DESCRIPTION
Snakes are reptiles found in just about every part of the world living in deserts, forested regions, marshes, grasslands, and even bodies of water. Most snakes that people encounter are harmless or considered beneficial because they feed on other common pests, including insects, amphibians, and small mammals like rodents. However, some snakes are venomous and put both humans and household pets in danger simply by being present.
Appearance
Varying in size and color depending on the species, snakes found in Minnesota grow an average length of 3 feet and may appear uniform in color or display patterns along their bodies. Common snake colors include black, green, brown, red, yellow, and orange. Venomous snakes, like the timber rattlesnake and eastern massasuaga, tend to have spade-shaped heads and elliptical pupils while nonvenomous snakes have rounded pupils and narrower heads. They are covered in scales that are leathery to the touch.
Habitat
Snakes are cold-blooded creatures that need consistent sunlight in order to regulate their internal temperatures. As such, areas that experience extreme cold are inhabitable. Favored snake habitats include dry, sandy, and rocky areas, forested regions, prairies, wetlands near ponds, around streams, and in close proximity to lakes.
Problems
Entry
When shelter and sources of food are scarce in their natural habitat, snakes enter homes and yards much more frequently. They can invade houses through cracks in building foundations, tears in window and door screens, and even through holes that serve electrical conduits and plumbing. Tall grasses in unkempt lawns provide snakes with ideal hiding and hunting grounds while stacks of firewood, brush, and junk piles offer the reptiles suitable shelter.
Damage
Most snakes are relatively harmless and actually flee from human interaction. When cornered, snakes hiss, coil, and either strike or bluff at offending parties. Though this can be frightening to experience, especially for young children and curious pets, no harm is typically caused. Nonvenomous snake bites are painful, but leave no lasting effects. In areas where venomous snakes live, approaching the reptiles is much more dangerous. Their bites can prove deadly if not treated immediately and properly.
Control
Control and Safety
Various methods of exclusion help reduce the possibility of encountering snakes in residential zones. Seal any holes on the exterior of buildings large enough for snakes to get through. Cut back tall grasses and weeds and keep wood piles far enough away from homes to eliminate hiding places. In addition, property owners can make modifications to eliminate prey species that attract snakes to the area.
Trapping and Removal
Even most of the species of snakes in Minnesota are not venomous, all snakes have the capacity to harm both humans and domestic animals. They strike when cornered, which makes attempts to trap them dangerous. Wildlife Management Services wildlife specialists can safely and humanely remove problematic snakes from properties. Our professionals are trained, equipped, and ready to keep members of the public safe by eliminating nuisance snakes.
We can help you get rid of snake problems. Call today: 763.233.6895
Additional Information
Wildlife Management of Minneapolis Service Area
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury, Mound, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Wayzata, Burnsville, and Their Surrounding Areas
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Wildlife Management Services, Inc
