The Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, is a common venomous pit viper found across a wide range of habitats in North America. These snakes often inhabit residential areas, seeking shelter and prey in suburban yards, posing a safety concern for homeowners. Managing Copperheads requires a two-pronged approach: immediate safety and identification, followed by long-term property modification. This guide provides practical steps for homeowners to safely deter and manage Copperheads by making their property unattractive to them.
Accurate Identification and Safety Protocol
Correctly identifying a Copperhead is the first defense, as they are frequently mistaken for several non-venomous species, such as the Corn Snake. As a pit viper, the Copperhead possesses a distinct triangular head, vertical, slit-like pupils, and heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and nostrils. Their most recognizable feature is the pattern of dark, reddish-brown crossbands against a lighter tan or gray background. This pattern often narrows at the spine, creating a distinctive hourglass shape. Juvenile Copperheads display the same pattern but have a bright yellow or chartreuse tail tip, which they use to lure prey.
If you encounter any snake, the immediate safety measure is to maintain a distance of at least six feet and never attempt to provoke or handle the animal. Venomous snakes only strike when threatened, so remaining still or slowly backing away allows the snake to retreat naturally. Note that laws regarding the killing of snakes vary by state; in some regions, Copperheads are protected, and harming them could result in fines. Always check local wildlife regulations before taking aggressive action.
In the rare event of a bite, immediate action is necessary, starting with calling emergency medical services. While waiting for help, remain calm and gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing near the wound before swelling begins and keep the bitten limb still and positioned at heart level. Avoid common but dangerous myths, such as applying a tourniquet, cutting the wound, sucking out the venom, or applying ice, as these actions can worsen the injury.
Modifying Your Yard to Deter Copperheads
The most effective long-term method for deterring Copperheads is removing the elements that attract them: shelter and food. Copperheads seek cool, dark, and damp places to hide, so eliminating potential cover is the primary step. This involves systematically clearing away debris from all areas of the property, including:
- Piles of leaf litter.
- Brush.
- Firewood stacks.
- Construction debris.
Trimming shrubs and bushes so their lowest branches are several inches above the ground removes low-lying cover and makes the area unappealing to a sheltering snake.
Copperheads are primarily attracted by small mammals and insects, their main food sources. Controlling rodent populations eliminates a major incentive for snakes to linger. This is achieved by securing trash cans, sealing storage sheds, and removing bird feeders that attract mice. Managing large insect populations also reduces the habitat’s appeal, especially for juvenile Copperheads. Additionally, addressing sources of standing water, such as leaky spigots or clogged gutters, helps deter the insects and amphibians that serve as prey.
Many homeowners attempt to use commercial products, but chemical snake repellents, including those containing sulfur or naphthalene (mothballs), are scientifically unreliable. These products are often ineffective because a snake’s primary mode of navigation is not olfactory, meaning they are not reliably deterred by smells. Instead of relying on ineffective chemicals, a physical exclusion barrier is the most dependable proactive measure to keep Copperheads out of a specific area.
This physical barrier, often called snake-proof fencing, involves installing fine mesh material around a perimeter. The hardware cloth or mesh should have openings no larger than one-quarter inch to block juvenile snakes. For maximum effectiveness, the fence material should be at least thirty inches high and buried six inches into the ground. The buried portion must be angled outward from the enclosure, preventing Copperheads from crawling through gaps, climbing over the top, or burrowing underneath.
Safe Removal Options for Existing Snakes
If a Copperhead is actively present in a high-traffic area of your yard, the safest course of action is to call a professional wildlife removal service. These specialists possess the training and equipment, such as long-handled snake tongs or hooks, necessary to safely capture and relocate a venomous snake. Attempting to manage the situation without expertise accounts for a significant percentage of venomous snake bites. Keep a safe distance and monitor the snake until the professional arrives, ensuring children and pets are secured indoors.
If a snake is encountered in an easily accessible, open area, a non-contact method of encouraging departure can be employed. This involves gently using a long tool, such as a garden hoe or a rake, to guide the snake away from the immediate area. The tool should never be used to strike or harm the snake, but rather to gently nudge it toward a wooded edge or away from the house. This method should only be used as a last resort for immediate relocation and requires maintaining a significant distance from the snake.
If the snake is in a position where it can be left alone, such as under a deck or rock pile far from the main house, simply allowing it to move on naturally is often the best solution. Copperheads are transient creatures and will often vacate an area once they have finished hunting or basking. Temporarily spraying the area with a garden hose can sometimes encourage a snake to move away from a foundation or patio. Any immediate removal should be followed up by implementing the long-term yard modifications to prevent future visits.