From Garter to Copperhead: An Introduction to Indiana’s Snakes

As the leaves crunch under your feet and you venture deeper into the wilderness of Indiana, it’s likely you’ll encounter some of our slithering residents. Indiana is home to a diverse array of snake species, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. From the harmless, ubiquitous Garter snake to the venomous Copperhead, these reptiles play a crucial role in Indiana’s ecosystem.

This blog will journey into the fascinating world of Indiana’s snakes, shedding light on the behavior, habitats, and unique traits of these often misunderstood creatures. We’ll also delve into the important precautions to take to avoid snake bites, particularly from the state’s handful of venomous species. So, whether you’re a hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just curious, join us as we unravel the fascinating world of Indiana’s snakes.

Call 615-337-9165 For Licensed Snake Removal Service in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 615-337-9165 For Licensed Snake Removal Service in Indianapolis Indiana

The Importance of Snakes in Indiana’s Ecosystem

Snakes may have a bad reputation, but they actually play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of Indiana’s ecosystem. As predators, snakes help control populations of rodents and other small animals, preventing them from becoming overabundant and causing harm to crops or other native species. They also serve as prey for larger predators, such as birds of prey and mammals. In addition, some snake species like the Eastern Hognose snake also play a vital role in seed dispersal and pollination. Without snakes, Indiana’s ecosystem would be significantly impacted.

Common Snake Species in Indiana

Indiana is home to 33 different species of snakes, ranging from tiny Ring-necked snakes to massive Eastern Rat snakes. Some of the most commonly encountered species include Garter snakes, Black Rat snakes, and Northern Water snakes. These non-venomous species are often found in backyards, gardens, and parks, making them a familiar sight to many Hoosiers. Other less common but equally fascinating species are also found in Indiana, such as the secretive Timber Rattlesnake and the highly adaptable Eastern Milksnake.

Venomous Snakes in Indiana

While most of Indiana’s snakes are harmless, there are three venomous species that call the state home: Copperheads, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Massasauga Rattlesnakes. These snakes may look similar to non-venomous species at first glance, but they possess venom glands and fangs to deliver a potentially deadly bite. However, it’s important to remember that snake bites are rare and typically only occur when provoked or accidentally disturbed. It’s also worth noting that all three of Indiana’s venomous species are protected by state law and should not be harmed if encountered.

Safety Precautions for Snake Encounters

If you do happen to encounter a snake, it’s important to remember that they typically want nothing to do with humans. Most snakes will retreat or hide when approached, so it’s best to give them plenty of space and avoid handling them. If you’re hiking or spending time outdoors, wearing closed-toe shoes and watching where you step can also help prevent accidental encounters and potential snake bites. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the state’s venomous species and their habitats, so you know what to look out for in different areas.

What to Do About Nuisance Snakes on Your Property

Nuisance snakes on your property can be a serious concern for any homeowner. While snakes can play an important role in the ecosystem, they can also pose a threat to your safety and that of your family. Whether you’re dealing with venomous snakes or non-venomous ones, it’s important to take steps to control them. One option is to hire a snake removal service that can safely and effectively remove any snakes from your property. These professionals have the experience and equipment to deal with a wide range of snake species and can help ensure that your home and family are protected.

Additionally, you can take steps to prevent snakes from entering your property, such as sealing up any potential entry points and removing any sources of food or shelter. You can even try a non-toxic wildlife repellent. By taking a proactive approach to snake control, you can help ensure that your property remains a safe and enjoyable place to live.

Final Thoughts

Next time you come across a snake in Indiana, remember that they are an important part of our ecosystem and pose little threat to humans. Take the time to appreciate these fascinating creatures from a safe distance, and follow the necessary precautions to avoid any potential conflicts. By understanding and respecting Indiana’s snakes, we can coexist peacefully with these vital members of our state’s biodiversity.

Would you like to learn more about protecting your premises against snake intrusions and threats? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured wildlife removal and control services for snakes in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

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Top Nuisance Animals to Watch Out For in the Summer

The Hoosier state is home to all sorts of wildlife. From water dwellers and land critters to flight takers, earthy burrowers, hide and seekers, and much more, Indiana is a place where the wildlife roam freely. Although nature is one of our most valuable and beloved assets, some animals are known to cross the line into nuisance territory. Common nuisance animals include bats, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, opossums, groundhogs, muskrats, coyotes, rabbits, and even birds. But in the summer, three of these known nuisance species are particularly bothersome to residential and commercial properties.

Continue reading to learn the top nuisance animals to watch out for in the summer, plus what you can do to protect your property against nuisance while activity and tampering.

Get Rid of Snakes Indianapolis Indiana 317-875-3099
The Common Gartersnake — Get Rid of Snakes Indianapolis Indiana 317-875-3099

Top 3 Summertime Nuisance Animals in Indiana

Raccoons

This should not surprise you if you know anything about raccoons. Not only are raccoons heavily populated in Indiana, but they are a highly intelligent species. In addition to being incredibly smart and clever, raccoons have human-like paws with long sharp claws capable of gripping, grasping, and manipulating objects around them. As a result, raccoons are very successful burglars.

Not only can they easily access vulnerable properties, commonly, but they can also do a lot of damage. No matter where they go. Raccoons are commonly found in addicts, crawlspaces, and beneath porches and patios. However, they also freely roam the wooded areas near sources of water. If you live near a pond, lake, river, or creek, you likely have a raccoon population close by.

Raccoons are more of a problem in the summer because the high heat waves tend to rot and decay garbage at a faster rate, causing a more intense odor. Not only does the pungency of food and garbage attract raccoons to properties, but the heat also motivates them to find cooler, shadier shelters, like attics and crawl spaces.

Snakes

There are many species of non-venomous snakes in Indiana. Some of the more common species that you might find slithering through your lawn or gardens include Gartersnakes, Corn snakes, Ribbonsnakes, Brownsnakes, Red-Bellied snakes, and Kirtland’s snake. Although nonvenomous, they are known to be quite the nuisance in the summertime. Venomous snake species in Indiana include the Copperheads, Cottonmouths, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes, and Timber Rattlesnakes.

Snakes are more of a problem in the summertime because they are not fond of the intense summer climate. As cold-blooded animals, snakes look for cool, shady areas to inhabit. If your lawn has tall grass, log piles, compost piles, or even trash, it will attract nuisance snakes in the summer. By mitigating these areas with snake fencing and lid locks, you can avoid a nuisance snake problem on your property.

Groundhogs

Although it might come as a surprise, groundhogs tend to increase their nuisance behavior in the summertime. First, groundhogs hibernate in the winter. So, when summertime comes around, they are ready to get moving and take full advantage of the ambient and fruitful weather conditions. that the season has to offer. One of their biggest priorities in the summertime is to find a mate, and they dig deep burrows to prepare for their lifelong partnership. Yes, groundhogs do mate for life. Their journey may cross paths with your property, especially if you live near a large body of water like a lake, river, pond, or stream.

Have you already experienced nuisance animal activity in your property this summer? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable animal removal and control services to get rid of raccoons, groundhogs, snakes, and more We serve all of Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

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Fundamental Facts About Corn Snakes in Indiana

In North America, there is a large population and variety of snakes. Some are potential threats, while others tend to be more docile. One of the most commonly seen snakes in Indiana is the Corn Snake. The Corn snake is also called a red rat snake. They got their name from hundreds of years ago, when farmers would catch them in their corn houses. The mice and rats would feed on the farmer’s hoarded corn, while the snakes fed on the mice.

Continue reading to learn more interesting facts about the Indiana native corn snake.

Indianapolis Snake Removal and Control
Indianapolis Snake Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Corn Snake Habitats

The corn snake lives in areas of central and southwest America. They are accustomed to living in wooded or forested places, trees, overgrown grass fields, and even abandoned farmhouses and buildings. At a young age, corn snakes can only live on the ground, however, they eventually gain strength to ascend trees and other high posts. In the winter, these snakes hibernate. They sleep until springtime, when the grass has grown back, and their food sources are more abundant. Snakes are also known for brumation, or the process of hiding out in hollow logs or rock crevices in cold seasons, and coming out during the warmest times of the day to soak up the heat from the sun.

In the wild, corn snakes live up to 8 years; however, in domestication, they can live nearly 25 years.  Corn snakes are a very popular choice for pet snakes. This is because they are less likely to bite, and much less aggressive. They do not grow to extreme lengths and their patterns are very pretty and pleasing to the eye.

Eating Patterns of a Corn Snake

These snakes only eat every few days in the wild. They are carnivores, hunting mice, lizards, and other small game. They are even known to eat frogs and bird eggs in some cases. Domesticated snakes are typically fed frozen or dead mice every other day or so. Experts advise against feeding wild mice to pet snakes because they can carry pathogens that can harm the snake. Mice that are used as snake food are bred in captivity and are disease-free rodents.

Where to Get Pro Removal for Indiana Snakes and More

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable snake removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, clean up and restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, except dogs, cats, and waterfowl. Request a free estimate, today.

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