To most people, the idea of a snake entering the home is scary. One of the questions that often gets asked is: can a snake really come in through a window?
Yes, a snake can enter a house through a window, especially if the window screen is damaged, there are spaces or gaps around the frame, or the window is left slightly open.
That said, snakes entering houses through windows is fairly rare.
Most of the time this happens, the snake first climbs up a wall, trellis, nearby tree, or overgrown vines reaching up to the window.
It then gets access to the window, and then enters the house this way.
Are Snakes Able to Climb Up to Windows?
Yes, many snakes can climb. In fact, nearly all snakes can climb to some extent.
But, not all snakes are good climbers, and even the best climbers have some limitations.
In general, light-bodied snakes with rough scales (such as rat snakes) are especially good at climbing.
These scales give them grip, allowing them to climb rough surfaces like bricks, wood, vines, or bark.
Using shrubs, fences, trellises, or even house siding, some small snakes can reach surprisingly high; sometimes even second story windows.
That said, snakes can not climb smooth surfaces like glass, polished metal, or smooth plastic.
This climbing ability means snakes can sometimes reach windows.
Although it does not happen often, it is possible for a snake to find, and climb through an open window to enter a house.
How Snakes Might Get Through a Window
Windows are generally one of the weaker points in a house’s barrier system. Especially older windows or ones with damaged screens.
A few common ways snakes can get through a window include:
- Torn or missing window screens
- Small openings or gaps around the frame
- Windows left slightly open
- Overgrown plants or vines reaching up to the window
If you live in an area where snakes are common, it’s a good idea to check your windows on a regular basis.
Make sure screens are intact, and seal small gaps with caulk or weather stripping.
These small steps can help a lot to keep not only snakes but any kind of pest out.
Why Would a Snake Want to Enter a House?
Knowing what snakes are looking for is important in knowing how and why a snake would try to find a way into your home.
Like most animals, snakes are driven by three simple things: food, shelter, and a safe place to reproduce.
To Find Food
Snakes eat rodents, insects, and small animals. If your home or yard has a rodent problem, it’s like sounding a dinner bell for snakes.
They go where they can easily find food.
To Find Shelter
Snakes are cold-blooded animals, and they rely on the outside world to warm them up. In cold weather, they will find warmth. In the heat, they find cool shade.
These needs often bring them close to human homes, especially during extreme temperatures.
Your house is the perfect place for a snake to cool off in hot weather.
To Find Breeding Places
Sometimes, snakes will enter houses looking for a quiet place to lay their eggs or give birth.
This is more common in areas where their natural habitats have been disturbed or destroyed.
Understanding these behaviors helps you better prevent unwanted visitors.
How Your Yard Can Invite Snakes
A snake rarely ends up in a house by accident. They’re usually attracted by the conditions outside.
If your yard or garden has food and shelter, a snake can decide to hang around, and may even find a way inside.
Here are some factors that make your yard attractive to snakes:
- Tall grass or overgrown bushes
- Piles of wood, debris, or leaves
- Bird feeders or fruit trees (which attract rodents)
To keep snakes out, do the following things:
1. Keep Mice and Other Small Animals Away From Your House
One of the easiest ways of keeping snakes away is to get rid of the “snake food” (prey animals) you have in or around your house.
You can do this by getting rid of trash piles, or anything that may attract rodents or insects.
Ensure that food scraps are disposed of properly, as rats and mice are attracted to places where they can find food.
Also, avoid leaving uneaten pet food outdoors, and consider storing any bird seed in rodent-proof containers.
In essence, make sure there is nothing in or around your house that can attract mice or other animals that snakes prey on.
2. Seal All Entryways
Block off as many possible entryways to your house as possible, to reduce the chance of a snake slithering inside.
Screen all outside vents, seal cracks and holes around the foundation, and make sure doors and windows fit tightly.
Also, keep windows closed or at least screen them properly.
In addition, seal off access to basements and crawlspaces.
Many adult snakes can squeeze through spaces only a few inches wide, so even tiny holes should be blocked off.
3. Keep Your vegetation Short
Tall grass provides the perfect cover for snakes to hide in. It also attracts mice and other small animals that snakes prey on.
Keep your grass, and other vegetation around the house short.
Any shrubs, tree branches, or vines, that snakes can climb up, to reach your window should be cut back.
4. Clear Dead Leaves and Other Dead Vegetation
Snakes love to hide under dead logs and leaf litter on the ground around your house.
Getting rid of these will keep snakes away because they will have fewer places to hide.
5. Keep Firewood, Compost Piles, and Other Types of Debris Away From Your Home
Snakes love to hide in well-covered areas outside. Compost piles or stacks of firewood and lumber are the perfect places for snakes to hide.
If these are kept close to the house, snakes can easily make their way inside.
Store firewood, lumber, and other piles of debris away from your home.
6. Be Vigilant During the Warm Seasons of the Year
Snakes and other reptiles are most active when the temperatures are warm.
Be alert during this time of the year and watch for any snakes that may end up in your yard, so they do not get inside your house.
What to Do When You See a Snake
If you find a snake in or near your house, don’t panic. Most snakes are harmless and just want to be left alone.
This is the way to go about it safely:
What You Should Do:
- Stay calm. Most snakes are not aggressive. They will try to escape if given the chance.
- Sudden movement can scare the snake, and make it more defensive.
- Keep your distance. Try to identify what type of snake it is. Many snakes are harmless and actually help your local environment.
- Call a professional if needed. If the snake is in a dangerous place, or if you are not sure what kind it is, get help.
- Contact a local wildlife control service. They can safely move the snake.
What Not to Do:
- Do not panic. Acting without thinking can create dangerous situations for both you and the snake.
- Don’t try to catch it yourself. Do not try to catch or handle it yourself unless you have proper training. Some species can be venomous and dangerous to humans.
- Do not kill the snake. Snakes help control pest populations. Many states also have laws that protect certain snake species. Also, trying to kill a snake makes it more likely to bite you, to defend itself.
Conclusion
It is rare that snakes will get into a house through a window, but it can still happen.
Fortunately, the risk is easy to manage with a little attention and maintenance.
Snakes are not out to get you. They just want to go about their business and will avoid humans any time they can.
Featured image credit: lkirk (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.