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Safety Products

Please be sure to read the product label of any insecticide you choose to use to get information on the personal protective safety gear you will need. In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

Snake Identification Guide

Learn About Snake Anatomy, Life Cycle, etc.

By DoMyOwn staff
  Print Article
Overview

All About Snakes

Image montage of various snake species
There are over 200 types of snakes in North America. Of these, there are less than 20 species of snakes in the United States that have venom that is considered medically significant for humans and domesticated mammals. Snakes are reptiles that vary greatly in size, color, diet and lifespan. Some snakes lay eggs and other snake species give birth to live young. Snakes are particularly active in the warmest months of the year when their food sources are plentiful.

What Do Snakes Eat?

Snakes eat rats, mice, insects, bird eggs and other small animals.

Snake Facts

There are many myths that snakes do not have lungs or hearts. Snakes do in fact have two lungs, one small left lung and one larger right lung, and one heart.

NOTE: Many non-venomous snakes look very much like venomous snakes. With this in mind we encourage you to use extreme caution when trying to handle snakes on your property

Size
Diagram of common snake sizes
Snakes shed skin as they grow. This means that young snakes or "snakelets," can start out only a few inches long. Native US snakes can reach up to about 9 feet in length when fully grown.

NOTE: In the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida, non-native or invasive species of snakes have been introduced into the wild. Many of these species have been able to successfully breed and thrive in the tropical conditions. Some species of pythons that have been introduced can reach lengths over 20+ feet.

Shape
Diagram of snake anatomy
  • Snakes are cylindrical
  • Snakes do not have legs
  • Snakes have two eyes without eyelids
  • Snakes have a mouth that is capable of opening very wide
  • Snakes do not have fur
  • Snakes have scales that can be smooth or rough
Color
Image montage of various snake colors
Snakes can range in color from solid black to lime green. Some snake species have elaborate patterns on their bodies in many different colors. Some snakes appear to be very shiny and others quite dull.
Range
Map showing the range of snakes in the United States
Snakes live in every state of the US.

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