While snakes have preferences and aversions to certain scents, it’s important to note that there isn’t a specific smell that universally repels all snakes. However, there are scents that snakes may dislike or find irritating. Some commonly mentioned scents that snakes are believed to dislike include ammonia, garlic, cinnamon, and certain essential oils like clove oil or cedar oil. However, the effectiveness of these smells in deterring snakes may vary and could be influenced by factors such as snake species, environmental conditions, and individual snake behavior.
It’s important to remember that relying solely on scents may not provide a foolproof solution for snake control, and it’s advisable to use a combination of strategies for effective snake management.
Snake Away is a popular snake repellent that uses a chemical called Naphthalene, found in mothballs, to keep snakes away. However, scientific studies, like the one conducted by San Julian (1985), have shown that the effectiveness of Snake Away and similar products and items such as sulfur and mothballs can be ineffective entirely. Snakes may not always be deterred by the smell of Naphthalene, and different snakes may respond differently to repellents. Some snakes even get used to the smell, and while they may be repelled initially, they will come back. It’s important to remember that snakes can be influenced by various factors, making it challenging to rely on repellents like Snake Away for long-term snake control. For more effective snake management, consider alternative methods such as modifying the snake’s habitat or seeking professional snake removal services.
Reference:
San Julian, G. J. (1985). Evaluation of chemicals and materials for repellency and/or toxic effects on snakes. Report No. R-5-85. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Do mothballs repel snakes? This is a common question that many people ask, and the answer is a definite No. However, scientific studies have shown that mothballs do not effectively repel snakes. In fact, a study conducted by San Julian (1985) at the University of Nebraska found that common substances found in mothballs, such as naphthalene, do not repel snakes at all. The study tested various materials, including mothballs, to determine their effectiveness in deterring snakes. The results showed that snakes were not deterred by the presence of mothballs or their odor.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that the use of mothballs for repelling snakes may have unintended consequences. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. They release toxic fumes that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, posing health risks. In addition, improper use of mothballs, such as placing them in outdoor areas or near water sources, can contaminate the environment. Therefore, it is not recommended to rely on mothballs as a means to repel snakes due to their ineffectiveness and potential hazards.
San Julian, G. J. (1985). Evaluation of chemicals and materials for repellency and /or toxic effects on snakes. Report No. R-5-85. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1991). Naphthalene. Retrieved from [https://iris.epa.gov/ChemicalLanding/]
If you encounter a black snake in Virginia, it’s most likely one of three snakes: The Northern black racer, the Eastern ratsnake, and the black Eastern hognose. All three are non-venomous, harmless and native to Virginia.
Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the southwestern mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state endangered species.
Rattlesnakes are venomous. If you’re bitten by one it can be dangerous, but it’s very rarely fatal if treated within the first 6 hours, ideally the first hour with antivenom treatment from your local hospital. The venom from the majority of rattlesnake bites will damage tissue and affect your circulatory system by destroying skin tissues and blood cells and by causing you to hemorrhage internally. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention at once.
- Clear animals and young children from the area. Regardless of whether or not the snake is a present risk, you’ll want to make sure to reduce any and all potential dangers.
- Resist the urge to attack the snake with a broom or stick. A snake won’t attack you unless it feels threatened by you. All snakes, venomous or otherwise, will not pursue a human being unless provoked
- Keep a safe distance from the snake, but keep an eye on where it’s located.
- Try to determine whether or not it is venomous. Qualities of venomous snakes are fat bodies, large fangs, and slit-like eyes. You’ll also want to keep your eyes out for the iconic rattling tail.
- Call your local wildlife removal or snake removal specialist for help!
- Prevent further risks of snakes entering your home by have snake exclusions performed on your home
The amount of venom in a snake’s venom gland (measured as the amount extracted by milking) increases exponentially with the size of the snake and can range from 1 – 850mg (or more). In a study comparing snake venoms, researchers milked the largest amount of venom from an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)–more than from any other species they studied.
Fewer than one in 37,500 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year (7-8,000 bites per year), and only one in 50 million people will die from snakebite (5-6 fatalities per year).
Snakes often occur in the vicinity of suburban and urban residential areas. They can even show up occasionally in your backyard. If the presence of snakes is deemed undesirable, removing their shelter is one of the most effective ways of discouraging them. Eliminating rock piles, brush piles, and areas of tall grass will cause snakes to seek a more suitable habitat. Store lumber, wood piles, and other debris around the home at least 18 inches off the ground. Controlling insect and rodent populations in the area will also help to discourage snakes by eliminating their food supply.
- Call an ambulance immediately. You should treat any snakebite as an emergency, regardless of whether you think the snake was venomous or not.
- Don’t panic and don’t move.
- Leave the snake alone.
- Apply a pressure immobilization bandage and splint.
- Don’t wash, suck, cut, or tourniquet the bite.
Removing a snake from a house usually averages $300 to $400, with the average homeowner paying around $350 to remove a non-venomous snake that takes two to three hours to catch.
Snake Removal Costs, Snake Pest Control:
The national average cost $350
Average range $300-$400
Minimum cost $150
Maximum cost $600
If you have an encounter with a snake, give it the right-of-way. Do not attempt to trap, kill, or remove the snake, just move out of the snake’s way.