Snakes
Snakes enter houses, barns and other buildings when habitat conditions are suitable inside the buildings. They
are particularly attracted to rodents and insects as well as cool, damp, dark areas often associated with
buildings. All openings 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and larger should be sealed to exclude snakes. Check the corners of
doors and windows, as well as around water pipe and electrical service entrances. Holes in masonry
foundations, concrete and concrete blocks or bricks should be sealed with mortar to exclude snakes. Holes in
wooden buildings can be sealed. In most states, snakes are considered nongame wildlife and are protected by
state law unless they are about to cause personal or property damage. Therefore, snakes should not be
indiscriminately killed. Some species are listed on federal and/or state threatened and endangered species lists.
Turtles
Any permanent body of water is a potential home for turtles. Unlike most other turtles, including soft-shells,
snapping turtles rarely bask. Turtles feed on a combination of plant and animal material that includes items such
as aquatic weeds, crayfish, carrion, insects, fish, and other small organisms. The diet of snapping turtles,
however, usually includes a relatively high proportion of fish. They are relatively aggressive predators,
occasionally known to take fish off fish stringers. All turtles reproduce by laying eggs in early spring. Hatching
begins in late summer and extends into the fall, depending on summer temperatures associated with the climate
of the range. During winter, turtles usually bury themselves in soft mud or sand in shallow water with only the
eyes and snout exposed. In farm ponds, turtles undoubtedly compete with fish for natural food sources such as
crayfish and insects.
Serving Eastern Virginia
804-642-5408
Available 7 Days A Week
© 2011 Virginia Wildlife Management
All Rights Reserved
Reptiles
From snakes to turtles, VWM has the professional experience necessary to eradicate these animals
from your home or business.