Basements seem to be a never-ending source of problems, from leaky boilers to persistent mildew. However, there’s one unexpected issue you may find yourself encountering, especially as the summer comes to a close—a visit from a snake.
"Basements can offer a safe haven for snakes. They provide dark, cool, and quiet spaces that can mimic the underground burrows snakes are fond of in the wild," says A.H. David, a snake expert and founder of Pest Control Weekly. "This is especially likely if the basement is rarely disturbed."
Read on to discover what pest control experts say could be attracting snakes to your basement and how to prevent these critters from shacking up in your home.
RELATED: 8 Things in Your Yard That Are Attracting Snakes to Your Home.
9 Things That Attract Snakes to Your Basement
1. Wood piles
Shutterstock/Benedek Alpar
While keeping your firewood in your basement may help clear space in your living room, doing so can also make that subterranean space more attractive to snakes.
"A small stack is enough for snakes to get attracted as it offers some cool and dark places to get cozy," says Ethan Howell, co-owner of Florida Environmental Pest Management.
2. Blankets
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You’re not the only one who’s eager to curl up under a warm blanket when the temperature dips—snakes may be seeking similar comfort in your basement.
"If you have blankets or rags in open containers, you're providing the perfect warm and cuddly environment for a snake to make their home," explains Eric Hoffer, owner of Hoffer Pest Solutions in Florida.
RELATED: 8 Plants That Will Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard, According to Pest Experts.
3. Stagnant water
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That leak in your basement is doing more than putting you at risk for a mold problem.
"Snakes love moisture and if your basement has a steady supply of water or has stagnant water, it would be a conducive hideout for them," explains entomologist Ryan Smith, owner of Ant and Garden Organic Pest Control in Oregon.
David also points out that something as simple as condensation can attract snakes.
4. Clutter
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If you want to keep snakes from taking up residence in your home, cleaning up the clutter in your basement is a good place to start.
"Snakes will be attracted to your basement if it offers protection," says Smith. "A messy basement provides exactly that, so you can help ward off these creeps by getting rid of junk and clutter."
RELATED: 4 Scents That Attract Snakes to Your Yard, Experts Say.
5. Humidity and heat
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"Snakes are cold-blooded and regulate their body temperature using the environment," notes David. "During cooler months, they may seek out warm places to help with their metabolic processes, and a heated basement can be an attractive spot."
"This can often be near a heat source, so areas such as near water heaters [and] laundry pipes," Daren Horton of Gecko Pest Control, previously told Best Life.
Jeff Neal, founder of Critter Depot, says you'll also want "to keep humidity levels low" to deter snakes. If you have a moisture and heat issue in the basement, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier.
6. Rodents
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If you want to keep snakes out of your basement, addressing any existing pest problems in your space is a good place to start.
"Snakes are excellent at controlling rodent and insect populations," explains David. "If your basement has a problem with rats, mice, or large insects, snakes might be drawn to the easy meal."
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7. Unsealed entry points
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While that gapping siding or space under your basement door may seem small, it probably offers more than enough room for a snake to get inside.
"If there are cracks, holes, or unsealed vents/windows in the foundation or walls of your basement, snakes may use these as entry points," says David.
Andrew Christopher, owner of Western Mass Wildlife Removal, adds that "leaky or open windows, rotted sills, and drafty bulkheads" are other common entry points.
8. Outdoor landscaping
Shutterstock / R Millen
What's immediately outside your basement could be bringing snakes to the area even before they've found a way in.
"If the area surrounding your home is ideal for snakes (e.g., tall grass, heaps of firewood, piles of rocks, gardens), it's more likely they will come across your basement as a potential dwelling place," says David.
9. Furniture
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There's a good chance you've stashed some old furniture in your basement, and this could be enticing snakes.
"This is a classic snake hiding spot," Jennifer Mecham, a snake expert and writer with ReptilesBlog.com, previously told Best Life. "Snakes love to curl up in dark, out-of-the-way places, and your couch or standing wardrobe is the perfect place for them to do just that."
