There's a chance at this time of year that you'll encounter a snake on a local trail or in a backyard — but there's no real reason to be afraid.
Fairfax County has a guide to the types of snakes most commonly found in the region, and most are not poisonous and mean no harm to humans. (In fact, snakes are helpful in keeping down the local mouse and rat population.)
According to Fairfax County officials, the most frequently observed snakes are the Eastern rat snake, Eastern garter snake, Dekay’s brown snake, Northern water snake and Northern ring-necked snake.
The only snake to really fear is the Eastern copperhead (formerly called the Northern copperhead). It is the only venomous snake species commonly found in Northern Virginia.
Virginia Herpetological Society
Fairfax County offers the following advice for keeping snakes out of your yard:
"Most snakes found around homes are following a food source or taking advantage of existing habitat. The following techniques should make your homes and premises less attractive and available for snakes.
- Remove favored habitat near the home, including heavy mulching and large rock used in landscaping, wood and brush piles, debris and high grass. Mow grass and keep it short. Trim trees and shrubs away from your home and garage and clear overhanging vegetation that snakes could climb. Move woodpiles away from the home.
- Remove favored food sources. Move birdfeeders away from the house or stop feeding altogether. Seed on the ground may attract rodents that snakes prey upon. Clean up any residual spilled seed on the ground to reduce their food source. Make sure to properly store and secure trash bins to avoid attracting rodents that snakes eat. Feed pets indoors. If feeding outside is necessary, be sure to cleanup uneaten food right away.
- Inspect your home for openings and seal cracks and crevices around the house and foundation. Check outside around water pipes, vents, electrical service entrances, doors and windows for small openings and under sidewalks and porches. A 1/4 inch hole is large enough for some small snakes to enter."
