How to Identify and Avoid Venomous Snakes in Indiana

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Are you living in Indiana and worried about the presence of venomous snakes near your home? Snakes can be dangerous, but with the right information, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and pets from harm. In this blog post we’ll discuss how to identify venomous snakes found in Indiana as well as provide tips on snake removal and control. With a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your home is safe from these potentially deadly creatures. Continue below to get started!

Call 615-337-9165 For Licensed Rattlesnake Control in Indianapolis Indiana — A Timber Rattlesnake

Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous

Venomous and poisonous are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two is essential, especially when it comes to safety. Venomous animals, like snakes, inject their venom directly into their prey or attacker, usually through fangs or stingers.

On the other hand, poisonous animals, like the poison dart frog, release a toxin when touched or ingested, usually through skin secretions or ingestion. It’s important to note that not all venomous animals are poisonous and not all poisonous animals are venomous. Knowing the distinction between the two can help you better protect yourself and appreciate the unique adaptations of these incredible creatures.

Two Venomous Snake Species in Indiana

There are two different species of venomous snakes found in Indiana – the Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) and the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Both of these snakes possess a set of fangs that deliver a potentially fatal amount of venom into their prey or potential predators.

The Northern Copperhead:

▶ They are found in the eastern United States.
▶ They typically grow to be about 2-3 feet long.
▶ They are venomous, but their bites are not typically fatal to humans.
▶ These snakes typically eat small mammals, such as mice and rats.
▶ They mate in the spring and give birth to live young in the summer.
▶ The average litter size is 10-12 snakes.

The Timber Rattlesnake:

▶ A venomous snake that is found in the eastern United States.
▶ It is the largest venomous snake in the U.S., with adults reaching lengths of up to 6 feet.
▶ It is a pit viper, meaning that it has heat-sensing pits on its head that it uses to locate prey.
▶ It is considered to be endangered in some states due to habitat loss and extermination.
▶ It is capable of delivering a large amount of venom with each bite.
▶ Bites from this snake can be fatal to humans if not treated promptly.

How to Spot Them

Fortunately, there are some clear physical characteristics you can look for to help you identify which type of snake you have encountered. Copperheads often have distinctive dark brown/red crossbands along their back, while timber rattlesnakes have large diamond-shaped patterns on their back with alternating light and dark rings. It is important to note that all nonvenomous snakes also have patterns on their backs, so you’ll want to look closely at any snake you encounter and be sure you can identify the difference.

Call 615-337-9165 For Licensed Copperhead Removal in Indianapolis Indiana — A Northern Copperhead

Safety Tips For Unexpected Snake Encounters

If you come across a venomous snake in your yard or near your home, it is important to take immediate action to keep yourself and your family safe. Snake removal should be done carefully by trained wildlife control professionals who understand how to safely remove snakes from an area without causing harm. If you are unable to find a professional service in your area, there are also some DIY snake control methods available as well. No matter which method of removal you choose, it is always best practice to exercise extreme caution when dealing with any type of reptile – venomous or not. Wearing thick gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes is recommended. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your pets are kept away from any snakes in the area – even if they appear harmless.

Outsource Professional Snake Removal and Control

By taking the time to educate yourself on how to identify venomous snakes found in Indiana and properly remove them from your property, you can help ensure a safe living environment for yourself and your family. Be sure to contact professional Indianapolis snake removal services if needed and always exercise caution when dealing with these creatures. With the right knowledge and care, you can avoid potential harm from venomous snakes in Indiana.

Are snakes becoming a nuisance around your residential or commercial property in Indiana? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured snake removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We guarantee to fit your budget for safe wildlife control. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

The Most Effective Strategies to Get Rid of Snakes

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Backyards and other outdoor areas that are regularly accommodated by people, pets, and children are most admired when they are pest-free. For homeowners, snakes in the yard can be a frightening threat to their children and domesticated pets. For garden lovers, snakes can cause issues with the growth and quality of fruits, vegetables, and other orchard crops. Public parks and similar outdoor recreation centers are also places that can be negatively affected by the over-abundance of nuisance snakes.

If you are currently dealing with a nuisance snake problem in or around your property, continue reading to learn the most effective strategies to get rid of snakes and be pest-free all next year.

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Top 4 Strategies for Snake Removal and Control

Snake Trapping

Another alternative to chemical-based repellent solutions is to use a snake trap. These traps can be purchased online or in local hardware stores. It is advised to contact an animal control company to facilitate the trapping and relocating of wild snakes. It is important to never harm or injury a wild animal. Snakes are beneficial in many arenas; and should be respected and preserved in nature. Although we don’t want them on our property, there is no need to kill or harm any wild animal near your home or office.

Store-Bought Snake Repellents

For those of you looking for a quick solution to snake infestations, try purchasing a general snake repellent at a local general store or home goods store. You can also find these repellents online for purchase. Although this is not an organic approach to solving a snake problem, many retail snake repellent brands are typically safe to use. They come in powder form or a concentrate that must be diluted with water. These repellents are administered the same way as the homemade option; simply mix, dilute, and spray the desired perimeter.

All-Natural Snake Repellent

For those of you who choose to not use chemical-based sprays and repellents, there are several organic or holistic approaches to consider in order to get rid of snakes. Instead of using store bought snake repellent solutions, you can use a variety of household items that snakes will thwart snakes from entering your property. For example, clove oil, cinnamon, cedar oil, and anything sulfuric-smelling can prevent snakes from trespassing into a yard. Simply mix with a small amount of water in a spray bottle and administer to the perimeter of your property.

Professional Critter Control for Snakes

If you have a minor nuisance snake problem in or around your property, the aforementioned snake removal and control methods may do the trick. But for larger scale nuisance snake problems, or even for larger properties, it is wise to enlist the services of a professional wildlife removal company. They retain the proper technologies, resources, and knowledge to safely remove any existing snakes from your property including their nesting areas, and then set up a system of animal-proofing strategies to prevent snakes from targeting your property in the future.

Are you looking for a qualified Central Indiana animal removal and control company for nuisance snake abatement? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 to speak with a licensed and insured critter control specialist about your best options for snake removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients.

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Venomous Snake Species Found in Indiana

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Here in Indiana, we know of 33 snake species that call the Hoosier state home. From harmless egg-laying snakes like the Western Foxsnake and the Gray Ratsnake, to typical backyard snakes like the common Garter snake, most species are quite innocuous. However, of the 33 known species of harmless snake in Indiana, there are 4 that are in fact, venomous. If you live near woods, forests, or bodies of water, or simply take pleasure in open-air activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, you have a higher chance at crossing paths with an Indiana snake while enjoying the great outdoors!

Continue reading to learn which Indiana snakes are dangerous, and what to do to protect your property from nuisance snakes.

Indianapolis Snake Removal Control 317-875-3099 — Cottonmouth Snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Being able to spot a poisonous snake takes knowledge and a little practice. Some of the most unassuming snakes are the most dangerous, while some exotic-looking ones are entirely harmless. This means you cannot easily gauge a snake’s level of danger based on appearance alone unless you have the right foreknowledge. Read our article, “How Can You Tell if a Snake is Poisonous?” to learn how to identify a dangerous snake from a harmless one.

Commonly referred to as “Pit Vipers”, and all belonging to the scientific family “Crotalidae”, here are the 4 venomous snake species native to Indiana:

🐍 Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperhead snakes are typically only found in the Southern Hills and Lowlands region of the state. Although venomous, Copperhead snakes tend to only bite out of defense, not for predatory reasons. So long as you steer clear, they shouldn’t come after you.

🐍 Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Cottonmouth snakes are only found in one small area in the southwestern regions of the state. They tend to live near slow-moving bodies of water, like lakes, streams, and marshes. As a state endangered species, you won’t likely ever come across one.

🐍 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

Also known as Black Massasauga, Black Rattler, Black Snapper, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is another rate species, as it is a Federally Threatened species. It is primarily found in the Northern regions of Indiana.

🐍 Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Also known as the Timber Rattlesnake, Canebrake Rattlesnake or Banded Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake is another state-endangered snake species that you will not easily come across. They are primarily found in the South central regions of Indiana.

Identifying Poisonous Snake Species

Not only is it wise to learn how to recognize these venomous snake species in Indiana, as well as, how to protect your property from all snakes this coming spring and summer. You see, venomous snakes pose several safety and health risks, but common, harmless snakes can be quite the nuisance to your property. Read our blog, “How to Get Rid of Lawn Snakes” to learn what you can do to protect your lawn and gardens from slithering, smelly, and destructive snakes.

Got a Nuisance Snake Problem?

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable snake removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and free advice. We work with all native wildlife, including snakes, raccoons, bats, squirrels, and more! Request a free estimate, today.