Snakes and scorpions in central Tx?

Question

I heard snakes and scorpions are really bad there is that true?
Should i be worried about my kids playing in the yard?
I got told if i see a snake i need to kill it thats the only way i get rid of it???I don`t think i ever could are there other option?does Animal control come out to get it?or is there a org. that picks up snakes and scorpions?
How do i know if its a poison snake or not?Heard if the head is in a diamond shape its poison,is that so??
thanks

Thanks for all your answers!!!!

Answer 1

Snakes and scorpions are pretty bad, but nothing to panic over.

They pretty much try to keep to themselves, and don't tend to hang around well-cared for yards. Dangerous areas (where they feel safe and LIKE to hang out) include piles of debris, including logs for fireplaces, old construction piles, and overgrown areas that are usually left alone. If you plan on keeping chickens or other livestock, be aware around them, as their food attracts mice, and mice are prey for the snakes.

Become familair with snake habits. They have to keep themselves warm, but not hot. Hardball roads attract them in the mornings and evenings because of the warmth, the same holds true for patios and walkways. Coiled garden hoses are also a danger, for the same reason, plus you are apt to miss a coiled snake looking at you! Decorative rock gardens are pretty, but give plenty of shady spots to hide, plus the rocks stay warm. Car hoods and tin are used by snake hunters to attract snakes to a certain area, so you probably don't want them around your property.

Most methods used to repel snakes are iffy, and toxic. Basically, if you keep your area free of small rodents and other prey items, the snakes have no reason to stay either.

Scorpions can be a problem, but I have had far less problems with them than I have with "fiddlebacks" or Brown Recluse spiders. Both of these little critters like dark quiet spaces, and tend to come out in the evening to hunt. They both love crickets and roaches. Spraying your house will help with both, it will reduce their prey, and kill them as well. Most people are stung or bit when dressing in the morning. Don't leave clothes on the floor, or shake them well before putting them on! Shake out blankets, towels, or other items that have been stored in closets for any length of time, too. Neither of them are apt to be in a yard during the day, but as evening moves in, have the kids keep shoes on, as scorpions will be moving around and likely to be stepped on.

You can find books or look for pictures on the internet of any critters that worry you. Snakes that are dangerous in Texas(you need to narrow the area down a bit to get a real good idea) include a couple types of Rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and possiblly coral snakes. All but coral snakes are pit vipers, corals are elipads. Scorpions hurt like crazy, but are not deadly. A doctor can help with the pain in an adult or teen, young children should go soon. Brown Recluse spiders don't hurt, at first, but you do need to go to the doctor, sooner, rather than later, and that is regardless of age! You may also see an occasional Black Widow, of which I know very little, except that they are not deadly in adults, but do cause flu symptoms. Again, if a child is bit, be safe rather than sorry.

I do not kill snakes, I leave them alone. Scorpions and spiders in my house are usually killed, but outside I leave them be. Depending on where you live, Animal Control may come remove snakes, but not "bugs". You will want to call around to find out if they are availible, or if they can give you the number of someone who will help. Chances are, you will not have a problem, but being prepared is never a bad thing!!

Answer 2

There are several species of snakes found in TX. They are the western rattlesnake, western diamondback, prarie rattlesnakes, copperheads, corals, and if you are near water, the cottonmouth.
There is also an abundance of non venomous snakes, of course.
Do not worry about your kids in the yard. Snakes feel ground impulses and will avoid conflict.
The only reason to kill any snake is when you are in a box with one. The earth gives 24000 miles to go around any snake, and regardless of what the mis-informed people tell you, no snake will chase you. They want nothing to do with you as you want nothing to do with it. Let it go, and watch it. It will leave and life goes on-- fr everybody.
No, animal control will not come get it. They would never get any rest if they chased every snake call. They will tell you the same I am. Leave it alone.
No snake is poisonous. There are venomous species and the best way to find out what is, or is not, is to google "venomous snakes of Texas" and study the various species. Teach your kids what is dangerous. Also teach tehm to stay still if confronted with a snake. Leave if they are far enough away from it, of course.
Remember, snakes see things single dimensionally,that is to say, nothing is any closer than anything else it sees.
The headshape does not count for crap. Boas and pythons have heart shaped heads, yet they are harmless. The coral snake is deadly, yet does not have a heartshaped head.
There is an old rhyme about the colors of coral snakes vs kingsnakes. Forget that. A simple rule applies here: if the snout is black, get back. It is a coral. If the snout is pink/red, it is a kingsnake.
As far as an organization to collect snakes, perhaps so. Check with the local pet stores to see who is buying snake food mice/rats/rabbits. Get the name and number as they may come out to do that for you, but beware: most charge upwards of $100 per call. Clarify this BEFORE you call.

Answer 3

Yes there are numerous kinds of snakes and several types of scorpians and other biting insects. Your child and you should be aware of the dangers. You can't shoo a snake away, the only way to get rid of a snake determined to came on your property is to kill it. No, there is no animal control for snakes or insects. Google poisonous snakes with pictures and familiarize yourself with what they look like. Not all have a diamond shaped head. A suggestion, might work, snakes dont actually like the smell of humans, when you cut your or your family's hair sprinkle the hair around the perimter of the yard, snakes are unlikely to cross it until the hair degrades. Also epsom salt has the same effect as it burns their bellies.

Answer 4

Snakes and scorpions are pretty much everywhere in Texas. I was born and raised in Texas, and despite the fact that these two species are very abundant, I always played in the yard. As far as killing any snakes, I've always been told that if there's one snake, most likely there's another one. Most of the time, you don't have time to call animal control, so you have to deal with the situation yourself. Outdoor cats can handle snakes very well, only thing you have to worry about is them killing them and then laying them on your doorstep. As far as scoprions, you can have a pest control company come out and spray. Best of luck!

Answer 5

The police will call the people for removal of the snake. Scorpions are usually just killed/stepped on. It is best to just call to have any snake removed from your property. The heads of most snakes are in the shape of a diamond. Snakes can be living in most parts of this country. You just need to watch for them and be aware of there presence. Good Luck San Antonio resident.

Answer 6

I live in central Texas and have never seen a scorpion. I have lived in both city and out in the country. The only snake other than a grass snake I have seen was in the woods and it was a Rattle Snake. I have never heard of the police coming out for them, at least not in the city I live in. If I were you I would not let myself panic over this.

Answer 7

don't kill them. they do you more good then harm. they eat small mammals that carry worms and rabies like mice and rats. just teach your children to stay away from them and they will stay away from you. Poison or not... well the most common venomous snake in TX is the prairie rattler witch when you come within 10 15 feet from it it will rattle to warn you you are too close. if your not sure its best to keep your distance. Scorpions? they wont kill you unless you are allergic to bee stings. i have been stung by them and the worst thing that happened was it hurt. But these animals people kill because they are afraid they will attack them are stupid. Would you rather see a snake or scorpion every once in a while or eat mouse or rat poop thet was left in a box of corn flakes in your cupboard and possably get a fatal case of rabies or worms? you choose the chances of dying from a snake bite nowadays are less then 10%. your chances of dying from rabies is nearly 100%

Answer 8

Yes, the snakes and scorpions are bad. The scorpions are not deadly but they hurt really bad. The snakes may or may not be poisonous, but treat them as they are. Teach your kids to stay away from them. The Police and /or the Sherrif should be able to help you move them away your house but beyond that it's a live and let live policy.

Answer 9

I live in Central Texas and I've never seen any scorpions and the only snakes I've seen are grass snakes....I'm not in the country though.....

I'm sure you could call animal control if you do see one......

I think the only poisonous snakes in this area are Coral snakes....they have red and yellow stripes touching each other

Answer 10

Living in rural Texas one thing you learn is shake your shoes and boots out in the morning. Always keep lawns mowed short. Keep spider webs away. Snakes like baby bunnies, chicken eggs. Teach the children to just stat away from any snake unless with a grownup. Alot of the times snakes don't want to be where there is alot of noise. Watch brush piles in summer they look for cool in the heat of the day in fall sunshine and warm places. If you live in the country your on your own. Cats help. Being careful is the best Idea. I keep a good shovel by the door for snakes.