Keep storage sheds and garages as neat as possible.Limit wood and brush piles and keep them away from the residence.Keep the grass short, shrubs trimmed, and flowerbeds free from debris.Use a flashlight when moving about at night.If you must move a log, use a long stick or garden tool first, to ensure snakes are not near. Avoid stepping over a log without first seeing what is on the other side.Watch where you step, sit down and put your hands (never blindly into a hole).Long-sleeved shirts and pants will help further reduce your risk. Wear protective clothing fangs are sharp but break easily and almost never penetrate leather shoes or boots.About 99% of all bites occur below the knee. Because most snakes live on or near the ground, the majority of bites happen around the ankle. Snake bites are usually the result of them being surprised or cornered and are easily avoided with a few precautions. Most snakes in The Woodlands are harmless and an important part of the ecosystem, especially in controlling rodents. For example, controlling the rodent population results in the reduction of common diseases like hantavirus, lymphocytic chorio-meningitis and salmonellosis. Snakes play an integral role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by helping keep prey populations in check. Aquatic species, like the Diamondback water snake, also eat fish, crustaceans and amphibians. The type of prey varies by the species and may include mice, rats, frogs, birds, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, insects, eggs, snails, scorpions and smaller snakes. They are active during the day in spring and fall and at night during the summer to avoid the intense heat.Īll snakes are strictly carnivorous. Multiple snakes will share a den for winter hibernation, emerging in late February through early March.

They travel alone and prefer brush, rocks and woodpiles. Most snake species are shy and generally keep out of sight. Good news is that all but three of the snakes commonly found in The Woodlands are nonvenomous. Chances are you may encounter a snake along a pathway, in your yard or at a local park. Snakes are more active when their prey is active, so spring and summer provide a buffet of frogs, rodents and other critters for snakes to eat. Taking advantage of increasing temperatures, our native Texas snakes are more active this time of year as they emerge out of hibernation in search of food and mates for breeding season.

Nathan wells the woodlands township