Snake

Snakes are common but often misunderstood wildlife found throughout Western New York. Most species in the Buffalo area are harmless, non-venomous, and play an important role in controlling rodents and insect populations. However, conflicts arise when snakes enter basements, crawl spaces, garages, yards, or occasionally homes while searching for shelter, warmth, or prey. In wildlife control, snake calls are usually related to surprise encounters, indoor sightings, or repeated activity around foundations and landscaping.

When to Call a Professional

If you find a snake inside your home or repeatedly see snakes around your property, it’s best to contact a wildlife professional. Proper identification, safe handling, and prevention measures ensure the situation is resolved quickly while keeping both people and wildlife safe.

Identification
Tips

Snakes in the Buffalo region vary in size and color, but most share these general features:

Long, legless bodies with smooth or keeled scales
Forked tongue used for sensing their environment
Silent movement and ability to hide in tight spaces
Patterns ranging from solid black to striped or blotched

Important: The vast majority of snakes in Western New York are harmless. The only venomous species native to New York State is the timber rattlesnake, which is extremely rare in the Buffalo area and typically restricted to remote, rocky habitats far from residential neighborhoods.

Biology and Life Cycle

Average lifespan: 5–15 years depending on species
Activity season: Spring through early fall
Winter behavior: Hibernate in protected spaces
Young: Eggs or live birth depending on species
During colder months, snakes seek sheltered overwintering sites such as rock crevices, foundations, crawl spaces, or voids beneath structures.

Behavior and Habits

Snakes are:

Reclusive and non-aggressive by nature
Most active in warm weather
Attracted to areas with rodents, insects, or water
Skilled at squeezing through very small openings

When encountered, most snakes will attempt to flee rather than confront a person. Bites are rare and usually occur only when a snake is handled or threatened.

Signs of Snake Activity

You may have snakes nearby if you notice:

Shed snake skins around foundations or storage areas
Slithering tracks in dust, soil, or sand
Repeated sightings near rocks, woodpiles, or gardens
Rodent activity (which attracts snakes)
Small gaps or openings along foundations or siding

Often, the first sign is simply spotting a snake indoors or in the yard.

Risks and Health Concerns

Although most local snakes are harmless, they can still create concerns for homeowners:

Startling encounters inside homes or garages
Fear for children or pets
Attraction to properties with rodent problems
Entry through foundation gaps or utility openings

Even non-venomous snakes can bite defensively if handled, which is why professional removal is recommended.

Removal and Control Techniques

Professional snake control focuses on safe removal and prevention rather than extermination:

Careful capture and relocation where permitted
Inspection of structures for entry points
Sealing cracks and foundation gaps
Eliminating rodent populations that attract snakes
Habitat modification around the property

Because snakes can flatten their bodies and enter small openings, thorough inspection is critical.

Prevention Tips

To make your property less attractive to snakes:

Seal openings around foundations, doors, and utility lines
Remove brush piles, debris, and stacked wood near the home
Keep grass trimmed and landscaping maintained
Control rodent populations
Store firewood away from the house

Reducing shelter and prey sources is the most effective long-term solution.