Snakes are part of life in Florida. Ponds, preserves, landscaped beds, and retention areas attract the rodents and frogs that snakes feed on, so encounters near homes and walkways are common. Most snakes seen in Florida communities are harmless, and many help by controlling pests. A few species are venomous, and a bite can cause serious injury. For an association, the goal is not to remove every snake but to reduce encounters in common areas and to respond reasonably when a problem is reported.
Knowing the Venomous Species
Florida's venomous snakes are generally listed as six species:
- Southern copperhead
- Cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin
- Timber rattlesnake, also called the canebrake rattlesnake
- Dusky pygmy rattlesnake
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
- Eastern coral snake
Some of these are found mainly in north Florida, while others, including the cottonmouth, pygmy rattlesnake, diamondback, and coral snake, may be found throughout much of the state. Identification guides from state wildlife agencies and university extension offices can be shared with residents so they know what to look for. Residents should be reminded never to handle or try to kill a snake. Several harmless species look similar to venomous ones, and some native snakes, such as the eastern indigo snake, are protected.
Tip 1: Call a Qualified Professional
When snakes are reported repeatedly in the same area, a licensed wildlife or pest control professional should be asked to inspect the property. The professional can identify the species involved, locate likely shelter and food sources, and recommend control measures. Removal of a snake from a common area or building should be left to trained professionals. Reports from residents should be logged with the date, location, and description so patterns can be spotted.
Tip 2: Reduce Habitat in High-Traffic Areas
Snakes look for shelter and food. Following expert advice, the association can make common areas less attractive to them:
- Keep grass mowed and shrubs trimmed along sidewalks, pool decks, playgrounds, and building entrances
- Remove brush piles, debris, and stacked materials from common areas
- Seal gaps under doors, utility rooms, and storage buildings
- Reduce rodent activity by keeping dumpster areas clean and closed
- Review landscaping plans, since dense ground cover and rock beds next to walkways can provide shelter
Lake and pond edges deserve special attention, because cottonmouths are often found near water. Changes to stormwater areas and preserves may be subject to permit conditions, so the landscape or engineering professional should confirm what can be altered. Guidance on landscaping choices is available in
HOAs and Florida-friendly lawns.
Tip 3: Review the Association's Rules
The rules should support the effort. Feeding wildlife, leaving pet food outside, and allowing debris to pile up in yards or on patios can attract the rodents that draw snakes. A rule against feeding wildlife in common areas, together with reasonable yard maintenance standards, can help. New or changed rules should be adopted at a properly noticed board meeting, and they should be enforced the same way for every owner.
Tip 4: Communicate and Review Insurance
When a known problem exists in a particular area, residents should be told about it. Signs near ponds and preserves, reminders in newsletters, and a clear way to report sightings help residents avoid risks. A response plan should also be shared, with guidance to call 911 for any bite and to keep away from the snake.
The association's general liability coverage should be reviewed with the insurance agent to confirm that limits are appropriate for the community's common areas, amenities, and natural features. Coverage questions are best raised before an incident, not after.
Responding Reasonably to Reports
As with any common area hazard, complaints and reports should be taken seriously. A board that documents reports, brings in qualified professionals, follows their advice, and keeps residents informed is in a much stronger position than one that ignores repeated warnings. More on caring for shared spaces can be found in
HOA practices for common areas.
Help With Common Area Safety
Vendor coordination, resident notices, and common area inspections are handled for the communities managed by Condominium Associates. To talk about wildlife or other safety concerns in your community,
contact us.
