North Texas Family Finds Rattlesnake Inside Toilet, Discovers Infestation

ABILENE, TX — This is the stuff of reptilian nightmares.

Officials at Big Country Snake Removal near Abilene posted on their Facebook account last week of a recent home inspection at a snake-infested home that will haunt your dreams — and make you look twice before using the bathroom.

"Why are snake inspections important?" the Facebook starts benignly enough. Then the kicker, without comfortable segue from one point to the next: "Last week, we received a call from a family in Jones County who had an adult rattlesnake in their toilet. Yes, in their toilet!"

The snake accessed the commode via an opening in a relief pipe that was later sealed.

It gets worse: The pest control guy examined underneath the house where another 10 snakes were found, including five baby rattlesnakes. A cursory check of the storm cellar found another 13 adult rattlesnakes. All told, 24 snakes were removed from the property.

"How is this possible?" the post continues. "It's actually quite simple. Rattlesnake are secretive and can be very cryptic. They rely heavily on their camouflage. This is simply how they survive. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there."

Gee, thanks, snake removal guy. That makes us feel so much better.

If you're still there reading and not passed out from the horror of this, following are some good tips on snake-proofing the yard. They are provided by the DesertUSA website.

"A rattlesnake-proof fence is one of the best ways to keep snakes out of your yard,"DesertUSA officials write. It may be expensive, but worth the investment once you realize how expensive a visit to the emergency vet clinic will be."

Such a snake-proof fence should be at least three feet tall, with the bottom portion of the fence buried at least three inches or more, officials said. Gates should have no gaps on the sides, and should be flush to the ground. Concrete slabs placed under the gate are even better, DesertUSA officials noted.

"For your fencing material, use mesh that is not more than 1/4-inch in diameter or a solid material that is smooth. Snakes cannot climb smooth surfaces."

Additional tips on how to snake proof your yard.

• Keep the grass in your front and back yards cut short.
• Clean up any debris in your yard including piles of wood, leaves, or any other materials that a snake could hide under.
• Control rodents in your yard and around your home: pick up fruit on the ground, keep trash cans closed with lids and don't leave pet food out.
• Remove birdfeeders as they attract small rodents which rattlesnakes prey on.
• Add a rattlesnake proof fence around your yard
• Keep any vegetation from growing up or over the fence as snakes can use it as a way over the fence.
• Check under your house and around the perimeter to close any gaps or holes where a rattlesnake could hide.
• Fill in or block any holes or gaps were a snake can hide or slip through the fence or under your house.

>>> Photo credit: Tony Webster via WikiMedia Commons