Having this in your court could attract naked snakes, say the experts
The main cause of snake bites could be closer to your home than you think.
The bell serpent can look like a mythical beast confined to the kingdom of dusty hiking trails. But do not be mistaken: the bell snakes are very real and very dangerous. In fact, according to research carried out byAmerican Academy of Family Physicians, Bell snakes are singularly responsible for the lion of snake bites in the country. Even if snake bites are statistically rarely fatal (provided you get fast medical care), you still don't want it. And the easiest way to avoid a bite is to avoid the natural environment of the snake. But it's also too possibleA bell snake or two Maybe hide already on your premises. Read the rest to find where - and discover what you can do to prevent them.
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Ratels snakes are a unique American problem.
In exchange for a relatively temperate climate, the western hemisphere obtains bell snakes, including three dozen species. "The bell snakes are only found in the Americas,"Sholom Rosenbloom, the owner of BaltimoreRosenbloom pest control recountBetter life. "Seakers can be found in southwest Canada to the center of Argentina. Texas and Arizona have the greatest diversity of snake species in their respective states."
In other words, if you are in the United States, you should always be on the lookout at least somewhat. TheNational Wildlife Federation notes that, although the bell snakes technically make their house from one ocean to another, you are more likely to find them in theSouthwest States: Arizona, New Mexico, parts of California, etc. As a cold blood creatures, they are less likely to appear in severe winter weather. "Snakes are the most active throughout the summer, especially at night," notes Rosenbloom.
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Here is where they could hide.
In the wild, the bell snakes love to hide where you expect, under the rocks, in the shade of the greenery, this kind of thing. But they also like to hide where you may not expect - your Woodpiles, these stacks of carefully assembled logs that tend to proliferate during the elevated SE season or when you use your fireplace.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"Snakes with bell generally start to infest wood batteries in the spring while the weather becomes warmer", according toNicholas Martin, consultant in the fight against pests and founder ofAntiparasitic hacks. "Seakers with bells often choose Woodpiles as hiding place because they find them sufficiently safe to hide predators ... These snakes also use Woodpiles as a perfect shelter of [the] heat."
In addition, the bell snakes are looking for Woodpiles for the same logic that motivates all the critters with a pulse: food. "Seakers' snakes mainly eat rodents," explains Rosenbloom. "Snakes have an incredible capacity to follow the chemical trails of their prey, and the monitoring of mice in your court or your house is one of the main reasons why they will arise." And as they are a relatively agile reptile, they can "use narrow" corridors "of Woodpiles to hunt without spending too much energy", explains Martin.
Yes, you can prevent them from presenting themselves.
If the bell snakes do not have a food source, there are few reasons for them to appear. You could, as Martin suggests, "treat the wooden batteries around your home with insecticides and rodenticides to prevent insects and rodents from attracting snakes." It is a useful tactic, but not a tactic to everything.
Therefore, you will also want to make structural changes. "If you have wooden batteries, they should be 12 to 16 inches above the ground," advises Rosenbloom. At this height, the bell snakes cannot access them in a way of them from the ground. (You don't need a herpetology lesson to see that snakes are without any.) And you have to move the battery as far as possible from your home to prevent snakes with inadvertent outletswandering inside.
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But if you see one, walk with caution.
"The golden rule forAvoid a snake bite It's never let your hands or feet go where you can't see them, "notes Rosenbloom.
First, keep your distance. If you have to move a snake, use a long wooden stick - Martin suggests a broom - to stir it with rest. This should, in theory, encourage the snake to find another hiding place, although the risk is that it will eventually end up in another place where you cannot dislodge it.
Your best bet is simply to ring your local antiparasitic struggle. (Such services tend to be administered locally, because there is no national hotline.) "Take advantage of looking at the bell snakes at a safe distance, then let them continue," explains Rosenbloom. "It's the best policy!"