Snakes near Katy neighborhoods... (Houston, Mason: houses, landscaping, to live in)

[Texas2010]

Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone lives near George Bush Park and the Barker Reservoir, I've seen a few houses within several miles of this, and am wondering if this area has a greater number of snakes (copperhead, rattlesnake, water moccasin) than other areas of Katy area?

Thank you for any thoughts on this... I know I must sound like another freakish Northerner who is preoccupied with snakes... wait, I guess I am

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I don't live near there, so this is just my thought. Yes. There are snakes near any body of water. Even the neighborhood rain runoff collection ponds (AKA Lakes of<insert neighboorhood name here>) attract snakes.

I know this is cold comfort for people with snake phobias, but you really can't judge a snake unless you get close enough to identify it. During the summers I get snakes in my yard all the time, and since I do my own yardwork, I am constantly finding them when clearning out leaves, weeds from the landscape. I've caught one, or two copperheads, but 99% of the time, they are garden snakes, or Texas Brown snakes, the latter two being harmless. My kids (son and daughters) like for me to give them the snakes when I catch them.

[Texas2010]

Thank you for your thoughts

May I ask if you live on a larger lot, heavily wooded, or more in the country? Oh, and the snakes you're talking about, the "normal ones"- are those really thick like the big mothers I've seen photos of?

Also, I'm not looking for any land whatsoever, I'm planning on suburbia- hardly any grass, backyard with a pool and stone/concrete. Really I'm fine with no grass Hopefully that will narrow down the chances of seeing those little buggers.

BTW, are your kiddies available to "rescue" any I might find in my yard?! hehe. jk

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I live in an old neighborhood, built in the early 1980s, and the house lot is larger than most homes, but not small like todays homes are. I don't live in a forest, but there are many old trees and huge oaks all around, and in my yard.

I am on the outskirts of Katy, and so in that sense am in the country, or very close to it. There are cows, horses, and other livestock within less than a mile of my home.

But even when I lived closer in, off of Mason Road, I still had them. Houston is very humid, and the ground moist, and these snakes like to live in the damp areas, especially mulch and any piles of whatever in the yards, green areas, or fields.

If you plan on having no landscaping/grass, your lower your chances of seeing them greatly.... if your neighbors do the same. Else I think you will find them pretty much anywhere in Houston area.

[baggiegenes]

Snakes aren't necessarily more prevelent just because you live near bodies of water, but they are more prevelent where there is a good source of food (which ditches and reservoirs can provide). Having landscaping such as bushes that provide good cover and mulching wich you water regularly provide great habitats for toads and insects which then draw in lizards. Having those small reptiles around encourages snakes to hang out in your yard more.

If you look, you can find sites that have discussions on types of landscaping your can do to either encourage or discourage snakes. It's a matter of personal preference. But, you'll never be 100% sure of never seeing a snake, and again, most of the time they are harmless. Stay atleast half the snake's body length away and let them move on on their own, they usually have no desire to bother people.

[SteveArmy]

snakes. i hate snakes

[ElectroPlumber]

Originally Posted by Texas2010

Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone lives near George Bush Park and the Barker Reservoir, I've seen a few houses within several miles of this, and am wondering if this area has a greater number of snakes (copperhead, rattlesnake, water moccasin) than other areas of Katy area?

Thank you for any thoughts on this... I know I must sound like another freakish Northerner who is preoccupied with snakes... wait, I guess I am

They don't get too big. Here is one of the smaller ones.

[TexasCatherine]

Originally Posted by ElectroPlumber

They don't get too big. Here is one of the smaller ones.

Too funny. Texas2010 is probably rethinking his/her move now. So what is that anyway? A Python who ran away from home?

[ElectroPlumber]

Originally Posted by TexasCatherine

Too funny. Texas2010 is probably rethinking his/her move now. So what is that anyway? A Python who ran away from home?

Believe it or not, it's a rattlesnake. No kidding.

[EasilyAmused]

Check your pool traps all summer. You never know what you'll find in there. This comes from someone who lives on the bayou.

I use a crow bar to pull the baskets out. I found one in my pool in Uptown and I've been scared to death ever since.Also, dead bunnies,squirrels and cats...