Snakes alive! They’re out already in Cache Valley

Utah snakes are active in both spring and fall, but have been surprisingly active this spring, according to Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension Wildlife Specialist. The unsettled weather forces snakes emerging from hibernation into homes and other dwellings as they attempt to escape unseasonably cold temperatures, he said.

“Our office has already received many calls about snake encounters,” said Messmer. “One woman related an experience about just returning home from delivering freshly baked bread to the neighbors. She had left the oven door slightly ajar to dissipate the heat. As she approached the oven to close the door, she noticed movement. Upon looking closer, she came face to face with a 16-inch garter snake. That probably made her a little leery of bread making for a while.”

Snakes are probably the most feared and misunderstood creatures known, said Messmer. Utah is home to 27 species. Of these, 23 are non-venomous. Because of this, chances are high that when Utahns encounter a snake, it will be non-venomous. The most common non-venomous snakes in Utah are three species of garter snakes often referred to as water snakes (although Utah has no true water snakes), the rubber boa and gopher or bullsnake.

Snakes are reptiles and are considered cold-blooded, which means they maintain body temperatures nearly equal to that of their environment, he said. When environmental temperatures drop below 50 F, snakes seek shelter in areas where temperatures are maintained above freezing. Suitable shelters may be found under rocks, in holes, below ground, in or under tree stumps, wood piles, debris or man-made structures. These places may be used for temporary shelter or for winter hibernation. Some snakes will use the same sites as dens year after year for hibernation. Several hundred snakes may also occupy the same denning sites.

“Non-venomous snakes do not cause direct damage to humans, structures or pets,” said Messmer. “They actually assist in controlling local insect and rodent populations. Some non-venomous snakes eat other snakes, even venomous ones.”

Occasionally, snakes will enter buildings and other structures for shelter or food. To reduce these encounters, make the area unattractive to them, he said. Snakes need food and shelter, and if these aren’t available, they won’t be attracted to the area. Keep lawns cut, weeds and vegetation thinned and remove wood, rock and debris piles. Removing these and other potential snake or rodent hiding places will also help reduce food supplies.    

Messmer also recommended inspecting homes and other buildings for openings that would allow snakes entry. To do this, check the foundation for cracks and openings larger than one-fourth inch, and fill the openings with caulk or concrete mortar. Metal screen or hardware cloth can also be used to close the openings. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or wires enter the building. Also check around doors and windows for openings. Consider using screens around doors and windows to reduce the chance that a snake will enter through these areas. These modifications can also help exclude rodents and insects.

“If you are building a new home, consider the exclusion methods,” said Messmer. “Also think about the location of your building site. If you build near a permanent water source such as a river, stream, lake, pond or wetlands, you will increase the chances of non-venomous snake encounters. Also think about snake habitat and food requirements when landscaping.”

If snakes continue visiting an area after the habitat has been modified, it may become necessary to trap and remove them. Keep in mind that snakes are protected in Utah and that they should not be killed without proper cause, he said. The best way to remove snakes from buildings is to use long capture tongs, a pole or a stick, then place the snake in a container for removal. It is not recommended to capture snakes by hand.

“A pile of damp burlap bags can also be used to attract and remove snakes from an enclosed area,” said Messmer. “Place the pile of bags in a cool, dark place and cover it with a dry bag to keep the other bags damp. Snakes will be attracted to this area to escape the heat of the day. Remove the bags and snake(s) with a large flat shovel in the middle of the day when snakes are more likely to be inside the bags.”

Glue boards can also be used to capture and remove snakes. Attach three or four rat-size glue boards to a piece of plywood (16 x 24 inches) or staple them together. Since snakes generally move along walls, place the glue boards along an inside wall or along the foundation, he said. When a snake slithers along the glue board, it will become attached and the glue board can be removed. To avoid close contact with an agitated snake, consider fastening a wood extension handle to the glue board plywood base before placing the trap. To release a snake caught in a glue board, take it to a suitable area, place the glue board flat on the ground, and pour vegetable oil on the snake. The vegetable oil will reduce the tackiness of the glue, allowing the snake to free itself.

     “Most Utahns will never encounter a snake in their home,” Messmer concluded. “But for those who do, habitat modification and exclusion are the best control measures.”