Living Harmoniously
with Wildlife

by William McIntosh

Well, the fall winds have descended, and the cool weather reminds us of another year coming to a close. So, in keeping with the weather changes, we also reflect on the year we’ve had, what that all entails, then our focus shifts to a new year. What I have on my mind, as a wildlife removal professional, as we head into 2026 is this: what areas of your home, cottage or property are most at risk of animal invasion?  Let’s discuss some of these risks here.

In the doldrums of winter, there’s not much to hope from the weather… until we think about spring!

Spring brings to mind the excitement of a fresh new year with the smells of new flowers, rainfall and the warm sun on our faces. With spring comes all things new: baby animals are born, trees bud again, and everything greening up.

With those new things, yes, new problems can arise. This article I’d like to talk specifically about a rather simple and yet disturbing creature we may run into after winter thaws into spring. The animal I have in mind? Well, it’s known for its silent approaches, fast and quick movements, and its slippery looking skin. If the word ‘snake’ comes to mind, then you’d be correct!

Snakes, why on earth an article on snakes? Unfortunately, snakes can be a problem for people, in or around their homes, but a little information and some tips can help you to avoid having to cross paths with them. If that is a concern for you, then read on!

Snakes in Ontario typically inhabit areas with several specific environments. Areas such as long grasses, leaf or wood piles, ground covered with large stones, or underground burrows are their favourite locations. All these provide snakes with cover, as they can easily fall prey to hawks and owls without cover.

Snakes also need areas to bask in the sun, as they are cold blooded, and without the sun’s heat, their digestion, as well as physical movement, become very minimal. So, they have a need for a safe place to hide, but also a place to warm up in the sun, when possible. Unfortunately, this describes many people’s lawns and gardens.

So how to avoid this? One thing is, make the area uninhabitable for a snake’s prey. Many snakes feed on small mammals, birds, amphibians and insects. Control of these creatures can make control of snakes easier.

For example, there was an instance where an individual had snakes quite often around their house. They couldn’t understand why! They had recently installed outdoor lighting. When they left the lighting on, it attracted bugs. Bugs attracted toads. Toads brought snakes! When they turned off their outdoor lighting, the snakes disappeared within a few days!

Other ways to deter snakes are to keep areas around your house free of long grasses and leaf litter, as well as piles of stones. Make the area as uncomfortable as possible for the snake, so it doesn’t feel safe, which allows it to move on. This can be a very effective method in certain instances.

Despite their scary rap sheet, snakes are extremely helpful for the environment. Rat snakes, the largest native snake in Ontario, can consume upwards of to 200 rats/mice per snake, per season! Smaller snakes, like the red bellied snake and the common garter, consume less, but still target critters that are a problem for most.

Now, I get asked this a lot, “Are snakes dangerous?” Very rarely. Except for one native species of rattlesnake, the Eastern Massasauga, all snakes in Ontario are non-venomous. This means that they do not carry venom glands. As for the Massasauga, this species is endangered, so it’s best, if you run into this snake, to leave it alone. If you feel the snake is threatening to yourselves or pets, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). They will instruct you further on what to do.

If you find snakes are entering your home, call a professional pest company to take a look. It can be very difficult to determine the point(s) of entry, so it’s best to have a professional take a look. Some companies don’t address snakes as they are difficult at times to remove permanently, depending on your home’s age and design.

Will McIntosh is part owner of Exit Wildlife and Pest Control, and you can reach him at 705-438-5445.