Florida Snake Facts
Florida is home to about 50 snake species, six of which are venomous. Venomous snakes found in Southwest Florida include the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth or coral snake. Florida snakes are typically not aggressive and will only bite if cornered or handled. Fleeing is a snake’s most common response to being approached by a person. Identifying a snake can be difficult. For most, it’s easy to confuse venomous and nonvenomous snakes. For this reason, it’s always best to leave snakes alone.
Florida Snake Infestation
Snakes can be scary, especially when you find one in your home or on your property. These reptiles may sneak into your home, shed or garage through existing cracks and crevices while following prey like mice and rats. Snakes will not cause any structural damage, but are frightening and pose a health risk if venomous. The best course of action is to not handle or kill the snake and call your local pest management professional. Catseye Pest Control’s nuisance and wildlife technicians have the tools, skills, and experience necessary for identifying and removing snakes of many types.
Florida Snake Bites
Most snake bites happen when people try to handle or kill a snake. In fact, a snake still has reflexes after it is killed and has been known to slowly move or even bite for a short time after it has died. Snake bites should always be taken seriously. If a snake bites you, get away from the snake and immediately seek emergency medical attention. Remove any clothing or jewelry that may prevent blood circulation near the bite area and wash the wound with soap and warm water. If the bite is on an arm or leg, immobilize and make sure it is lower than your heart. Record the time of bite, symptoms and any treatment you performed so you can share the information with the emergency staff that arrives.
Identifying the snake species is not necessary for to treat the bite wound. Attempting to identify, catch or kill the snake can lead to more bites. Do not try to “suck” the venom out of the wound, ice the area or use a tourniquet, none of these methods are effective.
Types of Florida Snakes
Florida Snake Identification
Southwest Florida is home to many varieties of snakes, but the ones to keep an eye out for are the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, and the cottonmouth or coral snake.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) are currently the largest species of rattlesnake. They have thick bodies with large heads. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes have two light lines on the face and adults are usually one foot or two feet long. The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake’s most identifiable features are the diamond patterns on the back and the rattler at the end of their tail.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius) are small, being only 14 to 20 inches in length. Unlike larger species, pygmy rattlers have nine large scales on its head and have a tiny rattler that is very hard to hear. Various species of the pygmy rattlesnakes can range in color from black to brownish red, or even lavender.
Cottonmouth Snake
The cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) can grow up to three feet long. They are marked by patterns with pale centers and darker outlines. As cottonmouths age they begin to lose their distinct patterns. Many of their backs are black or dark olive. Their snouts are always pale with dark vertical lines near each nostril.
Florida Snakes in the Garden & Home
Florida snakes eat a variety of small prey from insects to rodents. In general, snakes are beneficial to the ecosystem and an excellent form of natural pest control. Snake habitats vary greatly depending on the species. Some snakes can live in semi-aquatic environments like wetlands and along the edges of rivers and lakes, while other prefer dry wooded areas or desert climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Florida snakes poisonous?
There are many species of snakes in Florida, of which six are venomous. The cottonmouth, pygmy rattlesnake, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and coral snake are poisonous. Those species aren’t known for being aggressive and will only bite if they are scared, or being carelessly handled. It’s hard to tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous species, so it’s best to leave any snakes you stumble across alone. Snakes usually flee or hide when approached by humans. If found in your home, keep a far distance and call a professional to remove them.
What are the benefits of professional snake pest control?
Any type of wildlife nuisance or pest can be risky to remove safely without the proper equipment or experience.
Professional pest control specialists have the technology, educational background, and skill to safely but effectively remove the animal while also protecting everyone on the property.
If you’re struggling with snakes on your property, contact us. Our technicians can remove them and help you regain control of your property and sanity.