Interesting Facts About Snakes

A snake’s noiseless way of moving, its habits of hiding and of staring—all contribute to the false impression that snakes are sinister and dangerous beasts. Poison glands and fangs in some snakes, which aid them in hunting and self-defense, only add to a most often unreasonable fear by humans. We do not hesitate to tell people that fear is the problem, not the snake. Since we have given everything the meaning that it has, we can always choose again. Try thinking of a snake as a computerized mouse-trap which wants only to do that for which it was designed.

We have very effective treatment methods and get wonderful results, but in our opinion many snake calls we receive do not require treatment—mainly because non-poisonous snakes do more good than harm (except to one’s comfort level, and that hinges on a person’s knowledge and/or experience with snakes). Our programming (often subconscious) has caused us to assign the meaning and value that the snake has for us. But there is no arguing with emotions, and we at Bee Busters can accept that—and we will do all we can possibly do to make the job a painless transition for both customer and snake.

The activity of snakes is dependent upon the surrounding temperature. They are unable to perceive sound, but are extremely sensitive to vibrations. Snakes generally have good eyesight, but they pay attention to moving objects and they are probably unable to perceive shapes, as such. It is interesting to note that mice, rats and other vertebrates pay no attention to a snake as long as it remains motionless, but do respond with fright when the snake moves. Smell is the most important sense for snakes to find out what is going on in the world around them. They smell with a two-pronged tongue. Snakes continue to grow throughout their life span.

Snakes do play an important role in ecology. All snakes are meat eaters and prey on small insects to fairly large mammals, depending on the species. Some snakes specialize as pest control agents. These ground-dwelling snakes consume small rodents. Water snakes feed primarily on amphibians and fish, and other groups of snakes specialize in still other areas of prey. In some countries, snakes are purposely kept in the house to remove mice.

The snake most likely to enter a house is the Black Rat Snake, although we have found many varieties, including Copperheads. Black Rat Snakes may be found around well-kept homes, if there are any large shade trees in the yard. Trees with hollows and piles of mulch or rotting wood are selected as nests by Rat Snakes. They lay 5 to 25 eggs in the early summer, which hatch in late summer. Young Black Rat Snakes are frequently mistaken for Copperheads or young Timber Rattlesnakes and are distinguished from poisonous snakes by their protruding round eyes, round pupils and the black and which checkerboard pattern on their bellies. IN THIS REGION, IF THE PUPIL OF THE EYE IS LIKE THAT OF A CAT, THE SNAKE IS POISONOUS.

In Virginia there are about 37 kinds of snakes, but only three of them are poisonous. The only poisonous snake in the Richmond area is the Copperhead, which is found in all Virginia counties. The saddles on the back of the Copperhead are outlined in rich brown and the top of the head is a rusty brown. A snake can strike from one-third to one-half of its body length in any direction, and can do so with blinding speed, especially when the temperature is warm. Poisonous snakes inject venom so fast that the human eye is incapable of actually seeing the process. After its victim’s ability to fight back is gone, the snake can consume his prey. Other snakes wrap themselves around their prey to squeeze them to death.

Children should be warned to leave snakes alone. Young, poisonous snakes, about 8 inches long, are brighter and more distinctly marked than the adults. Young Cottonmouth and Copperhead snakes have greenish-yellow tail tips. The newborn snake has functional fangs and venom. The time of year to be alert for them is from August until cold fall nights are frequent.

The Cottonmouth lives in swamp habitats in the Dismal Swamp area, along the James River to the vicinity of Petersburg, and in other locations in southeastern Virginia. When threatened, this dark, grayish brown snake displays the inside white of its mouth. The Timber Rattlesnake lives in the mountainous area, and the Canebrake Rattlesnake lives in southeastern parts of Virginia.

Handling Snakes A hoe, rake or shovel can be used to lift the snake and carry it outside. Most snakes will concentrate on maintaining balance on the implement to keep from falling. A broom can be used to sweep small snakes into a box for removal to an area better suited for them. IF YOU ARE NOT A PRO, YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO CAPTURE OR HANDLE POISONOUS SNAKES.