Cottonmouth Snakes are extremely dangerous in that they are very toxic. Once you have been bitten by a cottonmoth the toxin works quickly to breakdown your tissues. The cottonmouth is related to the Copperhead, but the Cottonmouth is twice as venomous. The chances of being bit by a Cottonmouth snake are pretty slim, but it does happen.

The Cottonmouth snake can grow up to 40" long. The Cottonmouth has been identified as a Mocassin, and although this snake can thrive in water, it is member of the Pit Viper group.

The Cottonmouth has a olive brown and black, solid-colored upper body, with a lighter belly.

The Cottonmouth snake is aggressive when it feels threatened and if startled it will attack. If you live in, or are visiting snake country, caution should be exerted at all times in order to avoid a confrontation.

Pest Control Tips for dealing with Cottonmouth snakes

Prevention is key. Snakes like to lurk in tall grasses, underneath pieces of metal or scrap lumber. Pick up all debris in your yard and keep your yard mowed short.

Wear long sleeves and long pants when working around brush piles, lumber piles or garbage heaps.

Wear heavy rubber boots and woolen socks when cleaning out old sheds, barns or outbuildings. Carry a large wooden staff with you, and use that staff to turn over pieces of debris and other objects that are in your path.

Be cautious about parked and unused automobiles.

Always work with enough light to see what you are doing.

Know what snakes are in your area and educate your children about them.

If you encounter a cotttonmouth and it threatens you, remain quite still, even if you want to run. Snakes strike at moving objects, it is possible that if you remain quiet the snake will lose interest and leave.

If you do get bit, seek medical help immediately!

There is a product on the market called Snake Guard Snake Trap, essentially a cardboard sticky trap that will hold a snake. However, this is a disposable snake trap therefore it will not hold up in bad or inclement weather.

There is also something called Snake-Away-Snake Repellent. This is a time-release granule that claims to successfully keep snakes away from your home.

Your best rule of thumb when dealing with a Cottonmouth snake is to call a professional pest control company or snake wrangler to come and hunt for it and dispose of it for you.