There is not much that stops a summer afternoon by the pool faster than spotting a snake. Whether it is coiled near the steps, moving along the fence line, or hiding under patio furniture, a snake encounter in your backyard is unsettling — and in Middle Tennessee, it raises a legitimate question: is it dangerous? Here is what you need to know, and when to call for help.
Why Snakes Are Drawn to Pools and Patios
It is not a coincidence that snake sightings spike near water features in July. Several factors converge to make your pool area attractive to snakes during peak summer:
- Water source: Snakes need to drink, and a pool or decorative pond is an obvious draw — especially during dry spells when natural water sources are reduced.
- Prey concentration: Frogs, toads, lizards, and small rodents are all attracted to water. Where prey gathers, snakes follow.
- Heat regulation: Concrete and stone patios absorb heat all day and radiate it at night, making them ideal spots for snakes to thermoregulate in the cooler evening hours.
- Cover and hiding spots: Pool equipment, storage boxes, landscaping rocks, and patio furniture all provide the low, sheltered hiding spots snakes prefer.
Identifying What You Are Dealing With
Tennessee is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes, and telling them apart matters. The venomous species you are most likely to encounter in the Nashville area include the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, and the cottonmouth (water moccasin) near water. All three are heavy-bodied with triangular heads and vertical, slit-like pupils.
The majority of snakes in Middle Tennessee backyards are non-venomous — rat snakes, black racers, garter snakes, and watersnakes are all common and pose no real threat. However, the safest rule is simple: if you cannot positively identify the snake as non-venomous, do not approach it.
- Do not attempt to pick up, corner, or kill the snake — most bites happen during exactly these situations
- Keep children and pets away from the area
- Note the snake’s location and general appearance for the removal team
- If someone is bitten, call 911 immediately
Making Your Yard Less Attractive to Snakes
Long-term prevention comes down to eliminating what draws snakes in the first place. Some practical steps Nashville homeowners can take:
- Keep grass and ground cover trimmed short around the pool and patio perimeter
- Remove wood piles, brush, and debris piles from yard edges — these are prime rodent habitat, which brings snakes
- Address any rodent problems in or around the home, since mice and rats are a primary food source for many snakes
- Seal gaps around pool equipment housing and storage sheds
- Consider snake-proof fencing for persistent problem areas
When to Call Wildlife Removal
If you have a snake in your yard that you cannot identify, a snake that keeps returning, or a snake that has made it inside your home, do not handle it yourself. Birdman Wildlife Solutions provides safe, humane snake removal across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our team can identify the species, remove it safely, and advise on what is attracting snakes to your property so you can address it at the source.
Do not let a snake ruin your summer. Call Birdman Wildlife Solutions at (629) 777-5949 or visit birdmannash.com. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including same-day emergency response.
For snake removal across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, visit our Snake Removal Services page. We serve Franklin, Brentwood, and all surrounding areas.