Discovering a snake inside your home can be an unsettling experience. In Los Angeles, where urban development overlaps with natural wildlife habitats, snake encounters aren’t uncommon—especially during warmer months. At Animal Capture Wildlife Control, we understand how important it is to respond quickly, calmly, and ethically. With over 20 years of experience in humane wildlife control across Southern California, we’re here to walk you through exactly what to do if you find a snake in your home—and how to keep it from happening again.
Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
Your first and most important step is to remain calm. Most snakes you’ll encounter in LA are not aggressive and prefer to avoid humans whenever possible. Panicking or trying to approach the animal can escalate the situation and lead to dangerous outcomes—especially if the snake feels threatened.
Stay at least several feet away. Avoid making sudden movements, and do not attempt to poke, trap, or provoke the snake. If you can do so safely, take a photo from a distance to help us identify it later.
Identify the Snake from a Safe Distance
While we don’t expect you to be a snake expert, observing the snake’s size, color, and markings can help us determine whether it might be venomous or not. In Los Angeles, common non-venomous snakes include the California kingsnake and gopher snake. However, we do have rattlesnakes here—and identification should be left to professionals.
Don’t ever rely on online images alone to make this call. The differences between species can be subtle, and misidentifying a snake can lead to serious risk. That’s why we always encourage homeowners to call us immediately—our licensed trappers are trained to recognize and handle any species safely.
Secure Pets and Family Members
If you have kids or pets, be sure to move them into a room far from the snake and close the door. Keep everyone calm and indoors while you wait for help. If you can close the door to the room where the snake is located, that’s ideal—but only if it’s safe to do so without approaching the animal.
Snakes are fast and can slip through small spaces. If you’re able to, place a towel or rolled blanket at the base of the door to slow any movement into other parts of the home.
Do Not Attempt DIY Removal
We get it—your first instinct might be to try and handle the situation yourself. But DIY snake removal is incredibly dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. California law protects certain snake species, and improper handling or relocation can result in fines or legal action.
Additionally, bites from venomous snakes like the Southern Pacific rattlesnake can be life-threatening. Even non-venomous snakes can lash out when cornered. The best—and safest—approach is to call a licensed wildlife removal professional. That’s where we come in.
Contact Animal Capture Wildlife Control
Call us directly at (310) 551-0901. We’re available 24/7 for emergency snake removal across the greater Los Angeles area. When you call Animal Capture Wildlife Control, you’re getting:
- A licensed wildlife specialist trained in humane snake removal
- Decades of experience dealing with LA-area wildlife
- A quick, professional response that puts your safety first
- Compliance with California Fish & Wildlife laws
Let us know where the snake was last seen and whether you’ve been able to contain it to one room. We’ll take it from there.
Step-by-Step: Our Professional Snake Removal Process
We know homeowners want peace of mind—not just in the moment, but long-term. Here’s what you can expect when our expert arrives:
1. On-Site Assessment
We begin with a calm, thorough assessment of the home. We ask questions about where the snake was last seen, how long ago it was spotted, and whether any doors or entry points were open.
2. Species Identification
We identify the snake using physical features and behavior patterns. If it’s already in view, we’ll examine it from a safe distance before proceeding with the appropriate tools.
3. Safe Capture
Using humane tools like snake tongs and transport containers, we carefully secure the snake without harming it. If the snake is hiding or has moved into a crawl space, we conduct a methodical search using specialized gear to locate and remove it.
4. Ethical Relocation
We never kill snakes. Once safely removed, the snake is transported to a suitable wild habitat far from human development, in accordance with California law.
5. Inspection and Prevention
Finally, we inspect the home for possible entry points, gaps, or vulnerabilities. We’ll recommend repairs and prevention strategies to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Tips for Long-Term Snake Prevention in Yards and Basements
Snakes don’t randomly pick homes—they go where the environment is favorable. If your yard offers food, water, or hiding spots, you may be unknowingly inviting them in. Here’s how to make your home less attractive:
1. Control Rodents
Rodents are a major food source for snakes. If you’ve had rat or mouse activity around your home, it could be attracting snakes. Seal up holes, remove clutter, and consider professional rodent control if needed.
2. Clear Yard Debris
Piles of firewood, leaves, or overgrown bushes offer perfect hiding spots. Keep your landscaping trimmed, and store firewood at least 12 inches off the ground.
3. Repair Entry Points
Snakes can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter inch. Check for cracks in your foundation, basement vents, garage gaps, and under-door clearances.
4. Avoid Water Accumulation
Leaky hoses, broken sprinklers, or puddles can attract both prey and snakes. Proper drainage helps keep your yard dry and less appealing.
5. Install Snake Fencing (Optional)
If you live in an area with frequent snake sightings—like near hillsides or brush—you might consider installing snake-proof fencing. We can advise on this as part of a prevention consultation.
Trust LA’s Snake Removal Experts
At Animal Capture Wildlife Control, we’ve been helping Los Angeles homeowners navigate wildlife encounters for over two decades. We specialize in the humane, legal, and effective removal of snakes and other animals—while putting your family’s safety first. From Malibu to Pasadena and everywhere in between, we’ve earned our reputation as one of the most trusted wildlife control services in Southern California.
If you’ve spotted a snake in your house—or you want to prevent one from ever showing up—give us a call today.
Call for Fast, Humane Snake Removal
Snake in the house? Don’t wait. Call Animal Capture Wildlife Control at (310) 551-0901 to schedule a professional inspection. We’re here to keep your home safe, your family protected, and wildlife treated with the care and respect it deserves.