SALVISA, KY — A Kentucky family’s new home in Salvisa turned into an unexpected snake problem after they found dozens of rat snakes across the property. The family says the animals kept appearing after move-in, including in the basement, and contractors later uncovered a den under the porch.

At a glance

• Animal: Rat snakes, including adults and juveniles
• Where: A home in Salvisa, about 30 minutes west of Lexington, Kentucky
• When: The family closed on the house in early August and began finding snakes within the first few weeks
• What happened: The family found multiple snakes in the basement and later more around the house and under the porch
• Status: The porch was torn down, the area was cleaned out, openings were sealed, and traps were set
• Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported

What happened

Jessica Perry told LEX 18 that she first noticed the home when she saw it on Zillow over the summer. She and her husband bought the property in early August, expecting a fresh start in the rural Kentucky community.

For the first few weeks, Perry said, the house seemed normal. Then snakes started showing up. During the first week the family realized there was a problem, they found two adult rat snakes and several young snakes in the basement.

Perry said the number of snakes kept growing after that. She described finding dozens more rat snakes around the property, leading the family to bring in an exterminator and a contractor to track down where the animals were coming from.

The contractor tore down part of the porch and found signs that snakes had been using the space for a long time. Perry said there were sheds leading into the foundation and multiple snake eggs in what appeared to be a den that had formed over several years.

About the animal

Rat snakes are nonvenomous constrictors, which means they kill prey by squeezing rather than by injecting venom. They can grow into medium or large snakes, and many species have patterned bodies that help them blend into barns, woodpiles, brush, and other cover.

These snakes mainly feed on rodents, birds, and eggs. That diet can make them useful around farms, sheds, and older buildings, where mice and rats are common. They are usually shy and try to avoid people when possible.

Rat snakes are found across much of the eastern and central United States, including Kentucky. They are not usually considered dangerous to people, but a large snake in a home can still be alarming, and repeated sightings may point to a nesting site, hidden entry point, or a nearby food source.

If you encounter one

If a snake appears in or near your home, keep your distance and give it a clear path to leave if possible. Keep children and pets away from the area, and do not try to grab or corner the animal.

Most snake encounters should be handled by trained professionals, especially when the animal is inside a basement, crawl space, porch, or wall void. Local animal control, a pest control company with wildlife experience, or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources can help with identification and removal guidance.

Homeowners can also reduce the chances of repeat problems by sealing gaps around the foundation, doors, vents, and utility openings. Clearing brush, wood piles, and debris near the house can remove hiding places and may make the property less attractive to rodents and the snakes that follow them.

What happens next

Perry said the family has already spent thousands of dollars trying to get rid of the snakes, and more repairs may still be needed. One contractor reportedly told her that basement work could cost several thousand dollars more.

A friend has started a GoFundMe to help the family pay for the cleanup and repairs as they continue trying to secure the home and keep the snakes out.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.