What months are snakes most active in Florida?

As temperatures rise in South Florida, snakes become more active during snakebite season. Every year from April to October, the number of snake bites spike due to the warmer temperatures.


Does Florida have a snake season?

Snake bite season runs from April to October in Florida. There are about 50 species in the state but the most dangerous include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, eastern coral snake, Florida cottonmouth or water moccasin, and southern copperhead snakes.

What keeps snakes away in Florida?

Fencing of aluminum flashing, hardware cloth (1/4"), or silt fencing 2–3 feet high buried 6 inches in the ground should deter most snakes from gaining access to certain areas of your yard (Figure 7).


What part of Florida has the most snakes?

Some snakes that populate the Everglades include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead, coral snake, and water moccasin. The warm climate and abundance of food make the Everglades an ideal habitat for snakes. As a result, it is considered the most snake-infested area in Florida.

Are snakes active in winter in Florida?

Warming temperatures have awaken snakes that have been dormant during the winter months. As a result, they are more active during abnormal times of the day and move more than they typically do while searching for food. This also means more people are likely to encounter with them.


Snakes in Florida: What you need to know



Are snakes common in Florida homes?

While there are many species of native snakes in the state of Florida, many are non-venous and not threatening to humans. The good news is that snakes are rarely abundant in any one location, which means a snake infestation at your home is highly unlikely.

What temperature do snakes go away?

Snakes cannot thrive when temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. With the weather still ideal and an abundance of rain from late summer storms and hurricanes, fall is prime time for snakes to be active. Falling leaves in the fall also provide ideal camouflage for snakes.

Should I be worried about snakes in Florida?

Most Florida snakes are harmless and beneficial and remove extra rodent populations. Even the venomous species are not particularly dangerous unless stepped on or otherwise provoked. Most snakes you encounter are most likely to be non-venomous.


Do snakes get in pools in Florida?

Southern ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus) are one of the most commonly found snake species in urban areas throughout all of Florida, where they are found in leaf litter or mulch, on walkways, and sometimes in houses. They occasionally fall into pools and end up in the skimmer basket.

Do snakes live on the beach in Florida?

Florida's Living Beaches, a beach enthusiast's guide by Blair and Dawn Witherington, further explains that snakes do live in the dunes but only occasionally hunt on the beach.

What scares snakes away?

Some common examples include marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood. Foxes and raccoons are common predators of snakes. Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away. If foxes are indigenous to your area, fox urine is a very good natural repellent for snakes when spread around your property.


What will make snakes leave your yard?

How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
  1. Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can't move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
  2. Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. ...
  3. Keep pet food inside. ...
  4. Trim bushes and trees. ...
  5. Reconsider water features. ...
  6. Install snake-proof fencing.


What smell will keep snakes away?

What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.

Can a snake come up your toilet in Florida?

According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too.


What month does snakes go away?

They are typically burrowed away from October to March. However, if you're still unsure, it's a good idea to use trekking poles or a walking stick while you hike. Snakes avoid predators, such as humans. Unless they feel threatened, that is.

Where is the snake problem in Florida?

Where are Burmese pythons or other large constrictors distributed in Florida? The Burmese python is now distributed across more than a thousand square miles of southern Florida, including all of Everglades National Park and areas to the north including Big Cypress National Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Forest.

Can a snake bite you while its swimming?

Snakes can bite you underwater, but usually only if they're provoked or if they feel threatened. In the Tropical Journal of Medicine and Hygiene, researchers studied 100 sea-snake bite patients who visited a local hospital. They found that over 80% of patients were fishermen who had been in the water.


Is killing a snake illegal in Florida?

If you see Venomous snakes in Florida, it is important to leave it alone and call a professional. Although venomous snakes can be scary, they are protected by state and federal law, and it is illegal to kill them.

Will chlorine keep snakes away?

Snakes are repelled by chlorine and will avoid it at all costs. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, chlorine is a strong chemical and it can be irritating to a snake's skin. Secondly, chlorine is a bleaching agent, so it can damage a snake's scales and make them look dull.

What attracts snakes to your house?

Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.


How many people get bit by snakes a year in Florida?

According to "The Florida Handbook," published by the Florida Department of State, roughly 300 venomous snakebites occur annually in Florida. Fatalities are rare.

Are snakes active at night in Florida?

Living in Florida's moderate temperatures means most snakes are active some part of each month in most areas. Most species are more likely to be active in the middle of the day in winter and more active in the morning and evening during summer.

What time of day are snakes least active?

Snakes are most active in the early mornings on spring and summer days when the sun is warming the earth. Snakes turn in for the evening, sleeping at night.


Do snakes come out in 90 degree weather?

For snakes, their activity happens most prominently between temperatures of 68 and 80 degrees for the most part. Snakes can be active for short times in temperatures higher and lower than that, but not for an extended period of time.

What time of day do snakes usually come out?

Snakes are at their most active when it's cool out. They move around most in the early morning and around dusk. Snakes hunt in tall grass, weeds, and other sources of vegetation. Around your home, they'll seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down.