JOPLIN, MO.--- Kevin Badgley is an old pro when it comes to handling snakes. He works for the Missouri Department of Conservation in Joplin. He says just like the rest of us, snakes don't like the heat either.
"They're cold blooded. They do warm themselves up from the heat of the sun. It's too hot for them to be out right now," states Badgley.
So snakes will start looking for ways to get out of the sun, and they often think your house is an attractive place to hang out.
"Basements of crawlspaces. They're trying to escape the heat as well. They are trying to find a cooler place. If you have any crack in your foundations, any access in your house, they're trying to find a way in," states Badgley.
Along with changing where they live, snakes will also change how they hunt.
"They'll go from hunting in the daytime to being nocturnal early in the morning."
Heating and air repairmen have noticed them hanging out near the A.C. units.
"Heating and air because of the water. It trickles a little bit of water. Attacks a mouse or frog. These predators will be right there."
Badgley says you may not like snakes, but they do have their role in the food chain.
"Snakes are important to the ecosystem, they may give you the creepy crawlies, but they're there for a reason and are beneficial," states Badgley.
The hot weather is also affecting the mating rituals of snakes and we could see a smaller population in the next few years. If you have a snake infestation, you can call the Missouri Department of Conservation or you can view their website by clicking here.
"They're cold blooded. They do warm themselves up from the heat of the sun. It's too hot for them to be out right now," states Badgley.
So snakes will start looking for ways to get out of the sun, and they often think your house is an attractive place to hang out.
"Basements of crawlspaces. They're trying to escape the heat as well. They are trying to find a cooler place. If you have any crack in your foundations, any access in your house, they're trying to find a way in," states Badgley.
Along with changing where they live, snakes will also change how they hunt.
"They'll go from hunting in the daytime to being nocturnal early in the morning."
Heating and air repairmen have noticed them hanging out near the A.C. units.
"Heating and air because of the water. It trickles a little bit of water. Attacks a mouse or frog. These predators will be right there."
Badgley says you may not like snakes, but they do have their role in the food chain.
"Snakes are important to the ecosystem, they may give you the creepy crawlies, but they're there for a reason and are beneficial," states Badgley.
The hot weather is also affecting the mating rituals of snakes and we could see a smaller population in the next few years. If you have a snake infestation, you can call the Missouri Department of Conservation or you can view their website by clicking here.
