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Corn Snakes: A Guide to Understanding, Identifying, and Humanely Removing Them from Your Property

Corn snakes are a common type of non-venomous snake found across the southeastern United States. Though non-venomous and generally not dangerous to humans, their presence can still be alarming for homeowners. If you’ve seen one on your property, you may be wondering what to do next. At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we specialize in humanely removing animals like corn snakes. Our goal is to help people keep their homes safe while treating wildlife with respect. This guide will provide valuable information about corn snakes, including how to identify them, why they may be on your property, and how to handle their removal safely.

What Are Corn Snakes?

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are a type of non-venomous snake commonly found in the southeastern United States. These slender snakes are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, with most displaying orange or brownish-yellow scales with red blotches outlined in black. Their name comes from the distinctive checkerboard pattern on their bellies, which resembles maize (corn).

Part of the colubrid family, the largest family of snakes, corn snakes are closely related to other non-venomous species like rat snakes and kingsnakes. As constrictors, they wrap around their prey, which mainly includes small mammals like mice and rats, suffocating them before eating.

Identifying a Corn Snake

While corn snakes are common in many areas, it’s important to know how to identify them accurately to avoid confusion with other, potentially dangerous, snakes. Some snakes, like copperheads, can look similar to corn snakes but are venomous. Here are key traits to help identify a corn snake:

1. Color

Corn snakes usually have orange or brownish-yellow scales with black-bordered red blotches down their backs. They also have a distinctive checkerboard pattern on their bellies.

2. Head Shape

Corn snakes have a rounded head that is only slightly wider than their neck. In contrast, venomous snakes, like copperheads, have more triangular heads.

3. Pattern

The patterns on corn snakes are unique, with large, dark-edged blotches down their backs. Their bellies display a distinctive checkerboard pattern, adding to their identification.

4. Behavior

Corn snakes are generally more docile than other snakes and tend to flee when approached. They are also excellent climbers, so you may find them in trees or high places.

5. Size

Corn snakes can range from 2 to 6 feet long. The average adult corn snake measures about 4 feet in length, making them relatively easy to spot.

If you’re unsure whether the snake on your property is a corn snake, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service to correctly identify the snake and ensure safe removal.

Why Are Corn Snakes on Your Property?

Once you’ve identified that the snake on your property is a corn snake, it’s important to understand why it might be there. Corn snakes are often found near homes and other buildings because they are hunting for food or looking for shelter. There are several reasons why a corn snake might be on your property:

1. Rodent Infestation

If your property has a rodent problem, corn snakes may move in to hunt for food. They are natural predators of rats and mice, and their presence could signal a larger issue. Rodents not only attract snakes but can also cause damage to your property, making it essential to address this issue at its root.

2. Warm, Dry Places

Corn snakes often seek shelter in warm, dry places like attics, garages, or basements. These areas provide them with protection from the elements and potential predators. Additionally, areas with easy access to sunlight can attract snakes looking to regulate their body temperature.

3. Natural Habitats

If your property is near fields, woods, or other natural areas, you might be more likely to encounter corn snakes. They often live in these environments and may venture into yards as they hunt or explore. Snakes may also be attracted to compost heaps, rock piles, or woodpiles that resemble their natural hiding spots.

Understanding the reason for the snake’s presence will help guide your next steps. By addressing underlying issues like a rodent infestation, you can reduce the chances of future snake encounters. Removing snake-friendly environments like debris piles can further discourage them from settling on your property.

Are Corn Snakes Dangerous?

Corn snakes are not venomous and pose no direct threat to humans. In fact, they are beneficial because they help control rodent populations. However, that doesn’t mean you want them in your home. If a corn snake gets inside, it can create a disturbance, and their presence may indicate other pest problems, like a rodent infestation.

While corn snakes are generally docile, they can bite if threatened or handled improperly. Their bite is not venomous but can be painful. If you spot a corn snake in your home or yard, it’s important to remain calm and avoid interacting with the snake. Instead, call professionals like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal to handle the situation.

Humanely Removing Corn Snakes

At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we specialize in the humane removal of animals like corn snakes. Our process is safe for both the snake and the people involved, ensuring that the animal is relocated to a suitable habitat without harm. Each step is carefully designed to minimize stress on the animal and prevent recurrence of the issue.

Here’s how we handle corn snake removal:

1. Assessment

We first conduct a thorough assessment of your property to locate the snake and determine why it is there. If there is a food source, like a rodent infestation, we will address that as well. This step also includes checking for other hiding spots or potential entry points that snakes could use in the future.

2. Capture

Our trained professionals use specialized tools to safely and humanely capture the snake. Our team is trained in recognizing snake behaviors, allowing us to safely handle and remove the snake with minimal disruption.

3. Relocation

Once captured, we relocate the corn snake to a safe and suitable habitat far from human homes. Corn snakes thrive in natural environments where they can hunt for food and shelter without posing a risk to people. Our goal is to ensure that the snake is moved to an area where it won’t need to venture near homes in search of resources.

4. Prevention

After the snake is removed, we offer advice and solutions to help prevent future infestations. This can include sealing entry points in your home, removing potential food sources, and regular inspections for rodents or other pests. Prevention might also involve landscaping changes, such as removing tall grass or installing barriers around foundations.

Following humane removal, it’s essential to take preventive steps to avoid future snake encounters. Our experts will guide you through the necessary actions to keep your property snake-free. Preventive measures not only protect your home but also maintain a harmonious balance with local wildlife.

What to Do if You Find a Corn Snake

If you encounter a corn snake on your property, it’s important to stay calm and avoid trying to remove it yourself. Although they are non-venomous, handling any wild animal without proper training can lead to injury for both you and the animal. Here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t Approach

Keep your distance from the snake. Corn snakes are generally non-aggressive, but they may bite if they feel threatened. Observing from a safe distance allows the snake to feel less alarmed. This calm approach helps prevent startling the snake, reducing the chance of a defensive bite.

2. Remove Pets and Children

If you have pets or small children, move them indoors to prevent them from interacting with the snake. This will help ensure both their safety and the snake’s well-being. Pets, especially dogs and cats, may see the snake as a toy or prey, which can lead to dangerous situations. Keeping your loved ones indoors helps create a safer environment until professionals arrive.

3. Call Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely and humanely. Experts can assess the situation, identify the snake, and deal with it it properly. Professionals have the right training and equipment to manage snakes safely. They also know how to check for other potential issues that may have led to the snake’s presence.

4. Document the Encounter

Take pictures or videos from a safe distance to document the snake. This information can be helpful for wildlife removal experts. By providing visual evidence, professionals can better understand the situation and the snake’s size or markings, which aids in identification.

5. Educate Yourself

Learn more about corn snakes and other local wildlife. Understanding their behavior and habitats can help you react better in future encounters. By familiarizing yourself with the local snake species, you can identify whether an encounter is a cause for concern or not. Education can also help dispel myths and fears surrounding these creatures.

Taking these steps will help ensure both your safety and the snake’s well-being while waiting for professionals to arrive.

How to Prevent Corn Snakes from Entering Your Home

The best way to avoid corn snakes on your property is to make your home less appealing to them. By reducing their access to food, shelter, and entry points, you can greatly reduce the chances of encountering a snake. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Since corn snakes are often attracted by rodents, eliminating any rodent problems on your property is key. Regularly clean up any food waste and store food in sealed containers. Birdseed or pet food left outdoors can also attract rodents, which in turn can attract snakes.

2. Seal Entry Points

Corn snakes can fit through small cracks and holes to enter homes. Seal up any gaps in your walls, foundation, or around windows and doors to prevent them from getting inside. Be thorough, as snakes are highly adept at squeezing through small spaces. Areas around plumbing and electrical fixtures can also provide potential entry points.

3. Clear Debris

Snakes often hide in piles of leaves, wood, or debris. Keep your yard tidy by removing these hiding spots and maintaining your lawn. Additionally, trimming back overgrown vegetation, bushes, and shrubs can limit areas where snakes may feel secure.

4. Install Snake Fencing

If you live in an area with a high snake population, you may want to install snake-proof fencing around your property. This type of fencing is designed to keep snakes from slithering into your yard or home. These barriers can be particularly useful if your property is adjacent to fields, forests, or other natural habitats where snakes are abundant.

By following these preventive measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of corn snakes making your home their shelter. Prevention not only helps keep snakes away but also limits the potential for future infestations of other pests, creating a safer and more comfortable living environment.

The Importance of Professional Snake Removal

While most snakes are non-venomous, it’s still important to rely on professionals for snake removal. At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we have the experience and tools necessary to remove snakes humanely and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a single snake or a larger infestation, we are here to help. Contact us today for safe, humane, and professional wildlife removal services.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Lakeland

863-315-WILD (315-9453)

Orlando

407-465-WILD (465-9453)

Tampa

813-WILDOUT (945-3688)

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