How Much Does Snake Removal Cost?

Finding the exact price for snake removal is a difficult process. That’s because it varies so greatly from one wildlife control company to the next. According to our research, you can plan on paying between $150 and $500 per visit.

National Average	Average Cost Range	Minimum Cost	Maximum Cost
$325	$150 – $500	$100	$600

If trying to exterminate snakes on your own becomes too challenging, we recommend Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive. These exterminators have some of the best-trained professionals that are able to use traps, baits, and other chemically treated solutions that are often more effective than standard DIY methods.

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 What Influences Cost?

Several factors influence snake removal pricing. Below are a few of the most important ones.

Time of Day

Pest control companies typically operate between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in most regions of the U.S., and the same goes for wildlife removal companies.

Some of the larger ones offer emergency after-hour services. However, plan on paying at least $100 extra.

Location of the Snake

The location of the snake within your property is also important. Here is a list of pricing options according to where the technician has to remove the snake. Keep in mind that these prices are approximate and may change according to the various regions within the U.S.

• Garage: $125
• Yard: $150
• Basement: $200
• Attic: $250
• Roof: $300
• Crawlspace: $400

Number of Snakes

The number of snakes can make a difference in what you pay. However, there should be no additional cost for non-poisonous snakes that are together at the same location.

Venomous snakes are an exception. Most companies charge around 20 percent more per snake. That’s because of the added danger the removal professional is exposed to during the process.

Method Used

Wildlife removal experts prefer to use hooks when removing snakes. They’re typically easier to handle than tongs, and they’re less likely to injure the animal during the procedure.

However, the animal control professional may not have any choice. The snake could be positioned in an awkward spot, and they may have to use a combination of methods.

In these types of scenarios, you may have to pay extra. But, the larger companies usually price in these contingencies. So, it’s up to the technician if you will be saddled with an additional charge.

Cost by Type of Snake

Here is a cost breakdown by the type of snake you may encounter. Keep in mind that there will also be slight variances according to the region you live in.

• Garter snake: $100
• Rat snake: $150
• Kingsnake: $200
• Copperhead: $350
• Cottonmouth: $400
• Rattlesnake: $400
• Coral snake: $500

Remember that your county animal control operator will typically not handle venomous snakes. That’s because, in most locations, the cost for training typically supersedes demand. Instead, they will recommend a local exterminator or wildlife removal company.

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Signs & Causes of Snake Infestation

Snakes are adept at hiding from humans. They camouflage their bodies to blend in with their environments. In addition, they cover themselves well to conceal their location, making poisonous snakes all the more dangerous.

There are certain signs that most snake species exhibit to give themselves away. For example, you may notice snakeskins lying around your yard. This is an indication there may be some live ones in the area.

In addition, look for snake holes in the ground. That may also be an indication you have live activity nearby.

Snakes leave their droppings everywhere they travel. They appear white and watery, much like pigeon excrement. Look for these along with slithering tracks.

Snakes also leave behind an unusual smell. This odor often mimics the scent of its venom, and it can be quite offensive.

Finally, if you notice more live snake activity than usual, that could signal an infestation. This is especially true during the daytime. Spotting snakes during the day may mean a severe problem that warrants immediate attention.

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Health Risks of Snakes

There are certain health risks when snakes are in the area of your home. Here, we break them down into non-venomous and venomous species.

Health Risks of Non-Venomous Snakes

Bites from non-venomous snake species do not cause the same symptoms as their venomous counterparts. However, they may still require some type of wound care. Also, bite victims should receive a tetanus shot, especially if they haven’t received one in the past five years.

Health Risks of Venomous Snakes

There is a lot written about venomous snake bites. However, there is also widespread misinformation about the topic. So, we’ll hopefully help dispel any myths that may still be circulating.

Here, we’ve listed the type of snake and the common symptoms their bites can cause. Keep in mind that not all snakebite victims have the same experience. That’s because everyone’s physiology is different.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are in the viper family. They’re beneficial to the environment by helping keep rodent populations in check.

Rattlesnakes typically won’t bite unless threatened, and their venom is seldom life-threatening when medical treatment is sought immediately.

Here are the common symptoms of rattlesnake bites:

• Painful, swollen bite area
• Tingling sensation
• Bleeding around the bite area
• Tissue damage
• Rapid pulse
• Blurred vision
• Paralysis

Copperhead Snakes

The copperhead is a pit viper found mostly in the Eastern U.S. Its ability to become nearly invisible by blending in with its environment makes this snake so dangerous, and although copperheads are not aggressive, people often get bit by merely stepping on them.

These are the symptoms of copperhead bites:

• Extreme pain
• Bleeding
• Low blood pressure
• Skin color changes
• Tissue damage
• Numbness and tingling
• Weak pulse
• Shock

Cottonmouth (Water Moccasins)

You can find the cottonmouth snake primarily in the Southeastern U.S. It prefers shallow water habitats, and it’s also an excellent swimmer.

Cottonmouth snakes prefer to run than fight. When cornered, they open their mouths to show their fangs and ward off predators. But rarely do they resort to biting people.

Cottonmouth bite symptoms begin immediately and include:

• Extreme pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shock
• Swelling
• Thirst
• Tiredness
• Weakness

Coral Snakes

Coral snakes are in the same family as the king cobra due to their fangs being always at the ready. Like the cobra, you can find the coral snake mostly in tropical regions.

In the U.S., they live primarily in the Southern states. But they have been reported as far North as Kentucky.

Coral snake bites are usually painless at first. Moreover, major symptoms may not develop for several hours. If left untreated, coral snake bites can become lethal.

Symptoms usually include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shock
• Paralysis
• Convulsions
• Weak pulse

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First Aid for Snakebites

It’s important to follow these steps when treating for snakebite injuries:

1. Keep the victim calm
2. Restrict movement to ensure the venom stays localized
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. To prevent shock, lay the victim flat, elevate their feet, and keep warm
5. Seek medical help immediately

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DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

DIY snake removal is fraught with danger. You have to first identify whether it’s poisonous or not. Then, you must decide on the proper course of action.

Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to see if the snake will move away from your property by itself. Sometimes, the war isn’t worth the effort. Eventually, it will slither happily away.

In some instances, a gentle spray of the hose will get it to move off peacefully. However, be careful not to use a coarse setting. There’s no reason to damage the animal needlessly.

If you are going the DIY route, be sure to have the proper equipment to protect yourself, such as snake bite-proof boots.

You could try to snake-proof your home. Some homeowners utilize snake fencing around known entry points. Still, this technique is often met with limited results.

The same with snake repellents. They generally fail due to snakes not having the ability to smell, only taste. When combined with an overall snake prevention plan, it’s worth a try.

Snake traps can also be used to get rid of these unwanted creatures. But you should avoid the thin ones made for mice. Instead, use the kind labeled for rats to ensure they hold up to wriggling snakes.

In a desperation attempt, some people try getting these ugly critters off their lawn using mothballs. But nowhere in any scientific study does this method work. Plus, it usually adds to the overall frustration.

Hiring a Professional

After all that, most people end up hiring an expert to handle their snake problems. Why wouldn’t they? Today’s wildlife expert goes through several months of training to become certified.

These professionals can identify the type of snake you have. Also, they have the expertise to know what to do when they find them.

For example, Aptive Environmental technicians shine as a leader in eco-friendly snake removal. Once they uncover your problem, they usually go to work right away to solve it.

Terminix always performs a complete inspection before deciding on a course of action. It certainly wants to avoid missing a thing. Also, it follows up every time, so there’s no second-guessing.

Orkin technicians first identify what type of snake you have. Then it utilizes an integrated strategy to ensure your problem is solved for good. That’s why Orkin is a leader in wildlife removal for both commercial and residential customers.

Whichever company you decide on, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. Also, take a quick peek at the review sites to see what previous customers have to say. Finally, make sure you get all promises in writing before signing any agreement for service.

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What is the Standard Snake Removal Process?

The technician the company sends to your home will depend on a few things:

• The type of snake you describe
• The number of snakes you’re seeing
• The part of the home you notice the activity
• The time of day you call

That said, most companies will send two people. Again, the main reason is safety. So, if, by chance, only one tech shows up, you may want to question that decision.

Although wildlife specialists can legally remove a snake by themselves, it’s highly frowned upon within the industry. That’s because so much can go wrong during the removal process. No one wants their employees to be bitten by a poisonous snake.

Find Pest Control Cost Estimates In Your State

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The Arrival of Your Technicians

Once the two highly-trained technicians arrive at your home, it’s time to inspect the area. Even if your snake is curled up asleep in your garage, they will want to have a look around. If anything, most techs are curious how the snake got into your home in the first place.

The Removal Process

When it’s time to remove the snake, the lead handler will work the snake hooks. These devices help ensure they can pick it up safely. Then, it’s just a matter of putting the snake into a five-gallon bucket for transport.

To ensure that everything stays safe, a second person stands by to observe. Once the lead tech releases the snake into the container, their helper quickly fastens the lid so the animal doesn’t escape.

It can be a terrifying process to observe. Sometimes, the snake will not go quietly. It may even strike as the lid is being securely fastened.

A Few More Steps

The whole removal process typically takes only a few minutes. So, you may be tempted to feel a bit cheated. However, keep in mind that the technicians are the ones taking all the risks.

Also, their job isn’t over when they catch a snake. Now, the hard part comes — they have to release it safely without killing it, if possible.

To do that, they select a location far enough that the snake will no longer bother you. They will also have to balance that with an effort to preserve the snake’s life. That means letting it go where it has the greatest chance for survival.

In some areas of the U.S., the fish and wildlife service will aid in the process. Also, universities often receive trapped animals to conduct humane observation and research. So, either way, the snake has a happy ending.

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Bonus Tips for Hiring a Professional

There’s nothing scarier for you or your family than being visited by venomous snakes. Naturally, your first instinct is to remove them at any cost. So, you may be tempted to hire the first company you see listed.

In your haste, you could get someone to your home who isn’t qualified to help. Worse, they may cause damage to your property while trying to do something they shouldn’t.

So, it’s best to stay calm and take your time vetting each candidate. To help you during the process, you may want to follow these three simple steps:

1. Obtain license and insurance information. If the person you call is unwilling to provide this information over the phone, hang up and go to the next option.
2. Try to stay within our cost guidelines. It’s tempting to pay whatever the company dictates. After all, they’re willing to come to your home and remove a deadly snake. However, it would be best if you tried to avoid letting anyone take advantage of your fear.
3. Get everything in writing. Make sure the cost of snake removal services is in writing to avoid misunderstanding. Also, any promises made by the snake control specialist need to be included in the contract as well.

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