Among the numerous things to know about snakes and how they nest, one question that begs to be asked is: “What does a snake nest look like?”
Snakes build nests to lay their eggs or give live birth to their young, take shelter, and hide from predators. A standard snake’s nest looks like a heap of leaves that the snake may have crushed down and may even have eggs covered up there.
A snake nest can also be called a den or a pit. However, a den means there should be more than one snake in it.
So, since most snakes are nonsocial solitary creatures and generally don’t gather together, except during winter, we should stick to calling their home a nest.
Do All Snakes Have Nests?
Not all snakes build nests. Out of over 3,000 species of snakes distributed worldwide, the only snake species that build nests is the King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), commonly referred to as hamadryad.
The rest find safe spots for their young and themselves.
Where Do Snakes Nest?
Snakes are very particular about where they keep their eggs or give birth, just like every other reptile.
You won’t see a snake nesting just anywhere because they’re trying to steer clear of predators and people who are likely to hunt their eggs.
Most snakes do not nest, but they ensure their eggs and young ones are kept in a safe environment.
Wherever a snake decides to lay its eggs or give birth must be a safe area.
Some examples of secure places snakes will lay eggs or give birth include:
- Loose and overgrown vegetation
- Animal holes
- Beneath rocks
- Underground in loose soil and sand
- Animal burrows
- Decaying logs
- Mounds of leaves
How to Recognize a Snake Nest
There is absolutely no way to know if a snake’s nest is nearby because most nests are built in a way that is not visible to humans, and snakes will only give birth or lay eggs in an environment away from predators.
King cobras live predominantly in rain forests, the plains of India, Southern China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.
If you’re not staying anywhere around these places, I doubt if there’s a chance of you seeing a real snake nest.
A professional trained in all matters involving snakes will advise you not to go around looking for snake nests for your safety.
How Do King Cobras Build Their Nests?
King cobra builds nests to lay her eggs. This snake will build a nest of leaves by using her head to gather the foliage together.
After making sure the loose vegetation is closed enough, she lays her eggs in it. Then she will add more leaves and weeds around and over the eggs.
The King cobra then stays on top of the eggs to incubate them. This position helps her safeguard her eggs and keep them warm.
Do Snakes Nest in Houses?
Most houses provide protection and snakes are very keen on laying their eggs and giving birth in a secure environment.
They can nest in houses as it gives the comfort and protection they need.
How to Determine if Snakes Are Nesting in Your Home
The best way to determine if a snake is nesting in your house is by actually seeing the snake because most snakes will hide in places you wouldn’t think of.
Hence, looking for evidence that tells if it’s truly in your house is not always easy, especially in winter months when snakes might nest in the walls of your house to keep warm.
Here are 4 tell-tale signs that suggest that a snake is in a house.
Odor
Snakes have a smell peculiar to them. This smell can be perceived in any crawlspace or area a snake has been.
It is an awful musk that comes from the snake’s cloaca. If it wasn’t there before, there is a huge possibility of a snake hiding out there.
Droppings
If you observe poop almost like that of a bird in your house, that can be a sign that a snake is dwelling in there with you. Some snakes’ feces also come with bones and hair.
Snake Skin
As with all growing species, snakes shed their skins often in places they feel safe and comfortable.
Snakeskin could be dry and scaly and be found in a scrunched-up heap or whole sheet.
Seeing them in your house or around the entrance into the walls of your home could mean that you have a snake problem on your hands.
Slither Tracks
Snakes leave slither marks, especially in dusty places as they go by. If you observe this in or around your house, then it is evident that a snake is somewhere close.
How to Remove a Snake’s Nesting Place From Your Home
If you’ve seen snakes around your home and you’re looking to remove their nesting area, the wisest thing to do is to call a professional snake removal company for help.
You probably are not skilled enough to know which snake is dangerous and might attack you when removing its nest.
These companies are equipped with the right skills and tools to accurately manage a snake infestation and send these reptiles out of your home.
How To Prevent Snakes From Nesting In Your Home
Human houses have areas snakes will love to nest in. These places like the basements and laundry room to mention a few are cool, moistened, and dark areas that are ideal for a snake to hide in.
To protect yourself from a potential infestation, it is important to take certain steps like:
- Double-check dark areas around your house that you feel like snakes might find cozy enough to stay in.
- Take out debris and trash from in and around your house as this can attract a snake’s prey like rodents.
- Cut down tall trees and trim grasses close to your property because it serves as a breeding site for snakes.
- Always keep your surroundings clean and clear out food that’s not useful anymore to keep rodents away because they are a major source of food for snakes. If you have rodents in your house, snakes can pick up their scents and end up in your home.
- Seal up the cracks and crevices in your home because snakes can fit into even the tiniest of holes and get into your house.
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Summary: What Does A Snake Nest Look Like?
If you come across a pile of loose vegetation, you might be lucky to see a snake nesting in it as this is the way King Cobras build their nests.
These are the only species of snakes in the world that build snake nests, while the rest look for a secure place to lay eggs or give live birth to their young.
If you suspect that you’ve found a snake nest, please call a professional pest control company to remove it. Do not attempt to do this yourself.
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