More snakes making appearances in Charlotte neighborhoods

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many neighbors are finding snakes in their yards and streets and it's keeping pest control companies busy.

Eyewitness News learned what's driving the snakes out and why they could actually help protect your property.

Self-proclaimed country boy Rick Fields is used to seeing snakes.

He owns a lawn service and has a few close encounters on a regular basis.

Fields said, "At least about three times a week, I accidentally kill one with the Weed Eater or run across it with the mower."

While Fields is not fazed, many people who come across snakes are pretty terrified and call pest control experts like Rick Seifert.

"We've had three years of mild winters. There's plenty of bugs. There's plenty of rodents and there's plenty of snakes," said Seifert.

In addition to the weather, Seifert said you're likely to see more snakes because it's spring, the height of mating season.

In the McIntyre subdivision in north Charlotte, nearby construction is likely the culprit.

"Everything's disrupted, everything's dug up, chopped down," Seifert said. "They come in and level the place, then they build a place and plant new plants. That will definitely drive the food sources out and the snakes are following because the snakes are predators."

Snakes eat small rodents and insects that could also threaten your home.

Seifert said the best line of defense is to educate yourself about snakes and keep your property maintained.

Neighbors in McIntyre Subdivision are offering tips to keep yards and homes snake-free through the community's Facebook page.

Experts say most of the snakes we come across in our area are not venomous.

The primary venomous snake in the Charlotte area is the copperhead.

To get a better look at snakes in our area, check out the NC Snake Guide on Davidson College's Herpetology Laboratory website.

WSOC