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.

Snakes copperhead closeup

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:

Health

How to Check Your Mouth and Throat for Early Signs of Cancer

How to Check Your Mouth for Mouth and Throat Cancer

This guide will explain the risk factors, show you a step-by-step self-exam procedure, describe common symptoms to watch for, and advise when to seek medical care.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

5:21

Learn How to Survive Being Bitten by a Snake

Learning how to deal with a snake bite might just save your life one day!

Health

9 of the Most Common Injuries During the Holiday Season

9 Surprising Holiday Injuries and Ways to Prevent Them

In this post, we list 8 of the most common holiday injuries and ways to avoid them.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Carpet Beetles: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them

Guide: How to Prevent and Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

How to prevent and get rid of carpet beetles in your home.

Health

15 Habits You Should Avoid to Maintain Sharp Vision

These 15 Terrible Habits Are Damaging to the Eyes

Our eyes are pretty fragile, and even the slightest misstep on your behalf is bound to affect their health and eyesight. Learn to preserve sharp vision for decades by avoiding these 15 bad habits capable of ruining your eye health

Health

Found a Snake? Don’t Panic: This Is What You Should Do

Surviving an encounter with a snake without getting bitten

Health

Basil Seeds vs. Chia Seeds: A Nutritional Comparison

While chia seeds have long been celebrated as a nutritional powerhouse, basil seeds are emerging as a worthy competitor. Both offer impressive health benefits, but which one deserves a spot in your pantry?

Health

How and Why Apple Cider Vinegar Affects Weight Loss

Research Shows: Just 2 Spoons of This to Lose Weight

Cider Apple vinegar is making headlines again following a study that found two tablespoons of it per day may greatly help with weight loss and improving blood sugar. Even more than expensive medications and treatments with many side effects.

Send Comment

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

Quizzes

How Do You Fall in Love?

Through carefully selected images, colors, and emotional connections, we'll uncover how you process feelings, how quickly you open up to others, and whether you seek excitement, security, or instant chemistry in your romantic connections.