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

The Silent Warning Signs of Clogged Arteries

Pay Attention to These Symptoms to Keep Your Heart Safe

Here are four of the most common signs of clogged arteries that aren't as obvious as you'd expect.

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 to Prevent Painful Chafing: Five Natural Solutions

It’s even possible to prevent chafing in advance if you know what to do and how to prepare for it. We will teach you all about it here – the signs, home treatments, and prevention methods.

Health

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

Surviving an encounter with a snake without getting bitten

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

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

This Musical Test That Could Detect Dementia Early

The Musical Test That Could Detect Dementia Early

Researchers have developed a promising new approach: using music to detect the early signs of cognitive decline.

Health

Aging and Mood Disorders: What's the Connection?

Study Finds a Causal Link Between Aging and Mood Disorders

Scientists have uncovered a critical mechanism linking aging to disrupted sleep, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Send Comment

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

Quizzes

The Deadliest Natural Poisons

How much do you know about these dangerous elements of the natural world?

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.

General Knowledge 21 Questions Long

This isn't your typical trivia quiz filled with boring facts you learned in school...