Snakes | website-1

Characteristics

There are only 3 different type of venomous snake within the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia: the copperhead, cottonmouth, and rattlesnake. However, there are different types of non-venomous snakes in our area as well.

Venomous:

vertical pupils
a single row of scales on its back
a triangular head

Non-venomous:

round pupils
round head

A copperhead snake has a hourglass pattern that extends to both sides of its back. The juvenile has a yellow tail and is more potent than the adult. A black racer snake gets confused with a copperhead. The difference is that it’s non-venomous, the hourglass pattern doesn’t extend to both sides and the head is wider that the rest of its body.

There are many types of water snakes; however, only one is venomous, the cottonmouth. A northern water snake is misidentified with the cottonmouth. The cottonmouth’s head is triangular and coppery-red with hour glass shaped bands that are chestnut colored to dark brown. The northern water snake is brown to gray and the pattern of cross bands break up halfway down the length of the body.

Entry Areas

Any holes around the foundation including open doors. Snakes follow the food source. That means if the smell of a mice trail leads to your home, then snakes are going to follow. Snakes can fit in the same hole to gain access into your home.

Snakes can also find holes up under walkways and under buildings.

Concerns

Never try to kill or capture a snake. A major concern regarding snakes is if it is venomous. If you or your pet happen to get bitten, call 911 immediately or take your pet urgently to the vet.

Social Structure

The snake mating season is April through June and give birth in late summer. A fall mating season can also occur in September. These types of snakes give birth which means they don’t lay eggs. Water snakes can have up to 36 young at a time, while the land snakes can have up to 9.

Snakes like areas that are damp and dark near a food source. They can camouflage themselves into the background to make it hard to see.

Water snakes can be seen in slow moving or standing water. When they’re not in the water they like to bask in the sun. They feed on fish and amphibians.

What can be done?

It all starts with an inspection. Contact us at 804-867-7184 or 301-848-5048.We offer quality services to Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland clients at reasonable prices. Our courteous staff have the professional tools and experience necessary to help with all your Animal and Pest Control needs. Call today to get in touch with our staff and to learn more about what we have to offer.