When temperatures go above 90 degrees, there's nothing more enjoyable than staying inside and basking in the air conditioning. Turns out, critters and pests may feel the same way—especially snakes. "Heat waves can drastically affect the behavior of snakes, pushing them to find cooler areas for survival," explains A.H. David, a snake expert and founder of Pest Control Weekly. In these cases, your home can inadvertently provide the comfort or shelter they seek. To prevent this, keep reading to hear from David and other experts about the ways snakes get into your home during a heat wave.
You'd be surprised at how easily snakes can squeeze through cracks or openings in your home if they're looking for food or trying to cool down.
They can get into your home through gaps under doors, holes around your plumbing or electrical outlets, cracks in your walls or foundation, or any other unsealed opening, says David.
"To snake-proof your house, seal off structural weaknesses, and install door sweeps," advises Bill Swank, integrated pest management advisor at PestSource.
If you leave your doors or windows open during a heat wave, you're essentially inviting snakes to come in, Mustafa Tshash, co-founder of How To Pets, tells Best Life. They may take advantage not only of the cool air but also of the opportunity to find food that could be lying around.
"Older homes with loose window frames or poorly sealed doors can provide small gaps for snakes to slither through," David adds. It's important to get these structural problems fixed not only to keep pests out but to make sure your space is safe.
Everyone needs water to survive, especially during a heatwave, including snakes—and they may use it as a way into your home.
"They may be drawn to water sources inside your house, such as leaking pipes, dripping faucets, or even pet water bowls," says Tshash.
Also, don't be surprised if you see a snake in your pool. It's the perfect spot for them to cool off and stay hydrated.
While going under the porch or slithering in through the basement might be where they'd cool off normally, snakes are willing to take more risks when the weather is extra hot.
"Even though snakes are cold-blooded, there are temperatures that are too hot even for these heat-loving reptiles," says Dan Bailey, president at WikiLawn Tampa Lawn Care. And once temperatures begin to rise over 95 degrees, they're more likely to sneak in.
Snakes are very good at going around unnoticed, and it's why they gravitate toward dark, cool areas. Leonard Ang, CEO of iProperty Management, notes that dryer vents and exhaust fan vents are attractive entry points. Others include air ducts, ventilation grates, and chimney flues.
The cooler air is constantly circulating within these systems and is quite attractive to snakes during a heatwave, David tells Best Life.
Maintaining your yard and trimming any extra debris can help minimize the likelihood of snakes crossing the boundary into your home.