Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Nature & Travel > Nature

Venomous Snakes Can Make Your Home Smell Like This

Edited By: Natalia J.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Unless you’re at the zoo or you have exotic pets, locking eyes with a snake is never a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, these slithering reptiles are known to wander into people’s homes in search of either food or shelter from the elements. In many cases, you won’t know that there’s a snake in your home until you find it. But there is one warning sign of a venomous snake in your home you can sniff out - Literally. Watch out for the smell of this common vegetable if you live in an area where venomous snakes are common.

Pest controls experts state that a strong smell reminiscent of cucumbers can mean you have either a copperhead snake or a rattlesnake in your home. Both copperheads and rattlesnakes are especially common in the Southeast, but rattlesnakes can be found almost in every state of the continental United States.

Both copperhead snakes and rattlesnakes are venomous, and they are also the most likely to bite humans. One article reported that of the average 45 thousand snake bites reported annually across the US, “Most hospitalized victims ate bitten either by rattlesnakes or copperheads or by unidentified snakes.”

If you're worried about being intentionally attacked by a snake, don't - copperheads and other snakes don’t see humans as prey and will only bite people to protect themselves when someone steps on them or tries to grab them. Some snakes, including copperheads, have a special gland at the base of their tails that produces a musky odor that some people confuse with cucumbers.

Image Source: Peter Paplanus/ Flickr

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), this musky, cucumber-like odor is the snake’s defense mechanism, and it usually means that the snake is frightened, angry, or startled. Therefore, sensing this smell is NOT a good sign.

The best way to prevent a snake encounter in your home or garden is to snake-proof your home by repairing any gaps in the wall, mowing the lawn regularly, and getting rid of a rodent problem as quickly as possible. For more tips, read our article titled How to Keep Snakes Away From Your Home - 7 Useful Tips.

If you do notice a snake in your house or yard, never try to handle it on your own or hurt it. Try to isolate yourself from the reptile and call an animal control expert who will remove the snake from your home. For more details and instructions on what to do when you see a snake, read our Guide to Surviving a Snake Encounter.

Share this post with people who will find this useful!

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

5 Rules For Safe Food Shopping During the Corona Pandemic

How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping

Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic

Nature

Who Knew Horses Saved Humans From Deadly Snake Bites?!

16:06

Did You Know Horses Provide Life-Saving Snake Antivenom?

Snakebites can be incredibly dangerous. The unlikeliest of animals can help provide life-saving antivenom.

Health

How to Spot Unsafe Canned Foods At the Grocery Store

5:49

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Buying Canned Foods

Before you buy your next lot of canned foods, make sure you watch this video...

Humor

Public Signs Gone Wrong: A Collection of Funny Warnings

The Most Unintentionally Funny Signs Ever - 17 Pics

These are some of the most absurd, funny, and downright creepy signs that have made people do a double take.

Health

If these signs appear, you shouldn't ignore them

IMPORTANT to Know: 8 Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Catch ovarian cancer early by becoming aware of these 8 early warning signs. Also learn about other risk factors such as genetics.

Health

How Patients with Prediabetes Managed to Prevent Diabetes

How 25% of Patients Managed to Prevent Diabetes

How long does it take to get rid of prediabetes, and how is it done? That's exactly what we'll answer in the following article.

Spirituality

How to Cope with a Fiery Anger That's Hard to Control

Not sure if your passing irritability is natural or if you truly have a short fuse? The following article will provide you with both the signs of a fiery temper and tips for coping with it.

Travel

18 Fascinating Discoveries That Redefine Ancient Egypt

18 Ancient Finds That Show How Advanced The Egyptians Were

Here are 18 of the most jaw-dropping finds that prove ancient Egypt was far ahead of its time.

Send Comment

Related Topics: snakes, warning signs, smell, prevention, cucumber, important to know, snake bite, venomous, copperhead snakes, rattlesnakes

Quizzes

What Type of Music are You?

Answer these 17 immersive questions and find out what your personal soundtrack sounds like!

What Do You Know About Genetics?

These 12 questions will challenge your understanding of how genes shape the living world.

Vision Test: What Do You See?

Think you’ve got what it takes to uncover these hidden surprises? Let’s find out how sharp your vision really is!

Most popular in Nature

This Japanese 'Raccoon Dog' is Such a Unique Animal!

9:53

Is it a Raccoon? Is it a Dog? No. It’s a 'Raccoon Dog'!

Tanuki, or the Japanese raccoon dog, is a unique species. Its neither a dog, nor a raccoon. So what is it?

Whale Falls: When a Whale Returns to the Ocean

12:21

Return to the Ocean: The Complex Final Journey of a Whale

Today, we delve into the intricate and captivating lifecycle fostered by these deep-sea giants.

20 Breeds Of Dog That Are Ideal Pets For Seniors

These Dogs Are The Perfect Companions For Older Adults!

Everyone loves companionship, and for dog-lovers there's nothing more painful that wanting a furry friend and not having one. Age is no factor for pet-having, and these 20 dogs prove it!

22 of Nature Photography's Most Exquisite Moments!

The NG website has a daily photo of the day page, from which we've selected 22 incredible examples of nature's undeniable and breathtaking beauty. Undoubtedly, you also deserve to enjoy these amazing pictures from the last few months.