Finding a snake in your garage can be an unsettling experience. As you stand there, heart pounding, staring at the scaly intruder, a pressing question likely races through your mind – how long can this snake live in here?
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: most snakes can survive in a garage for several weeks to a few months depending on the species, the weather conditions, availability of prey, and whether they have access to water sources.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about snakes inhabiting garages, including:
What Types of Snakes Commonly End Up in Garages
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are one of the most common snakes found in garages and basements, especially in the spring and fall when they are looking for places to hibernate for the winter or emerging after hibernation.
As one of the most widely distributed snakes in North America, these small, non-venomous serpents often find their way into cracks in foundation walls or under piles of stored items. Generally harmless to humans, garter snakes prefer to feast on amphibians, earthworms, rodents and other small critters that may also be hiding out in your garage.
Ratsnakes
As their name implies, ratsnakes are excellent rodent hunters and often follow mice and rats into garages in search of an easy meal. These expert climbers have no problem scaling the shelves, rafters and anything else in their way to access a rodent nest.
Ratsnakes come in a variety of patterns and colorations, from plain black snakes to yellow rat snakes to gray rat snakes. While not venomous, they can emit a foul musk and may strike if threatened. But generally ratsnakes want nothing to do with humans and will rapidly retreat if given the chance.
Racers and Whipsnakes
Quick and nimble racers, coachwhips, and other whipsnakes are built for speed. Often reaching over 6 feet long, these streamlined serpents can strike and swallow small rodents in the blink of an eye. They tend to be more nervous than other snakes, however, and will usually flee from humans on sight.
Still, startled individuals may lash out if stepped on or grabbed. Given their incredible speed, both species do very well hunting around garages and suburban areas where rodent populations are high.
Venomous Snakes
While most snakes that find their way into garages pose no threat to humans, venomous species like copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins) and rattlesnakes occasionally end up in garages as well, usually by accident.
According to a 2018 study, an estimated 8,000 people per year receive venomous snake bites in the United States, mostly from copperheads (CDC). Thankfully, most survive with prompt medical treatment, but bites can still cause severe pain, skin damage and other serious symptoms.
If you spot any snake that looks potentially dangerous, do not approach or try to handle it yourself. Instead, contact animal control or a professional removal service to safely relocate the snake.
Why Snakes Enter Garages and How They Get In
Snakes may enter garages for a variety of reasons, usually related to their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. Here are some of the main reasons snakes find their way into garages:
Seeking Food
Snakes are always on the hunt for their next meal. Common prey items like mice, rats, insects, and other small animals often take up residence in garages. Drawn by the prospect of easily catching food, snakes may enter garages in search of rodents or bugs.
Looking for Water
Access to water is critical for snake survival. Since garages often contain sources of water like leaky pipes or standing puddles, thirsty snakes can detect the moisture and follow it to the garage. During hot, dry weather snakes become even more motivated to locate any available water.
Finding Shelter
Garages can provide excellent shelter for snakes. They may crawl into garages to find refuge from extreme weather like heavy rain or excessive heat. Hiding spots between clutter and storage boxes make garages attractive shelters year-round.
Warmth in Cold Weather
In winter, garages are warmer than the outside environment, so snakes seek the relative heat. Cars parked in garages give off radiant heat from the engine that snakes take advantage of. Even garages that aren’t heated maintain warmer ground temperatures that snakes appreciate during brumation.
Coolness in Hot Weather
During sweltering summer heat, a garage’s shade offers a cooler reprieve. Snakes regulate their body temperature through their environment, so a garage with a concrete floor helps them chill out. The reduction in temperature compared to the hot outdoors brings welcome relief.
Access Points for Entry
Snakes are expert at fitting into tight spaces, allowing them to infiltrate garages through surprisingly small openings. Here are some common entry routes:
- Under garage doors – gaps under poorly fitted doors allow snakes to slide underneath
- Through cracks in foundation – small cracks or holes in the slab or walls give snakes access
- Via pipes or drains – plumbing openings are large enough for snakes to crawl through
- Through vents – air vents designed for airflow can allow slender snakes inside
- Around windows – loose fitting windows or broken screens provide an opening
Sealing these potential entry points by weatherstripping doors, sealing foundation cracks, covering vents with mesh, and repairing broken windows can help prevent snakes from getting into the garage.
In the end, snakes don’t intentionally seek out garages, but rather end up there when following food, water, and shelter in the course of their daily survival. Awareness of why and how snakes enter garages allows homeowners to take sensible precautions against unwanted serpent visitors.
How Long Snakes Can Go Without Food and Water
How Long Snakes Can Go Without Food
Snakes are remarkable creatures when it comes to surviving without food. Their metabolisms allow them to go for extended periods of time between meals. For example, pythons and boa constrictors only need to eat every 1-2 weeks.
Smaller snakes like garter snakes and rat snakes can survive on one small meal every 5-7 days.
In a garage environment where there likely isn’t much if any prey, a snake could potentially go for several months without eating. According to experts, ball pythons have been observed surviving up to a year without food in the wild before finding their next meal.
Generally the larger the snake species, the longer they can sustain themselves without food.
Here is an overview of how long some common snake species can go without eating:
- Corn snakes: 2-3 months
- Kingsnakes: 3-4 months
- Pythons/boas: 6-12 months
- Garter snakes: 2-3 months
How Long Snakes Can Go Without Water
Water is another key necessity for a snake’s survival. While they can go seemingly forever without food, lack of water can be deadly in just a matter of weeks.💧💧
In most cases, a snake can only survive 1-2 months without any water source before becoming severely dehydrated. Their bodies require moisture and hydration to function properly, allowing key organs to operate effectively.
Smaller snakes like garter snakes may only survive 3-4 weeks without water access. Larger boa constrictors and pythons can sometimes push to 6-8 weeks if absolutely necessary. But a garage with no water supply would quickly lead to demise of a snake in just weeks.
In hot summer weather where temperatures inside a garage could reach over 100°F, these timespans could be accelerated by lack of drinking water, leading to faster dehydration and organ failure risk. 😵💫☠️
So in reviewing how long snakes can go without key necessities:
Necessity | Time they can go without |
Food | Anywhere from 2 months to over a year depending on species |
Water | Usually 1-2 months at most |
As you can see, water is the more urgent requirement for a snake’s survival over an extended period. So if you discover a snake in your garage, providing a water supply could help sustain it until removal! 💦👍
Factors Impacting How Long a Snake Can Live in a Garage
The Weather and Temperature
Snakes are cold-blooded animals, which means they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. Garages can experience extreme temperature fluctuations from very hot in the summer to freezing cold in the winter. Most snakes need consistent warm temperatures around 70-80°F to survive.
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures below 50°F could be fatal. However, some snakes like garter snakes and rubber boas can tolerate cooler climates. The garage’s insulation, heating, and ability to block drafts will impact the environment.
Availability of Prey and Water
Snakes need food and water to survive like any animal. Garages offer limited food sources like rodents, spiders, and insects. The snake’s age, size, and species will determine how much prey it requires. For example, young snakes need food more frequently than adults.
Larger snake species like pythons need more substantial meals. If the garage cannot provide adequate food, the snake will perish. Access to fresh drinking water is also critical for hydration and survival. Without a source of water, a snake’s health will deteriorate.
Snake Species and Age
Some snake species and ages fare better in the challenging garage environment than others. In general, adult snakes are better equipped to handle temperature fluctuations, go longer without food, and find hiding spots than younger snakes.
Sturdy species adapted to cooler climates like garter snakes have higher survival odds than tropical species in temperate regions. Smaller snakes require less food and can fit into tinier crevices. Very large snakes like anacondas and reticulated pythons cannot thrive in most garages.
Hiding Spots and Access
A garage full of clutter and dark spaces provides more locations for a snake to hunker down safely and escape extreme hot or cold. Lots of debris means more insects, rodents, and other prey may take up residence for the snake to eat.
Open garages or those with cat doors allow the snake access to the outdoors to thermoregulate and hunt. However, a tidy garage that is well-sealed shuts the snake in without refuge. Exposure and lack of food shorten survival time.
Signs That a Snake Is Living in Your Garage
Discovering that a snake has made its home in your garage can be alarming, but there are several telltale signs that a serpent has slithered into your space. Here are some of the most common indications that a snake may have set up residence in your garage:
Shed Skins
One of the most obvious clues that a snake is lurking in your garage is the presence of shed skins. As snakes grow, they slough off their outer layer of skin. This cast-off skin looks like a thin, papery replica of the snake.
If you find a shed snake skin in your garage, especially one that is large and intact, chances are good a snake is living there.
Unusual Odors
Some snakes emit a strong, musky odor. This scent is a defense mechanism that wards off predators. If you catch an occasional whiff of a peculiar, unpleasant scent in your garage, a snake may be the source. Snakes also leave behind droppings that give off an earthy, pungent smell.
Tracks and Trails
Look along the edges of the garage floor and check in corners for tracks and trails left by a snake. Though subtle, you may notice thin, winding pathways where dust has been disturbed. These signs point to a snake’s frequent whereabouts.
Holes
Carefully inspect the perimeter of your garage for any holes or gaps that could allow a snake entrance. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes or utilities enter the structure. Cracks or openings wider than 1/4 inch may have been exploited by a snake.
Rodents
A snake that has made itself at home in your garage may also attract rodents. Mice and rats make ideal prey for many types of snakes. If you notice an increase in rodent activity, a snake infestation could be the cause.
Visual Sightings
Catching an actual glimpse of a snake in your garage is a surefire sign one has taken up residence. Note details about its size and markings. This information can help identify what species it is and if it poses any danger.
Numerous harmless snake varieties may inhabit garages, but venomous types like rattlesnakes can also find their way inside.
Acting swiftly when you suspect a snake in your garage can prevent larger issues. Talk to a wildlife removal professional about options for safely capturing and relocating the unwelcome reptile guest.
Removing Snakes Safely From Your Garage
Discovering a snake slithering around your garage can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. While startling, most snakes found in residential areas are harmless and looking for food or shelter, not conflict.
With some simple precautions, you can humanely remove unwelcome serpent visitors without endangering yourself or the animals.
Identifying the Snake
Before taking any action, try to get a good look at the snake to identify what kind it is. Familiarizing yourself with local species can help you gauge the potential risks and determine the best removal strategies. If possible, take a photo from a safe distance for expert identification.
Venomous varieties like rattlesnakes should always be handled by professionals.
Securing the Area
Next, securely close the garage door to contain the snake. Check for any gaps or openings the snake could have used to gain entry and seal them up with caulk, weather stripping, or other barriers. This will prevent the unwelcome guest from slipping away to hide out of reach during removal efforts.
Using Proper Tools
To safely capture a snake, use long handled tools like grabbers, hooks, or nets to maintain distance. Leather gloves can provide hand protection. Avoid techniques that could injure the animal like glue boards, drowning, or chemical sprays.
Place the snake in a secure, escape-proof container during transport for release elsewhere.
Recommended Tools | Not Recommended |
---|---|
Grappling hooks or snake tongs | Shovels or sticks |
Nets or buckets | Glue traps or drowning |
Leather gloves | Chemical sprays |
Releasing Snakes
In most cases, captured snakes should be released safely away from houses and populated areas. Contact your state wildlife agency for advice and options. Avoid locations where the snake could wander into neighbors’ homes.
Watch carefully as the snake is released to make sure it fully clears the container and area.
With some sensible precautions, startled homeowners can remove uninvited snakes from garages humanely and return them to nature where these beneficial predators play important roles in balancing ecosystems.
Conclusion
While having an uninvited snake guest in your garage can be disruptive and frightening, in most cases, the snake just wandered in by accident searching for food or shelter. Understanding their capabilities to survive without regular access to prey and water can give you an estimate of how long they may stick around.
If you do discover one has set up residence in your garage, resist the temptation to kill it. Often, simply sealing access points, removing hiding spots, and utilizing humane removal techniques can successfully encourage unwanted snakes to slither away, no worse for wear from their temporary extended garage vacation.