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Brown Snakes in Georgia: What to Do If You See One

Closeup of a DeKay’s brown snake on a Georgia property

Brown snakes are some of the most common reptiles you’ll encounter in Georgia yards and businesses. These snakes might startle you, but they won’t cause any real harm. 

We never recommend trying to identify or remove snakes yourself, even experienced outdoorspeople can make dangerous mistakes.

Finding one snake often means others are close by. Snakes don’t typically live alone. Where there’s good habitat, multiple snakes will take advantage of it.

At Active Pest Control, we’ve helped countless Georgia residents and business owners deal with brown snake issues safely and effectively.

What We Mean by ‘Brown Snake’

When we talk about “brown snakes,” we’re actually referring to several different species that share similar coloring. The term can be confusing because many snakes in Georgia have brownish patterns or shades. Some people use “brown snake” to describe any snake that looks brown, tan, or even grayish-brown.

The most common true brown snake in Georgia is the DeKay’s brown snake, a small, harmless species that rarely grows longer than a ruler.

Where Brown Snakes Hide Around Homes and Businesses

Brown snakes are masters of hiding, which is why you might have them on your property without knowing it. Around homes, they seek out areas that provide cover and easy access to food. Common hiding spots include wood piles, thick mulch beds, overgrown gardens, and spaces under porches or sheds.

These snakes also love cluttered areas where they can hunt for prey while staying hidden from predators. Storage areas, garages filled with boxes, and neglected corners of basements provide perfect shelter. Outside, they hide in tall grass, leaf piles, and around the foundations of buildings where small gaps let them slip inside.

Around businesses, brown snakes often congregate near dumpsters and loading docks where rodents gather. Even well-maintained commercial properties can harbor snakes if there are suitable hiding spots nearby. Landscaping features like decorative rocks, retaining walls, and water features also attract these reptiles.

Are any of the brown snakes in Georgia dangerous?

Most brown-colored snakes in Georgia are not dangerous, and are actually harmless to humans. They actually benefit your property by eating insects, rodents, and other pests.

However, the copperhead stands out as the one brown snake that poses genuine danger. Copperhead bites, while rarely fatal, can cause severe pain, swelling, and require immediate medical attention. These snakes blend perfectly with fallen leaves and mulch, making them difficult to spot until you’re too close.

What should I do if I see a brown snake?

Your immediate reaction to seeing a brown snake should always be to back away slowly and keep others, especially children and pets, at a safe distance. Never attempt to handle, trap, or kill the snake yourself. Even non-venomous snakes will bite if they feel threatened, and you can’t always tell if a brown snake is dangerous from a distance.

Then contact professional snake control specialists right away. The longer you wait, the more likely the snake is to disappear into hiding, making removal much more difficult. Quick response also prevents the snake from establishing itself on your property or attracting others to the area.

Take note of where you saw the snake and what it looked like, if possible. This information helps our technicians know what they’re dealing with when they arrive.

If the snake is inside your home or business, try to isolate it by closing doors to that room, but don’t corner it or block its potential escape routes completely.

Our Brown Snake Removal and Exclusion Process

  1. When you call us for brown snake removal, our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property. Our trained technicians know exactly where to look and what signs indicate snake activity.
  2. We identify the species, locate potential nesting areas, and determine how the snakes are entering your property.
  3. Safe removal comes next. Using professional equipment and proven techniques, we carefully capture and relocate snakes according to Georgia wildlife regulations. We don’t use harmful chemicals or methods that could endanger your family, pets, or the environment.
  4. Exclusion is the critical final step. We seal entry points, remove attractants, and modify habitats to make your property less appealing to snakes. This might include installing barriers, clearing debris, or recommending landscaping changes.
  5. We also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance options. Regular inspections catch new snake activity early, before it becomes a serious problem.

Your Brown Snake Exterminators

We recognize that finding a snake on your property is stressful and often frightening. That’s why we prioritize rapid response times and clear communication throughout the process. Our technicians arrive prepared to handle any snake situation.

The Active Pest Control team brings over 45 years of experience dealing specifically with Georgia snake species. We understand their behavior, habitat preferences, and the most effective removal methods for each type.

For businesses, we understand the unique challenges snakes present. Our discreet services protect your reputation. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption and can provide documentation for insurance or regulatory purposes.

Whether you’ve spotted a snake or just want to prevent future problems, professional help is just a phone call away. Contact us today for expert brown snake removal and exclusion services you can trust.

Active Pest Control - Exterminator in Atlanta GA - Highly Reviewed Pest Control Companies
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