Snakes

This family of snakes is composed of 50 species in two families. They are generally regarded as the most primitive snakes, having a pelvic girdle and vestiglial hind limbs. They have a single lung and oviduct and are well adapted to their burrowing life style. They feed exclusively on small invertebrates such as ant and termite larvae. Leptotyphlopids are oviparous. There are two species of this family in North America.

FAMILY BOIDAE (boas and pythons)

Boidae is a large family of snakes that includes all five of the world's giant snakes. Boids are an ancient family that are characterized by a mixture of modern and primitive traits. They have flexible jaws found in more advanced families but also retain a pelvic girdle, vestigial hind limbs, and many use both lungs. While there are close to one hundred species of boids worldwide, there are only two species of boas found in North America, both in the sub-family Eryciniae.

COLUBRIDAE (colubrid snakes)

The Colubrid snakes are sometimes refered to as "typical snakes". They comprise the largest family by far with over 2000 species worldwide. Most are medium sized snakes, and all lack a pelvic girdle and have no vestigial hind limbs and whose left lung is either absent or greatly reduced. Most species are considered members of two large subfamilies, Colubrinae and Natricinae which are distinguished by the presence (Natricinae) or absence (Colubrinae) of spines on the lumbar vertebrae. Both subfamilies contain over 200 genera. The Colubrinae subfamily includes two of the genera popular with herpetoculturists, Elaphe and Lampropeltis. The Natricinae subfamily includes water snakes (Nerodia) and garter snakes (Thamnophis) among others. With a family this large, there will always be disagreements about classification, especially regarding the numbers and types of subspecies. This list includes 102 species of Colubrid snakes found in North America. Subspecies are not included in this scheme. Other lists may vary.

ELAPIDAE (cobras and coral snakes) - Venomous

The cobra family is thought to have evolved from Colubrid snakes and many appear very similar in appearance with long, slender bodies and large scales (plates) on the head. They differ in having more advanced venom delivery systems than the venomous Colubrids. Elapids have fangs that are "effectively tubular" in that the fangs contain grooves that are enclosed by an infolding of the edges. The fangs are in the front of the mouth rather than the rear as is seen in venomous Colubrids. The Elapidae contains some of the world's most dangerous snakes including cobras (Naja), mambas (Dendroaspis) and sea snakes (Hydophinae and Laticaudinae). Elapids are found worldwide and in Ausralia are the predominant family. In North America, three species of elapids are found, two species of coral snakes and one sea snake. The coral snakes are relatively small snakes that spend most of their time underground. Their primary food is other snakes. Despite their small size and small fangs, their venom is extremely toxic.

VIPERIDAE (vipers) - Venomous

The vipers are generally considered to be the most advanced family of snakes since they possess a very sophisticated venom delivery system. Large tubular fangs are placed in the front of the mouth and they are hinged, allowing them to be folded back when not in use. Their heads are covered with numerous small scales and their eyes have vertically eliptical pupils. All the vipers found in North America are in the subfamily of pit vipers (Crotalinae) having a pair of heat sensing pits located between each eye and nostril. The rattlesnakes are a truly American family of pit vipers since they are not found in the Old World and all but two species are found in the U.S. or Mexico. They are divided between two genera based on their head scales. Members of the genus Crotalus have numerous small scales on their heads while members of the genus Sistrurus have large scales (plates) on their heads.

SNAKE CONTROL

Dr.T's Snake Away snake repellent is the only EPA approved, university tested and patented snake repellent on the market today. Snake Away is Unique - only Snake Repellent in the World. Highly effective on poisonous and non-poisonous snakes! Effective repellent for 2 to 3 months--not destroyed by rain! University tested, EPA Registered and a patented product.
As a snake approaches the product its sensory perception is alerted and the snake turns away leaving the area. When applied as directed, it is safe to humans, pets and the environment.

Snake-A-Way is a dry granular mixture which is easy to apply by lightly sprinkling around homes, cabins, trailers, camp sites, and garages. Normal rainfall will not harm the Snake Away.

Here's how it works the Jacobson's organ in snakes is used with the tongue to sense its environment. The snake flicks out its tongue and picks up the scent of vapor molecules (Napththalene). When the snake pulls in its tongue, the vapor molecules are transferred to the odor-sensitive Jacobson's organ

Another method is the Snake Guard Traps. The easily assembled Snake Guard Snake Trap uses specially formulated and strategically placed glue inside a rectangular box which is 18 inches wide, 30 inches long and 3 inches high.The trap design allows for snake entry from either end, after it has been placed and stabilized against a wall or other vertical surface.

Always, place trap along a vertical surface such as a wall. The suggested use is one to two traps per room. In large rooms, you may want to use more.

Snake Guard allows the snake to be safely released. Snakes are important in maintaining a proper ecological balance and we encourage their release. If you have concerns about releasing the trapped snake yourself, you may prefer to call a local exterminator, wildlife rescue center or other appropriate animal control agency for assistance in removing the trap.

To release the snake yourself, you should first relocate the trap to a remote, shaded location away from the area of capture. After carefully opening the trap to expose the snake, pour liberal amounts of vegetable cooking oil on the snake and on the glue surrounding it. The snake will typically be able to free itself within an hour.