How to Get Rid of Snakes in Virginia

how to get rid of snakes in virginia

Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383

If you’ve seen a snake in your yard, garage, basement, or home, your first step is safety and identification. Most snakes in Virginia are non-venomous and beneficial, but some are venomous, and you should never guess.

This guide explains practical ways to reduce snakes on your property, plus when it’s best to call a professional. We provide snake removal and snake control statewide throughout most of Virginia.

Step 1: Identify the Snake (Or Treat It as Venomous Until Proven Otherwise)

If you can do it safely, take a photo from a distance and do not try to handle the snake. In Virginia, the most common venomous snakes people worry about include:

If you are not 100% sure, assume it could be venomous and call a professional.

Step 2: Make Your Yard Less Snake-Friendly (Best Long-Term Fix)

Snakes stay where they can find food and cover. If you remove those two things, you reduce snake activity.

Remove hiding spots

  • Mow grass regularly and keep edges trimmed
  • Remove brush piles, leaf piles, boards, and clutter
  • Keep woodpiles elevated and away from the house
  • Reduce thick ground cover near foundations

Reduce prey (especially rodents)

Many “snake problems” start with a mouse or rat problem.

  • Store birdseed and pet food in sealed containers
  • Secure trash lids
  • Clean up spilled seed under feeders (or move feeders away from the home)
  • Seal rodent entry points (garage gaps, foundation penetrations, crawlspace vents)

For rodent help, see Rat Control in Virginia and Mouse Control in Virginia.

For more prevention-focused help, read Deterring Snakes in Virginia.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points (If Snakes Are Getting Into the House)

Snakes can enter through surprisingly small gaps. If snakes are showing up in basements, crawlspaces, garages, or inside walls:

What to seal

  • Gaps under doors and garage doors (weather stripping)
  • Foundation cracks and utility penetrations
  • Crawlspace vents and access doors
  • Gaps where stoops, steps, or patios meet the house
  • Unscreened vents and damaged screens

Tip: Seal during a time when you’re not actively seeing snakes in those voids, or have a pro inspect first to avoid trapping an animal inside.

For structural prevention, see Virginia Animal Exclusion & Damage Repairs.

Step 4: Snake Fencing (Best for Small Areas)

If you want the strongest physical barrier, snake fencing can protect defined areas like:

  • Small yards
  • Gardens
  • Play areas
  • Around ponds/water features

Snake fence basics

  • Use ¼-inch hardware cloth (or solid flashing)
  • Height: about 24 inches
  • Bury the bottom 2–4 inches
  • Keep it continuous—snakes enter at gaps and openings
  • Seal gates the same way and keep them closed

About Snake Traps (Important Safety Note)

setting a snake trap

We do not recommend DIY trapping for venomous snakes. It’s risky and bites often happen during attempted capture.

If you choose to trap non-venomous snakes, you must:

  • Place traps only where you’ve actually seen snake activity
  • Check traps frequently
  • Handle release carefully and safely
  • Follow Virginia laws and local rules

If you believe the snake is venomous or you have kids/pets at risk, call a professional.

What NOT to Do

Don’t use “snake repellents” and gimmicks

Most repellents are inconsistent and don’t solve the root problem: food and cover.

snake repellents

Don’t try to kill or handle snakes

This is one of the most common ways bites occur. Keep distance and call for help.

Don’t ignore repeated sightings

Multiple sightings usually mean a good habitat nearby (rodents + cover). Fixing the habitat works best.

When to Call a Professional Snake Removal Company

Call us if:

  • A snake is inside your home, garage, basement, or crawlspace
  • You suspect a venomous snake
  • You have repeated sightings in the same area
  • You want a full plan: removal + prevention + exclusion

We provide statewide snake removal and snake control throughout most of Virginia.

FAQ: How to Get Rid of Snakes in Virginia

Are most snakes in Virginia venomous?

No. Most snakes are non-venomous and help control rodents. Still, always treat an unknown snake as potentially venomous until identified.

Why am I seeing more snakes around my house?

Usually because there is food (rodents/frogs) and cover (tall grass, brush piles, woodpiles, clutter). Removing those reduces sightings.

Will getting rid of mice reduce snakes?

Often, yes. Rodent control is one of the best snake deterrents.

What’s the best way to keep snakes out of the yard?

Habitat cleanup + rodent control, and snake fencing for small protected areas.

Do you provide snake removal statewide in Virginia?

Yes. We provide snake removal, snake control, and exclusion services statewide in Virginia.

Service Area: Statewide Virginia

We provide service across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.

For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:

If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.

Contact Us for Snake Removal and Snake Control

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Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383