It is a common belief that snakes only turn up around forests, bushes or old mud houses, but that is not entirely true. Reports keep surfacing of snakes being spotted inside multi-storey buildings, sometimes even on the 10th or 12th floor of residential flats. Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings, using their tongue along with a specialised organ called the Jacobson's organ to pick up scent cues from far away, whether it is tracking prey or finding a safe hiding spot.
It would be inaccurate to say that a single household smell forces a snake all the way up to the tenth floor, but certain conditions do make residential areas more attractive to them. The biggest draw is usually food, particularly rats and other small creatures, along with the availability of water and safe places to hide. That is exactly why it becomes important to stop certain things from accumulating in and around a home.
Presence of rats and small creatures
Snakes primarily hunt rats, lizards and other similar small animals. If a home, storeroom or balcony has an ongoing rat problem, the chances of a snake showing up there rise significantly. Keeping the house clean and keeping the rat population under control removes one of the main reasons a snake would be drawn there in the first place.
Bird nests and eggs
Pigeons often build nests around the balconies or AC units of tall buildings. The eggs and young chicks in these nests can attract snakes looking for an easy meal, drawing them toward these spots.
Damp and moisture-prone corners
During hot weather or the rainy season, snakes actively look for cool, damp places to stay. This raises the likelihood of them being present near bathroom drains, pipes and dark, moist corners of a house. Keeping such areas dry and clean is a far better safeguard.
Leftover pet food and mess
Homes with a dog, cat or bird should never leave leftover food or waste out in the open. This attracts rats and insects, which in turn can become a reason for snakes to show up. Keeping a pet's feeding area and its surroundings clean is essential.
Old junk, dry wood and leaves
Old cardboard, garbage, wood and dry leaves piled up in a corner, balcony or near potted plants give snakes an ideal place to hide. Clearing out such clutter regularly and keeping the surrounding area clean and dry removes their hiding opportunities.
