How to Get Rid of Snakes in the Basement

Do you have a snake problem in your basement? If so, you’re not alone. Snakes are known to pop up in some basements, which can cause quite a scare. In this guide, we will discuss how to get rid of snakes in your basement quickly and safely using a variety of methods.

Additionally, we will help you identify the snake in your basement, which will help determine if it is harmless or dangerous, and discuss steps to take to prevent snacks from coming back. Let’s get started.

How to Identify Common Types of Snakes

There are many different types of snakes that can live in basements, but some are more common than others. If you have snakes in your yard or garden, the first step to getting rid of them is to figure out what kind of snake you’re dealing with.

The following are the most common snake species that invade houses and yards:

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are the most common type of snake in North America. They vary in color from black to light brown, and they can grow up to six feet long. Rat snakes feed primarily on rodents, so they are often found living near homes and outbuildings.

King Snakes

King Snakes are second only to rat snakes in terms of frequency of occurrence. They are usually black or dark brown and can grow up to six feet long. Kingsnakes eat a variety of prey, including other snakes.

Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are the most common type of snake in the eastern United States. They are typically light brown or red with black markings, and they often enter homes in search of food. Corn snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.

Milk Snakes

Milk snakes are common in the Midwest and the Eastern United States. They are typically light brown or red with black markings, and they often enter homes in search of food. Milk snakes are not venomous and are not a threat to people.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are common in North America, and they can be found in many different environments, including basements. They are typically light green or brown with three stripes down their backs. Garter snakes are non-venomous, and they will not hurt you.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are the most dangerous type of snake in North America. They are found in a variety of habitats, including basements. Rattlesnakes have a distinctive rattle on their tails that makes them easy to identify. Rattlesnakes are venomous and can inflict serious injuries or death if they bite humans.

If you’re not sure what type of snake you’ve got, it’s better to get help from a professional. Wildlife experts can identify the species of snake and recommend the most effective way to get rid of it.

Differentiating Venomous and Non-Venomous Snakes

Because snake appearances vary so much, determining whether you’re dealing with a poisonous or non-venomous snake can be tricky. With that in mind, here are some fast methods for determining if you have a venomous or non-venomous snake in your basement or yard:

Features of Venomous Snakes

Triangular heads (although some nonvenomous snakes adopt this shape to terrify predators)
Yellow or green eyes with thin vertical pupils
Venomous snakes also tend to be more aggressive than nonvenomous snakes.
They typically have a rattle on the tip of their tails. However, it is not an absolute rule. If you don’t see a rattle, that does not mean it is not venomous.
Their heads are wide at the base.
Venomous snakes can be very vivid and distinct in their coloring and markings.
They have tiny holes around their nostrils and eyes that are extremely sensitive to temperature differences in their potential prey.

Features of Non-Venomous Snakes

They have large pupils that are rounded and fill their whole eyes.
Their heads are more rounded than venomous snakes.
Non-venomous snakes won't have the same width to their heads as venomous snakes.
They are typically one solid color without all of the intricate markings.
Non-venomous snakes don’t have rattles on their tails. However, their bodies can produce a rattling sound to ward off predators. Look closely for a rattle if you hear one. When in doubt, keep a safe distance from the snake.

If you’re not sure whether a snake is non-venomous or venomous, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal expert for help.

Getting Rid of Snakes in Your Basement

Once you’ve identified the type of snakes living in your basement, it’s time to get them out of your house. The following are some methods you can use to get rid of snakes in your basement.

Use a snake trap

Snake traps are boxes with a hole in the top that allow snakes to enter but not escape. When the snake tries to leave, it trips a wire, and the trap door closes, trapping the snake inside. You will then release the snake far away from your property.

Use a snake repellent

There are a number of different snake repellents on the market, but most of them contain either garlic or cayenne pepper. Spraying these repellents around your basement will discourage snakes from living there.

Place live traps in your basement

Live traps are cages with a door that snaps shut when the snake enters. Once the snake is trapped, you can release it outdoors away from your home.

Use a shovel or broom to kill the snakes

*Before you attempt this, be aware that it is illegal to kill snakes in some states.*

If you see a snake in your basement, you can kill it by hitting it over the head with a shovel or broom. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as snakes can carry rabies and other diseases.

Call a professional wildlife removal expert

If you’re uncomfortable with any of the methods listed above, or if you have a large snake infestation, it’s best to call a professional who knows how to safely remove snakes from your home. Wildlife experts can identify the species of snake and recommend the most effective way to get rid of it. With a professional’s help, you can safely remove snakes from your basement and keep them from coming back.

The most effective approach for getting rid of will depend on the species of snake you have living in your basement.

Preventing Snakes from Entering Your Basement

Now that we’ve covered how to identify and remove snakes from your home, let’s talk about how to prevent them from returning. The following are some tips on keeping snakes out of your basement.

Seal all cracks and holes in the foundation and walls of your home. This will help prevent snakes from entering your basement from the outside.
Install a screen door or window in your basement to allow air circulation without allowing snakes inside.
Keep your basement clean and free of debris. Snakes like to live in dark, cluttered spaces, so keeping your basement clear will discourage them from staying there.
Put up a fence or barrier around your yard to keep snakes out.
If you have pets, make sure they are supervised when they're outside and keep them away from areas where snakes might live.

If you see a snake in your yard or basement, do not try to catch it yourself. Contact a professional wildlife removal expert for help, and it’s important to take steps to get rid of them. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but some general tips and professional help can solve this problem for you.

What Attracts Snakes to My House?

Snakes, like all pests, are attracted to particular environments and features of your home that provide them with the things they need: food, shelter, and water.

The following are some things that might attract snakes to your house:

Rodents

Snakes eat rodents, so if you have a rodent problem in your home or yard, you’re likely also to have a snake problem.

Gardening

Snakes like to live in tall grass and weeds, so if you have a lot of vegetation on your property, you’re more likely to have snakes.

Ponds or other sources of water

Snakes need water to survive, so if you have a pond or other body of water on your property, that increases your chances of getting snakes.

Building materials

Snakes like to hide in dark, sheltered places, so if you have a lot of loose rocks or woodpiles on your property, you’re more likely to get snakes.

Moles

These creatures create underground tunnels that snakes can use as a path to your house.

Fish

Some people have reported that they’ve attracted snakes by keeping fish in their ponds.

Frogs

They are natural prey for snakes, so if you have frogs in your yard or garden, it’s likely that you will have snakes.

If you’re having trouble getting rid of the snakes in your basement, it’s essential to identify what is attracting them and address that issue head-on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I snake-proof my house?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to snake-proof your house depends on the species of snake you have living there. However, some tips to keep snakes out of your home include sealing up cracks and crevices in the foundation, installing a wire fence around the perimeter of your property, and keeping ponds and other sources of water away from your home.

Can I kill a snake with a BB gun?

In most states, it is illegal to kill a snake with a BB gun. If you see a snake in your home, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal expert who can safely remove the snake from your property.

Do snakes hibernate?

Yes, most snakes hibernate. However, different species of snakes hibernate in different ways. Some snakes hibernate underground, while others find shelter in trees or other sheltered areas. Snakes typically begin to hibernate in the fall and wake up in the spring.

What should I do if I see a snake in my house?

If you see a snake in your house, it is best to stay calm and call a professional wildlife removal expert who can safely remove the snake from your property. It is illegal to kill snakes in most states, so avoid trying to do it yourself.

Basements can be great places to store items or use as a workspace, but they can also be home to unwanted guests like snakes. If you have a snake infestation in your basement, don’t panic. There are a number of different methods you can use to get rid of snakes, including traps, repellents, and live traps. Use the above guide to get rid of snakes and keep them from coming back.