Venomous Snakes in Missouri
One of the animals that Best Pest Control at the Lake of the Ozarks has to deal with are snakes. While many non-venomous snakes are helpful to have around, most people are not comfortable sharing their space with them. Below are a few facts about the dangerous snakes that are found in the mid-Missouri area from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Missouri has 46 species and subspecies of snakes, and most of them are harmless to people. If they bite, it is usually in self-defense. There are only 5 species of venomous snakes found in our state, and only 3 of those may be found in our Lake of the Ozarks area. Many snakes are actually good to have around, eating rodents, bugs, and some other snakes. Few people realize this, but all snakes that are native to Missouri are protected. There is no open season on these animals, and it's technically against the law to kill them. Of course, killing a venomous snake if it is near enough to bite people is a realistic exception.
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake are also found in Missouri, but not generally in mid-Missouri near the Lake of the Ozarks.
To avoid the chance of being bitten by a venomous snake, follow these tips.
1. Wear protective footwear with high tops and thick leather or rubber to cover your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
2. Never put your hands under rocks or logs, and do your best not to step directly over them. Step on them first, and then over them.
3. Look ahead at where you are walking before stepping and before sitting.
4. If a snake falls into your boat or canoe, do not panic. Get to shore as quickly as possible and flip the snake out with your paddle. Trying to kill it could result in it biting, or you both falling into the water.
5. If you cannot identify a snake, simply avoid it.
Discourage snakes from living near your home by getting rid of their food and shelter. Piles of boards or other building material or piles of rocks and sticks or logs should be kept away from your house.
If snakes are a problem for you, don't hesitate to call the most trusted pest control company in the Lake of the Ozarks. We have the experience and knowledge to properly get rid of them for you. If you would like to know more about the non-venomous snakes in our area, there are details and photos of them all at the Missouri Department of Conservation.
573-873-1118 in Camdenton
Missouri has 46 species and subspecies of snakes, and most of them are harmless to people. If they bite, it is usually in self-defense. There are only 5 species of venomous snakes found in our state, and only 3 of those may be found in our Lake of the Ozarks area. Many snakes are actually good to have around, eating rodents, bugs, and some other snakes. Few people realize this, but all snakes that are native to Missouri are protected. There is no open season on these animals, and it's technically against the law to kill them. Of course, killing a venomous snake if it is near enough to bite people is a realistic exception.
Osage Copperhead
This is the most common venomous snake in Missouri. Its color can vary from grayish-brown to pinkish-tan, with hourglass-shaped crossbands of dark gray, brown or reddish-brown. Its head may have a little pink or orange color, which gives it the name "copperhead." The tail can be yellow or greenish-yellow, and the underside usually is a dusky mix of gray, tan, and black. They live on rocky hillsides and along the edges of forests, and sometimes can be found among trees and in brush along prairie streams. You will often find them by abandoned farm buildings. They vibrate their tails when threatened. If bitten by one, you should seek medical treatment right away. A copperhead's diet consists of mice, lizards, frogs, and sometimes small snakes.
Western Cottonmouth
Also known as a water moccasin, it gets the name "cottonmouth" from the white-colored lining of its mouth. Its coloring is black with little or no pattern or dark brown with darker crossbands on the back. The belly is dark brown or black. Young ones of this species look patterned like a copperhead and usually have a yellowish-green tail. The venom is extremely dangerous, and a bite from this snake can be fatal. It is semi-aquatic and mostly eats fish. It will also eat frogs, other snakes, lizards, and rodents.
Timber Rattlesnake
This is the largest of the venomous snakes in Missouri. It is a tan or yellowish-tan, with markings along the back which are dark brown and change from blotches on the neck to bands near the tail. A dark line extending from the eye along the angle of the jaw will often be present. It also has a rust-colored stripe down the back. The tail has a large rattle on the end. You will find it on rocky, wooded hillsides. They eat small rabbits and a variety of rodents. It is dangerously venomous, but luckily there are not a lot of cases of rattlesnake bites in Missouri.
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake are also found in Missouri, but not generally in mid-Missouri near the Lake of the Ozarks.
To avoid the chance of being bitten by a venomous snake, follow these tips.
1. Wear protective footwear with high tops and thick leather or rubber to cover your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
2. Never put your hands under rocks or logs, and do your best not to step directly over them. Step on them first, and then over them.
3. Look ahead at where you are walking before stepping and before sitting.
4. If a snake falls into your boat or canoe, do not panic. Get to shore as quickly as possible and flip the snake out with your paddle. Trying to kill it could result in it biting, or you both falling into the water.
5. If you cannot identify a snake, simply avoid it.
Discourage snakes from living near your home by getting rid of their food and shelter. Piles of boards or other building material or piles of rocks and sticks or logs should be kept away from your house.
If snakes are a problem for you, don't hesitate to call the most trusted pest control company in the Lake of the Ozarks. We have the experience and knowledge to properly get rid of them for you. If you would like to know more about the non-venomous snakes in our area, there are details and photos of them all at the Missouri Department of Conservation.
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573-348-1600 in Lake Ozark
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