site crew estimated the unseen snake on the footage would have been four to five feet long and said the shed skin in the garage backed up that assessment.
Why snakes are more active this season
As temperatures climb, cold-blooded animals like snakes ramp up their activity, which pushes them to search for food and sheltered hiding spots closer to homes, the Mississippi State University Extension Service notes. In its guide "Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes," the Extension recommends trimming back brush and leaf piles, clearing away stacked wood and rocks, and reducing rodent habitat so yards are less appealing to snakes in the first place.
Where they get in — and how to block them
Local technicians say snakes typically slip in through small, easy-to-miss gaps. Ranger Wildlife told Action News 5 that homeowners should pay close attention to garage door corner openings, crawlspaces, plumbing entry points, and foundation gaps, and make sure those spots are covered or sealed. "You can't stop a snake from coming into the yard, because he is just looking for his next meal. But you can prevent them from coming into the house," one technician said.
If you spot a snake
If you find a snake inside your home or think you see a venomous one on your property, experts say do not try to catch or kill it yourself. Instead, isolate the area as best you can and call local animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service. The National Pesticide Information Center also cautions against home remedies and DIY trapping attempts, recommending that trained professionals handle both removal and identification.
