How To Best Handle Snake Encounters

Snake encounters in Illinois are a common occurrence. About 40 species are here, 4 of which are venomous: Copperheads, Cottonmouths, Timber, and Massasauga Rattlesnakes. It's rare for these to get into homes, but it does happen occasionally. Common house trespassers include the nonvenomous Eastern Fox, Midland Rat, and Garter. Encountering one inside your home can be terrifying, no matter which one it is. Then again, coming across one outdoors is no picnic either. Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, is one of the most widespread fears in the world, and we can understand why.

Snake Encounters

If you see a snake, try to remain calm. (Leave the fancy wrangling to those on reality TV shows.) don't yell or wave your arms or attempt to touch or approach it. The best thing to do is back slowly away. Remember that snakes are predators. If you react like prey, they are apt to treat you that way, and if you behave aggressively towards it, it can treat you as a foe. Chances are, it is just as frightened as you are, but that only makes it more dangerous, not less. Most are inclined to slither away but strike when they feel trapped, frightened, or startled.

Snake Bite Help

If you are bitten, there are some things you should and should not do. It's also important to note that our knowledge on this topic has changed over the years, so please make sure you are up to date on this critical advice:

Snake Bite "Don'ts"

• Put ice on it, cut around it, or try to suck out the venom.
• Use a tourniquet. We know you've probably seen that a million times on TV, but it's wrong.
• If you have a snakebite kit, don't use it. Those are often outdated and include a blade for cutting, a tourniquet, and a suction device, things we've learned over the years that you should not use.
• Exert yourself. It is imperative to keep your heart rate down. If you have venom in your bloodstream, a racing heart circulates it faster.
• Attempt to capture it. Take a picture for identification if you can safely do that, but that's it.

Snake Bite "Do's"

• Get medical attention as quickly as possible, and don't guess about the species that bit you. If it turns out it wasn't venomous, great. But if it was, you have a very short window of time (about 4 hours) to be administered antivenom.
• Immobilize the bitten area and keep it positioned below your heart level if you can.
• Clean it with alcohol or soapy water, but do not submerge the wound or soak it in water.
• Stay hydrated but avoid alcohol or caffeine. Those items can increase the rate of venom absorption.  

Tips For Minimizing Snake Encounters

Some encounters may be unavoidable, but there are still measures you can take that significantly minimize your risk of conflicts outdoors.

• Avoid walking through thick vegetation or in areas where one could easily be concealed.
• Stay on paths and walkways.
• At night, carry a light, and make some noise. Wild animals appreciate knowing you are coming and typically make themselves scarce before reaching them.
• Don't turn over rocks or logs where snakes could hide.
• Watch where you step and put your hands.
• Dress appropriately. Wear boots or at least close-toed shoes and long pants.
• If you do spot one, give it a wide berth.

Don't Make Your Home Attractive To Snakes

In addition to the above tips, there are ways to lessen the attraction to your home and landscape.

• Don't decorate with large rocks or décor snakes might use to conceal themselves.
• Avoid having water sources like troughs or ponds on your property.
• Keep your grass mowed short and your vegetation trimmed.
• Be mindful of woodpiles, as those are a favorite hiding place.
• Keep your yard decluttered, and don't leave food sources outside (like pet food or bird feeders). While they typically don't eat this type of food, the animals they prey on do.
• Seal up cracks, crevices, and crawlspaces where they might be able to get into your home.
• Consider adding fencing as an additional deterrent.

Snake Removal And Control By Wildlife Services

If a snake has invaded your home, or if you are having persistent issues with them around your landscape, professional help is your best solution. In Northern Illinois, Wildlife Services is your top-rated choice. Contact us today.