Is there any such thing as snake repellent? And can you identify this snake? PLEASE ANSWER?

Question

((i am very very sorry for posting this on the pet reptile category and i don't mean to offend anyone but YA does not have a pest control section and i hoped you guys would know best!))

i live in the south eastern part of Amercia and I found a 3 and a half foot(i measured not estimated) long black snake on my 4ft by 4ft porch a few minutes ago and killed it with a shovel.It was not particularly aggressive but i was still very scared. What could it have been? it did not look venomous but i have seen about 3 of them this week, is there a repellent for snakes?

Answer 1

There are several species of "black snake" in the southeastern U.S., we can narrow it down a bit, but without specifics we won't be able to just guess the right snake. (a search on " snake identification" should help immensely.)



Here's a few options:



Black racer

Black rat snake

Eastern Indigo (I hope for your sake it wasn't one of these... they're only found in Florida and southern portions of Georgia and Alabama, and are a federally endangered species... also well-known for eating other snakes, including rattlers)

Hognose snake



Most likely it would be a racer or a rat snake...



Now that I've done what I can on identification, it's time for the "talk" I'm sure you saw coming when you posted this question here...



When you do your search on " snake identification" please also do a search on " venomous snakes", take a look at pictures of venomous species that are native to your area and learn what they look like. Even those aren't out to get you... it's getting to be warm weather, your porch is probably nice and shady, you might have some lizards running around, maybe even a bird bath or a decorative pond in your yard. The only reason you have snakes in your yard is because your yard is a healthy ecosystem that has everything they need. Some people will say sulphur or mothballs will keep snakes away, but this is a temporary fix, and if it's rodents that they're feeding on, rather than lizards, wouldn't you rather put up with seeing an occasional snake than dealing with a mouse or rat infestation?



Anyway, I think I'm done preaching, please, educate yourself on your local snakes, you may end up finding them quite interesting.

Answer 2

Oopsees!



I am a big snake fan, yes hey can seem intimidating to an untrained eye. The best thing you can do if you are in this situation again is to leave the snake alone for a short while, usually they will go as quick as they came.



I'm not sure about the whole Indigo Snake query you are having, they are quite rare and often do not appear on ones doorstep, it will more than likely have been a Racer, Garter, or I suspect a Rat Snake.



As so many have pointed out before me Indigo's are federally protected, but mistakes are common, like I say in particular with untrained eyes.



You sound upset about the whole idea of killing a snake. To your credit you admitted your mistake so you are forgiven.



Join our new forum if you require further advice at:



http://gartersnakeforum.myfastforum.org



This is for all snakes not just Thamnophis (Garter Snakes)

Answer 3

This could have been a Black racer, or even a black Rat snake. These snakes are actually helpful to the environment, eating small mammals such as mice and rats. This helps control the population. Every living thing has a purpose, and snakes are used to control the population of small mammals, even fish. I don't think I've heard of any repellent for snakes, this is why you can call animal control. They will remove the snake from the premises and carry it to a different location, away from human contact.

Answer 4

oh dear, Indigo snakes are endangered. I'm sad either way, but sounds like you have had a change of heart. It's too bad you can't change the past. But you have learned.



The best way to get a snake out of the house... is sweep it out with a broom. :)



Anyway, the answer to snake repellent is "no." Not even moth balls nor sulfur will work. The best thing is to keep the grass cut low and not have a lot of shrubbery around the house. (and make sure you don't have a mouse problem).

Answer 5

Most likely, it was probably a rat snake, which is good to have living around your house. They are non-venomous & actually eat other snakes, including the venomous ones. They also keep the rodent population down.



FYI most snake bites occur when the person is trying to kill the snake. Also, it's illegal to kill them.

Answer 6

could it have been a black snake? I've seen them in PA. Don't know much about them but as for snake repellent? I don't think there is any...good luck...I know I'm not much help.

Answer 7

Copperhead

Answer 8

Awwwwww i love snakes!! I have 5. Without more detail I can't really say what it was.

Answer 9

you can use moth balls...no joke...the napthalene in the balls will help repel them