North Carolina is home to 37 species of snakes, six of which are venomous. Those six species include: the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake, and the Coral snake. As the weather improves, we will find ourselves spending more time outside, so it is important that the average person can identify and avoid the venomous species. A venomous snake such as the Copperhead will have a distinct “hershey kiss” pattern on its back, and it is also the most common venomous snake in North Carolina. On the other hand, the Cottonmouth is only found on the Coastal Plain, and it has a darker and more pixelated color scheme.
Snakes can be beneficial to the environment when it comes to balancing the food chain by targeting vermin and pests, so it is important that we take measures to co-exist with them as best as possible. Nine of the thirty-seven species are endangered or protected, and therefore cannot be removed without a permit. Those species include: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Eastern Coral Snakes, Northern Pine Snakes, Carolina Water Snakes, Outer Banks Kingsnakes, Smooth Green Snakes, and Southern Hognose Snakes. Most of the damage that comes from snakes is to eggs and chicken coops, so it is important to make sure that you have secure housing for livestock.
In order to reduce the chances of finding snakes on your property, we advise that you regularly remove debris, junk, or wood piles from your lawn to prevent snakes from burrowing in those concealed places. Snakes may also try and enter your home, so it is important to take preventative measures and make sure all entry points in your home are sealed. If you’re concerned about snakes entering your home, get in touch with us! We will inspect your home and seal-up all of the possible entry points, so that you do not have to worry about the possibility of snakes finding their way into your home!