10 Reasons Why You Have Snakes In Your House

Ever found yourself face-to-face with a snake in your own home? It isn’t great—especially when some of those uninvited guests could be rattlesnakes or copperheads. Not exactly the kind of roommates you’d want.

So, why do they wind up inside our houses? Well, believe it or not, certain things around our homes are practically sending them VIP invites. These are 10 things that are attracting snakes to your pad—because knowing is half the battle in keeping them out.

Blankets

Who doesn’t love a warm, cozy blanket? Well, turns out snakes do too. If you’re storing blankets or rags in open containers or just loosely around your home, you might be rolling out the welcome mat for snakes without even realizing it.

These materials provide a perfect, snug spot for snakes to settle down and make themselves at home. To prevent this, try to keep such items in sealed containers or properly stored away.

Heat

Since snakes are cold-blooded, they rely heavily on their surroundings to regulate their body temperature, especially during the cooler months. Areas in your home like a heated basement, near water heaters, or laundry pipes can become hot spots for these reptiles. They’re drawn to the warmth these places provide, which helps them with their metabolic processes.

If your home tends to be humid and warm, it might just be the perfect winter getaway for snakes. Investing in a dehumidifier and managing the heat distribution in your home can help make it less attractive to snakes.

Cool, wet Spaces

Those cool, damp spots around your home, like basements, attics, and shaded yard areas, are like a paradise for snakes in the hotter months. They love the moisture and the darkness because it makes them feel secure and hidden.

To make your home less inviting, keep these areas as dry and airy as possible. Inside, you might want to consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture. Outside, keep the foliage trimmed back to reduce excessive shade that creates these cool retreats for snakes.

Pet Food

Did you know that the way you store pet food can also attract snakes? It’s true! Leaving pet food out, especially in the yard or on the floor, can draw rodents and insects, which, in turn, invite snakes right to your doorstep.

Pet food is often high in protein and emits a strong scent that snakes can detect from afar. To cut down on these risks, always store pet food in airtight containers and keep it indoors.

Shrubs

Thinking about that lush shrubbery around your home? It might look nice, but it’s also providing prime real estate for snakes. Dense plants and unruly shrubs not only attract rodents, which are a food source for snakes, but they also offer great hiding spots for these reptiles.

This secluded environment lets them stay out of sight from predators and quietly hunt. Plus, heavy vegetation can cause damage to your foundation, creating gaps that are perfect entry points for snakes. It might be time to thin out those plants.

Bird Baths

Snakes need water to survive, so having an easily accessible water source can make your garden a hotspot for these visitors. It’s not just birdbaths; toys left out in the yard, puddles from leaky hoses, or poor drainage can all create water accumulations that attract snakes. To keep your yard less appealing to them, fix any leaks and ensure good drainage throughout your garden to prevent water from pooling.

Leaf Piles

You might want to think twice about leaving those leaf piles in your yard for too long. Leaf piles offer excellent camouflage and protection from predators, making them a great shelter for snakes.

If these piles are close to your home, especially if they’re near the foundation, they could be a stepping stone for snakes to slither right into your living space.

Landscaping Rocks

Landscaping rocks can really spruce up your garden, but make sure they’re not piled up against your house. These rocks provide cool, shaded spots that are perfect for snakes to hang out.

To keep things safe, try to position woodpiles and rock piles a good distance away from your home. This way, you’ll minimize the chances of snakes using them as a bridge to get inside. And remember, always be careful when reaching into those piles—you never know who might be hiding in there!