Snakes in our Chicago homes? Here's how to spot and get rid of them

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Snakes are highly polarizing creatures of the animal kingdom. They are disliked and liked at the same time. If you live in or around Chicago, the chance is that you will find them around and it becomes really very important to get rid of them.

They dwell in forests, marshes, grasslands, and swamps and can even be spotted in a stream, slough, or river. You may see them eating different types of insects and different types of food are part of their daily life.

Snakes in Chicago homes

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, snakes are present in Chicago and other parts of Illinois throughout the year. In winter, they enter a state known as brumation. It means they rarely or don't move here and there when there is extremely cold outside. When there are spring and summer seasons, they come out and you may find them in the backyard or other parts of the house. Maybe, there are present on the rocks found outside your home. Or maybe, they are hiding under the trees in your garden. Snakes mostly remain active during the daytime and some become nocturnal when the temperature rises.

Types of snakes in Chicago

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, four main species of snakes are likely to be present in your home because they are commonly found across the state. Their names are as follows.

1. Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
2. Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
3. Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
4. Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Spot them in your home

Here are some signs you have snakes in the yard.

1. Snake dropping
2. Shed snakeskin
3. A snake hole is present somewhere inside the house
4. When you feel a strange smell in an enclosed space
5. When there are one or more tracks in the dirt or dust due to slithering

How to get rid of snakes?

Here are some quick tips to avoid or get rid of them.

1. You should regularly spray the hose while standing at a distance.
2. Trap them using a garbage can and throw them out once trapped.
3. You can use a good snake repellent.
4. Eliminate standing water in the storage area or your garden.
5. Fill in all the burrows preset at the house.
6. You should cut the grass regularly and keep it short in spring and summer.

Disclaimer: All the facts and quotes, etc. in this article are cited. Also note that I have no direct/indirect link with the service/program provider. The article is solely written for informational purposes.

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