Residents of California are far too familiar with a kingsnake. The king of snakes are ground-dwellers and is a predator to other snakes including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. The kingsnake is highly resistant to venom from other snakes. Here are some tips on how to prevent your home from being invaded.
Identifying a Kingsnake
Kingsnakes come in various colors but is mostly recognized by the banding pattern. Some types of kingsnake do have stripes that run along the body from head to tail.
Where are Kingsnakes found?
Kingsnakes can often be found out and about during the day time searching for food or a mate. As the weather warms up, kingsnakes become more nocturnal due to the rising temperatures and can be found at dusk or dawn. They often build homes in rock outcrops, brushy hillsides, woodlands, fields, river valleys or pine forests.
What do they eat?
Although Kingsnakes often eat other snakes, they can be found feasting on lizards, rodents, birds, and eggs.
How big are Kingsnakes?
California Kingsnakes are slender and are between 4-5 feet when they reach adulthood.
What to do if you find a Kingsnake?
California Kingsnakes are relatively docile when compared to other snakes similar in size, they are not aggressive unless agitated. Fortunately, kingsnakes are not venomous as they are a constrictor.
How to prevent kingsnake from invading your home?
The first step to prevention is making your property less appealing to the rodents and snakes that they feed on.
If you have pets:
- Pet doors into home or garage provide an easy entrance for rodents.
- Don’t leave pet food outside, especially at night.
Repair, Replace or Install:
- Damaged ventilation screen around the foundation and under eaves.
- Install screening to clothes dryer vents.
- Seal all openings around pipes, cables, and wires that enter through walls or the foundation.
- Be sure all windows that can be opened are screened, repair or replace screens that are broken or in poor condition.
- Cover all chimneys with a spark arrester.
- Ensure internal screens on roof and attic air vents are in good condition.
- Make sure all exterior doors are tight fitting and weatherproofed at the bottom.
- Seal gaps beneath garage doors with a gasket or weatherstripping.
Yard Maintenance:
- Keep your trees trimmed, and your bushes and vines thinned. Make sure trees are trimmed back from the house at least 4 feet.
- Keep lids on garbage cans.
- Clean up all debris in the yard and storage areas.
- Store wood at least 18 inches above the ground and 12 inches away from walls.
- Eliminate standing water and fix leaky faucets.
If you have questions or concerns about kingsnakes feel free to reach out, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
AANTEX Pest Control offers a variety of free inspections and serves the entire Bay Area.
Call our Brentwood office at 925-240-5100 to schedule your pest control consult today.