Knowledgebase
Snake Identification #811441
Asked September 19, 2022, 5:01 PM EDT
I am attaching a cell phone photo of a snake recently discovered inside my home. I have no idea how it came in. I am concerned that there could possibly be more. The only reason I saw the snake was that it was crawled under some clear strapping tape that was holding down phone wires and it couldn't get free.
Thank you.
Monroe County Michigan
Expert Response
I can't see the snake very clearly in the photo so am not 100% sure but I think it is probably an eastern milk snake which is harmless/not venomous or anything. It feeds mainly on rodents. Milk snakes are often reported in people's garages, basements, and/or homes. They might have gone inside to look for food or to stay warm. It is hard to say. They can come in through cracks in the foundation, doorways, garage door, etc. You can just release it outside which I'm sure you have probably already done since you found it yesterday evening.
It is likely an individual snake that wandered into your house. But if one snake can get it in, it could be possible for other snakes to potentially wander in. The tricky thing is figuring out where or how the snake got it in and then sealing that entrance but it is really difficult to figure out how the snake might have gotten in unless you can see something obvious. Removing any obvious potential prey/food for snakes which might attract snakes to go inside your house also might help (e.g., birdseed in your garage which might attract rodents which then might attract snakes). Also keeping your lawn mowed short and/or reducing vegetation immediately around your house which could provide cover and shelter for snakes (and their prey/rodents) also might make your house less attractive to snakes. Unfortunately, that's all I can really suggest to reduce the likelihood that snakes will spend time around or in your house or garage if you have one.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Best,
Yu Man
Thank you for your very quick response.
The snake was found in my home office in my finished basement on September 12th. I realize that the photo wasn’t ideal for identification. The snake had crawled under clear strapping tape and couldn’t get out of it. When removing the snake – we did not remove the tape.
I’ve been very anxious about this as I think I must have a snake phobia! I did look on the internet and found what was supposed to be wildlife experts. Someone did come to my home on Sunday the 18th. He did not seemed experienced and was very young. He did look in the attic, roof and around the foundation. He couldn’t locate any entry points, nor any signs of mice. My roof is fairly new, I have secure block windows in the basement. My garage has been completely cleaned out. This individual did not even ask to see where the snake was found so he could inspect that area. He suggested spraying around the foundation for snakes – which would last for one week – for $279. I declined as I am hoping this is a one time thing. I have, on occasion, gotten mice in the home but haven’t had any for almost 2 years since we sealed up a potential entry.
The “wildlife expert” really frightened me as he sent the same cell phone photo that you have seen to his “supposed expert” and that “expert” said the snake is an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. I looked online and it does resemble it somewhat. You did not see any resemblance to the Massasauga, correct?
There is no way that I can possibly think of for this snake to get in my home other than the unlikely scenario that it came in a delivered package and I just didn’t see it when opening the package.
Any further advice would be welcomed.
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 12:01 PM
To: Lorna G Myers <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Snake Identification (#0081371)
Eastern milk snakes do look like eastern massasaugas but I am fairly sure (almost certain) that the snake in your photo was not a massasauga.
I am glad that you did not pay to have him spray around your house. My understanding is that there isn't anything you can spray around your house that would effectively deter snakes. The most effective ways are to make your house/property less attractive to snakes (i.e., remove/reduce food, water, shelter for snakes) and remove any entry points/opportunities. I think that most snakes found in homes are usually random events at least based on most of the reports I have received from residents.
Best,
Yu Man
Thank you for your response,
Lorna Myers
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 2:39 PM
To: Lorna G Myers <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Snake Identification (#0081371)
