How much does snake removal cost?
How much does snake removal cost?
$150 – $600 average cost
Average snake removal cost
Snake removal costs $150 to $600 on average, with costs falling at the higher end of the range for complex jobs involving venomous snakes or hard-to-reach locations. Most companies use a standard fee per visit and may charge extra for multiple snakes, inspections, or preventive exclusion work.
| Removal type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Non-venomous snake | $150 – $300 |
| Venomous snake | $250 – $600 |
| Hard-to-access location | $200 – $500 |
| Emergency or after-hours | $100 – $300 extra |
| Exclusion services | $200 – $600+ |
Removing non-venomous snakes from open areas is typically less expensive than tackling venomous snakes or those nesting in attics or crawl spaces.
Emergency or after-hours calls add to the price, and precautions for family and pet safety can bring higher fees.
Many professionals use humane trapping and relocation techniques. Wild snake removal can cost even more for hard-to-reach locations such as inside walls or beneath decks.
Snake removal price by location
Wildlife removal costs vary depending on the snake's location on your property. If a snake is in your garage or yard, removing it will cost less than if it's in a hard-to-access area like an attic or crawl space.
| Location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Garage | $150 – $170 |
| Yard | $160 – $180 |
| Basement | $200 – $300 |
| Roof | $230 – $400 |
| Attic | $300 – $500 |
| Crawl space | $380 – $600 |
Snake exterminator cost factors
The biggest factors affecting the cost of snake removal are the type of snake, whether it is venomous, where it's hiding, and how urgent the job is. However, many variables impact the overall cost:
Location and accessibility: Removing a snake from an open yard or garage is faster and less hazardous than hard-to-reach areas. In contrast, accessing snakes in attics, crawl spaces, or inside walls adds time, risk, and extra equipment, raising the removal price by $50 to $300 per job.
Number of snakes: Single snakes are standard, but finding multiple snakes or nests means more trap placements and follow-up visits. This increases labor and often adds $50 to $150 for each additional snake, or more for venomous species.
Urgency: After-hours and emergency snake removal requires prompt dispatch and higher risk, resulting in extra surcharges typically ranging from $100 to $300.
Location: Removal costs vary significantly by region (urban vs. rural), labor rates, and local regulations.
Travel distance: The farther a specialist must travel, the higher the overall bill. Some companies charge mileage fees of $30 to $75 if outside their regular service area.
Need for ongoing exclusion or fencing: If snakes keep returning, professionals recommend exclusion services and snake-proof fencing, with additional costs of $200 to $600+ depending on property size and complexity.
Type of snake
Removal experts may charge more for venomous or larger snake species, with non-venomous removals tending to cost less. Non-venomous snakes include garter snakes, rat snakes, kingsnakes, coachwhips, green snakes, hognose snakes, milk snakes, and racer snakes. Venomous snakes include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (or water moccasins), and coral snakes.
If you're not sure if the snake is venomous, keep your distance to avoid bites. Look for signs of venomous snakes like a rattle or a triangular-shaped head.
Cleanup costs
Depending on the severity of the infestation, there could be costs to repair damage to walls, insulation, and wiring or to decontaminate (urine, feces, and skins). Some companies charge $300 to $3,000 or more for damage repair. Many wildlife removal services include or offer these as add-ons, although the costs can sometimes rival or exceed removal fees.
Additional costs
Professional snake removal companies often offer extra services such as prevention, inspection, fencing, and emergency response. These add-ons help homeowners prevent future problems and address difficult cases where snakes continue to find entry points or require urgent attention.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection fee | $100 – $150 |
| Under-house inspection* | $200 – $400 |
| Snake fencing | $7 – $25 per linear foot |
*Crawl spaces or foundation voids
How to prevent snakes
To keep snakes away:
Eliminate their food sources by controlling rodents and insects.
Remove potential hiding spots like woodpiles, tall grass, and dense brush.
Seal gaps in your foundation and use snake-proof fencing to create physical barriers.
Use natural deterrents like certain plants, sulfur, or ultrasonic devices.
Keep your lawn mowed and areas around your home clear of clutter.
Snake removal FAQs
How long does snake removal take?
Most snake removals are completed within a few hours. Complex jobs may require trap checks over several days or repeat visits.
Can snake removal be done safely?
Always hire licensed wildlife professionals to ensure safe, humane removal methods. They have specialized training and protective equipment for venomous species. Some state laws require euthanasia of certain species (protected or venomous) or have restrictions that limit relocation.
Are there rules about relocating snakes?
Some areas require permits for wildlife relocation. Wildlife removal experts comply with all state and local laws during removal.
Will exterminators repair property damage?
Some companies offer repair services for areas damaged by snake nesting, but this is usually an extra charge.
Getting estimates for snake removal
When seeking for a snake removal specialist near you, follow these steps to find a skilled professional to deliver safe results and peace of mind:
Check reviews and ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm their licensing and insurance coverage.
Get detailed cost breakdowns before work begins.
Inquire about prevention and exclusion recommendations.
Request quotes from multiple companies for comparison.
Questions to ask a wildlife removal service
Before hiring a professional, ask:
Are you licensed and insured for snake removal?
What methods do you use for trap and relocation?
Will you perform a full inspection for hidden snakes?
Can you identify the species on my property?
What are the risks of removal for my family and pets?
How do you prevent snakes from returning?
Do you offer emergency or after-hours services?
Will you itemize all charges in advance?
What's included in your warranty or guarantee?
How often do you need follow-up visits?
Do you provide fencing or exclusion services?
What is your protocol for venomous snakes?
Do you offer repair or cleanup services for damage?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.