Rat Snakes

Colubrinae

One of the longest snakes in North America, rat snakes have been known to grow up to eight feet long. Also known as the pilot snake, they feed on rodents by constricting them. While rat snakes are not venomous to humans, they often ward off threats by making a rattling sound with their tails, tricking potential predators into thinking they’re deadly rattlesnakes.

Color	Can be black, red, brown, yellow, gray, or black and white
Legs
Shape
Size	Adult rat snakes are typically 3-5 ft (91-152 cm) but can grow up to 6 ft (183 cm)
Antennae	False

What Do Rat Snakes Eat?

Rat snakes most commonly feast on small rodents, using their large bodies to constrict prey to death. They also feed on frogs, lizards, and bird eggs, climbing trees easily to reach nests.

What Do Rat Snakes Look Like?

Rat snakes can be various colors, including black, brown, gray, red, and yellow. They have rounded pupils, which is a common characteristic of nonvenomous snakes.

How Many Eggs Do Rat Snakes Typically Lay?

Female rat snakes typically lay six to two dozen eggs in mid to late July. The eggs usually take five to seven weeks to develop and hatch.

How Do You Get Rid of a Rat Snake Infestation?

Laying snake traps around yard areas can help eliminate rat snakes, while clove and garlic oils naturally deter snakes due to their strong smell. Spraying these oils or snake repellent around the edges of your home and near sticks and rocks can help keep rat snakes away.

If your rat snake infestation continues, call Hughes Exterminators for a professional pest control plan.