Most of the Region’s Most Common Snakes are Nothing to Fear

There’s an opportunity at this time of year that you’ll experience a snake on a regional path or in a yard — however there’s no genuine factor to be scared.

Fairfax County has a guide to the kinds of snakes most frequently discovered in the area, and the majority of are not toxic and imply no damage to human beings. (In truth, snakes are valuable in keeping down the regional mouse and rat population.)

According to Fairfax County authorities, the most regularly observed snakes are the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake.

The just snake to truly fear is the Eastern copperhead (previously called the Northern copperhead). It is the only poisonous snake types frequently discovered in Northern Virginia. 

Fairfax County provides the following suggestions for keeping snakes out of your backyard: 

“Most snakes discovered around houses are following a food source or benefiting from existing environment. The following methods need to make your houses and facilities less appealing and available for snakes.

1. Remove preferred environment near the home, consisting of heavy mulching and big rock utilized in landscaping, wood and brush stacks, particles and high yard. Mow yard and keep it brief. Trim trees and shrubs far from your home and garage and clear overhanging greenery that snakes might climb up. Move woodpiles far from the home.
2. Remove preferred food sources. Move birdfeeders far from your house or stop feeding entirely. Seed on the ground might bring in rodents that snakes victim upon. Clean up any recurring spilled seed on the ground to minimize their food source. Make sure to effectively store and secure trash can to prevent drawing in rodents that snakes consume. Feed animals inside your home. If feeding outdoors is required, make certain to clean-up leftover food right now.
3. Inspect your home for openings and seal fractures and crevices around your house and structure. Check outside around pipes, vents, electrical service entryways, windows and doors for little openings and under pathways and patios. A 1/4 inch hole is big enough for some little snakes to go into.”