Snakes Around Your Home: What You Need to Know

As a home inspector covering the greater Pittsburgh area, I regularly encounter concerned homeowners dealing with snake issues. While Pennsylvania's snakes are mostly harmless, understanding how to identify, prevent, and manage snake encounters is important for every homeowner.

Common Snakes in the Pittsburgh Area

Non-Venomous Species (Most Common)

• Eastern Garter Snake: Black with yellow stripes, 18-26 inches
• Northern Water Snake: Brown/gray with bands, near water, 24-42 inches
• Eastern Milk Snake: Red, black, and white bands, 24-36 inches
• Black Rat Snake: Solid black, excellent climber, 42-72 inches
• Northern Brown Snake: Small, brown, 9-13 inches

Venomous Species (Rare in Our Area)

• Timber Rattlesnake: Very rare, found in remote wooded areas
• Northern Copperhead: Uncommon, prefers rocky hillsides

Note: Venomous snake encounters in suburban Pittsburgh are extremely rare.

Why Snakes Come to Your Property

Snakes aren't trying to invade—they're following food and shelter:

• Food sources: Rodents, insects, small animals
• Shelter: Rock walls, wood piles, dense vegetation
• Water: Ponds, streams, even birdbaths
• Warmth: Sunny spots, warm foundations

Home Inspection Findings Related to Snakes

Entry Points

During inspections, I commonly find:

• Gaps under doors (including garage doors)
• Openings around pipes and utilities
• Cracks in foundations
• Missing or damaged vent covers
• Holes in siding or soffits

Attractive Habitats

• Overgrown vegetation against foundations
• Cluttered storage areas
• Accumulated debris
• Standing water
• Accessible crawl spaces

Prevention Strategies

Eliminate Food Sources

• Control rodent populations
• Remove bird feeders that attract rodents
• Secure garbage cans
• Clean up pet food

Remove Shelter Options

• Keep grass cut short
• Trim vegetation away from buildings
• Stack firewood away from the house
• Remove rock and brush piles
• Eliminate clutter

Seal Entry Points

• Install door sweeps
• Seal foundation cracks
• Cover vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth
• Caulk gaps around utilities
• Repair damaged siding

What to Do If You Find a Snake

Outside Your Home

1. Stay calm and keep your distance
2. Most snakes will leave on their own
3. If needed, spray gently with a garden hose
4. Never attempt to handle the snake
5. Keep children and pets away

Inside Your Home

1. Isolate the snake in one room if possible
2. Place a towel under the door
3. Call a professional wildlife removal service
4. If you must remove it yourself, use a broom to guide it into a container
5. Release at least 100 yards from your home

Myths vs. Facts

Common Myths

• Myth: Mothballs repel snakes
  Fact: They don't work and are toxic to humans and pets
• Myth: Sulfur keeps snakes away
  Fact: No scientific evidence supports this
• Myth: All snakes are dangerous
  Fact: Most PA snakes are harmless and beneficial

Benefits of Snakes

Before you panic, remember snakes:

• Control rodent populations naturally
• Eat insects and pests
• Indicate a healthy ecosystem
• Generally avoid human contact

Professional Snake-Proofing

Consider professional help for:

• Comprehensive property assessment
• Installation of snake barriers
• Sealing complex entry points
• Ongoing prevention strategies

Legal Considerations

In Pennsylvania:

• All snakes are protected by law
• Killing snakes is generally illegal
• Timber rattlesnakes are endangered
• Permits required for removal in some cases

Seasonal Patterns

• Spring: Snakes emerge from hibernation, most active
• Summer: Seek cool areas during hot days
• Fall: Increased activity before hibernation
• Winter: Hibernate in dens below frost line

Home Inspection Recommendations

During inspections, I recommend:

• Identifying and sealing potential entry points
• Addressing moisture issues that attract prey
• Improving landscape management
• Installing appropriate barriers
• Regular maintenance to prevent habitat creation

When to Be Concerned

Contact professionals if you:

• See snakes frequently
• Find snakes in living spaces
• Suspect venomous species
• Have young children or pets at risk
• Need help identifying species

The Bottom Line

While finding a snake can be startling, remember that they're generally more afraid of you. Most snake issues can be prevented through proper property maintenance and eliminating attractive conditions.

During home inspections, I identify conditions that might attract snakes and recommend practical solutions. A well-maintained property is your best defense against unwanted wildlife.

For a comprehensive home inspection including assessment of wildlife entry points, contact The Home Pros at (412) 403-6057. We'll help you create a safer, more secure home environment.