Wildlife removal businesses busy as snakes surface

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Snake removal companies said their calls for service are up and the rain may have something to do with it.

“We’ve had a lot of rain,” said Mike Burt who specializes in removing snakes and other animals. “This rain and flooding pushes the snakes out.”

Burt works for a company called A ALL Animal Control and it’s getting up to 15 calls a day from residents with snakes in or on their home.

He showed Channel 9 a video of a snake he removed from a woman’s home in Waxhaw just last week.

Channel 9 has also received a number of photos, including one of a snake on the front door of a home in South Charlotte, another on the garage of a home in Rock Hill and a third inside a home in Marshville.

“This year seems a little more active,” said Burt. “Heavy rain causes water to build up in streams and on the ground. That pushes (snakes) out. Our winter also wasn’t as harsh as it could have been.”

Burt walked around his own home and showed Channel 9 where snakes may go to get away from an area soaked by rain.

“Look how dry it is under these bushes,” Burt said.  “(A snake) could be protected here.”

Burt also pointed out where snakes could get into outdoor vents and even the air conditioning unit.

“They could slide right into the crawl space of your home,” said Burt. “You have to make sure everything is sealed.”

Burt said it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the grass short in your yard. He also advised scanning your property if you have children and/or pets.

On Thursday, Channel 9 talked with members of a family from Kings Mountain. Their dog died after a snake bite.

Last week, a child was bitten by a snake in Mooresville. He is expected to recover.

"Just give your yard a quick scan," said Burt. "Take that extra minute, walk around your yard."

Burt also warned bird feeders may contribute to bringing snakes near your home. He said the seed brings birds and mice, and that in turn brings snakes. 

However, Burt was quick to add snakes are, in fact, an important component of any natural ecosystem. 

"We need the snakes," Burt said. "We just don't want them inside our house."

Cox Media Group