See a snake on your property and don’t know what to do? Here’s who to call in Charlotte
There are six species of venomous snakes in North Carolina, including the copperhead, one of the most common snakes found in the state.
The state poison center receives 10 times the number of calls about copperhead bites than all other snakes combined, but half of them result in only mild swelling and pain, according to NC Poison Control. However, bites from rattlesnakes are usually more severe and often require immediate medical attention.
Each year, an estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. are bitten by venomous snakes, according to the CDC.
If you see a venomous snake in or around your home, it’s best to let a professional handle it, said former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control Officer Jay Bell.
“They’re not going to come after you in any way unless they feel threatened,” Bell said. “If you just leave them alone, they’ll want nothing to do with you because you’re a giant to them and they’re terrified of you.”
Why do snakes go inside homes?
During his time as an animal control officer, Bell said there were calls about snakes inside homes year-round, though the vast majority of incidents involved non-venomous species.
“Since snakes are cold-blooded, their body temperature is regulated by their surroundings,” said Bell. “If it’s a little cold outside, they’ll follow the heat and go inside a house. And if it’s hot out, they feel some cool air coming from under a house and they’ll go in.”
Bell said snakes can also invade houses looking for food, and if you have a rodent issue in your home, you’re probably more likely to see one.
In most cases, if a snake is inside your home, they won’t leave a trail, Bell said, adding that they will sometimes leave behind skin or feces.
If you encounter a venomous snake in your house or yard, it should be removed to ensure that no one, including pets, gets hurt, the Humane Society says.
Who can you call to remove a snake?
To have a snake removed from the living quarters of your home, you can call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care & Control at 311.
In most cases, CMPD will not assist with snakes in garages, attics, crawl spaces or areas outside your home. But there are some pest control companies in Charlotte that offer removal services for a fee:
Carolina’s Wildlife Management, 704-681-4599
A-1 Wildlife Control, 704-334-1922
Kingdom Animal Removal, 704-635-0406
Carolina Pest Management, 704-350-2674
Mullis Brothers Services, 704-349-2891
City Wide Wildlife Removal, 704-817-2370
What should you do if you are bitten by a venomous snake?
Venomous snake bites can lead to bruising, bleeding, disturbed vision and loss of consciousness, according to the CDC. If you are bitten by a snake, you should:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible by dialing 911 or contacting Emergency Medical Services.
Try to remember the color and shape of the snake. This can help first responders and medical professionals treat your bite.
Keep still and calm. This can slow the spread of the venom within your body.
Wash the wound with warm, soapy water and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
How can you prevent snakes from entering your home?
To keep snakes from slithering into your house, Bell offered the following tips:
Check your home for rodents, as they can attract snakes.
Keep your yard free from clutter and debris.
Keep your shrubs and grass maintained.
Don’t overwater your lawn. This can attract amphibians and smaller reptiles, and snakes may mistake it for a food source.
Secure all doors, windows and other entry points into your home.
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "See a snake on your property and don’t know what to do? Here’s who to call in Charlotte."
