Extreme snake phobia! (Austin, Round Rock: buying a house, neighborhood, buying)

[a_commute]

Hi, I cant tell you how terrified I am of snakes. Does not matter if they are non venomous or not. Its somethig about their sight and movement. They’ve given me sleeples nights before ( saw a garden snake on dad’s yard in CA). I understand they are creatures just like us and have no interest in humans. But...

I have a 5yr old. Buying a house with a backyard has always been my dream. I have a job offer and really want to aceept it.

1. Have there been instances or snakes in toilets?
2. Any suggestions of area zipcodes in N Austin for homes?
3. Can i still consider new constructions?
4. Do they get into houses?


Thanks!

[C24L]

I once encountered a venomous snake in a toilet so I can say it can happen but I wouldnt say its likely.I wouldnt have a yard if you are that worried about snakes.I have heard stories of them getting into houses and biting people but I dont know how common that is.I would not consider new construction because that land that new houses were built on was just prime snake habitat.Netime,OP.

[Trainwreck20]

I have lived in the city limits of Austin for.....33 years now? I have owned a home with a backyard for 22 of those. I have yet to see a snake in my yard, much less my house. I have seen a couple over the years - one on the grounds of a state building and one on the greenbelt. Neither venomous.

Snakes in a toilet are probably less likely than getting mauled to death by a stray dog. As for new construction, I suppose it raises the odds of snakes a small amount, but they are very mobile and will be leaving as soon as construction begins in the area.

Now, on a more 'significant' concern to many....what are your thoughts on scorpions?

[Idlewile]

You are not the first person to post this. Do a search.

NW Austin:

We had one (non-venomous) snake in the yard. One tarantula on the driveway on night we moved in. Many, many anoles in the house (gotta catch them!) and ON the house sunning themselves daily. Plenty of tree roaches around.

Friends across the greenbelt had one rattlesnake in the garage. Killed it with a shovel, had to move quickly. One in the backyard and encountered an actual coral snake on the sidewalk. Then there were a few other snakes, I don't remember what kinds. One scorpion in shirt in master closet, that bit. It apparently hurt. A lot.

Other friends down the road (Steiner Ranch)had a scorpion in a shoe and rattlers in the neighborhood. Everyone checks their shoes before putting them on now.

Your milage may vary.

Oh and fire ants are everywhere. No one sits on the grass in central Texas. The school nurse kept busy with bites.

[cBach]

Never had a snake in a toilet. I do see snakes around though. I tend to leave them be, they are like cats, they get rid of critters like rats/mice/etc... They do a service and I'm not going to mess with them. My cat on the other hand may try to take one on.

[riaelise]

I live in a wooded area of Round Rock. There have been sightings. I've seen non-venomous but my neighbor had a rattler by his garbage can.

I have a phobia of snakes as well, I think it's just the initial surprise factor because you're not expecting to see one.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by riaelise

I live in a wooded area of Round Rock. There have been sightings. I've seen non-venomous but my neighbor had a rattler by his garbage can.

I have a phobia of snakes as well, I think it's just the initial surprise factor because you're not expecting to see one.

Snakes don't generally want to start something with humans. We are both alpha predators, we respect but don't mess with each other.

If you happen to step on one or mess with it, however, it will retaliate and if it's poisonous it won't end well for either of you, with the snake dead and you going to the ER for anti-venom.

If you leave it alone, generally it will do its thing.

[Austin97]

in 20 years of at least once a week in the greenbelt I have seen maybe 2 rattle snakes and 2 garden snakes. Zero in my house. We do have geckos/anoles in the house.

A snake in a pool skimmer is possibly a higher probability.

[earthisle]

I have never seen a snake in Austin. Why do people worry about this?

[77030]

Snakes are awesome! They control the mouse and rat population...

Now roaches are something to be afraid off!!!!