SALVISA, KY — A Kentucky family says their new home in Salvisa turned into a snake problem after dozens of rat snakes were found on the property, including in the basement and under the porch. The family says the infestation has led to removal work, sealing repairs and thousands of dollars in costs.

At a glance

• Animal: Rat snakes, a non-venomous constrictor species.
• Where: A home in Salvisa, about 30 minutes west of Lexington.
• When: The couple closed on the property in early August, and snakes started appearing in the first few weeks after move-in.
• What happened: The family says it found adult snakes, juveniles, eggs and shed skins, and a contractor later tore down the porch to look for a den.
• Status: Traps were placed, openings were sealed and cleanup and repair work continues.
• Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported.

What happened

Jessica Perry told LEX 18 she and her husband bought the Salvisa house after she first saw it on Zillow over the summer. After closing in early August, the family said the home seemed fine at first, but snakes began showing up soon afterward.

Perry said the first week they realized there was a problem, they found two adult rat snakes and several juveniles in the basement. She said more snakes kept turning up after that, with dozens eventually discovered around the property.

According to Perry, a contractor and an exterminator were brought in to address the issue. Traps were set around the house, and the porch was torn down in an effort to find where the snakes were coming from.

Perry said the crew found shed snake skin leading into the foundation and later uncovered multiple snake eggs under the porch. She said the area appeared to have been a den for years, and that she later found another 6-foot snake in the basement after the cleanup work had already been done.

About the animal

Rat snakes are non-venomous constrictors that can grow to medium or large size. They are typically long, muscular snakes with narrow heads and patterned or dark-colored bodies, depending on the species.

These snakes usually feed on rodents, birds and eggs. Around homes and barns, they are often drawn to places where they can find shelter and a steady food source, especially if mice or rats are present.

Rat snakes are common in many parts of Kentucky and much of the eastern United States. They are not considered dangerous in the way venomous snakes are, but a large snake in or near a house can still startle people and create a safety concern, especially for children and pets.

If you encounter one

If you see a snake indoors or near a foundation, keep your distance and move children and pets away from the area. Do not try to grab or corner it, even if it appears calm.

Wildlife officials and pest-control professionals generally recommend identifying the snake from a safe distance, then calling a licensed remover, animal control or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources if help is needed. If the snake may be venomous, treat it as dangerous until a professional confirms otherwise.

To reduce the chance of repeat visits, seal gaps around porches, vents, pipes and basement openings, and keep brush, clutter and rodent food sources under control. Removing shelter and prey is one of the best ways to make a property less attractive to snakes.

What happens next

Perry said the family has already spent a few thousand dollars trying to get rid of the snakes, and more repairs may still be needed. One contractor reportedly estimated basement work could cost about $4,000 to $5,000.

A friend has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cleanup and repair bills as the family works to get the home under control.

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