Does chlorine kill snakes?

Does chlorine kill snakes? Does chlorine have the potential to kill a snake? I’ve heard people say that snakes are attracted to chlorinated pools, but that is not true; it’s a common misconception. Instead, chlorine harms snakes. Chlorine can actually kill a snake. However, it depends on the level of exposure.

Chlorine is a very toxic and strong chemical that is usually found in bleach and other household chemicals. In the US, the CDC names chlorine as one of the most manufactured chemicals. Chlorine seems to be used in a lot of industries. For example, many pool owners use chlorine as a disinfectant for their pools. But you might be wondering. How toxic is chlorine to snakes? Hmmm. Chlorine is really toxic to snakes. 

Unlike humans, chlorine has a more damaging effect on a snake’s skin. This is because the way snakes take in water is quite different from the way humans do.

Snakes and reptiles generally take in water through their skin. For example, instead of drinking water through the mouth, snakes can just stay in a pool of water and take in as much water as they need. For them, hydration can occur through their skin. Because of this, absorbing chlorine or chlorinated water is definitely not good for their skin.

Chlorine has also been known to affect other sensitive tissues in snakes. These tissues include the eyes, lungs, etc. 

A snake exposed to chlorine will feel irritation on its skin. 

Remember, chlorine is a corrosive bleaching agent. It will damage the snake’s scale, making it appear dull. 

Similarly, chlorine in its gaseous state produces strong fumes. These fumes are dangerous to snakes when inhaled. High levels of chlorine inhalation damage the lungs of snakes and can lead to death. Chlorine fumes can kill a snake.

What chemicals can kill snakes? 

Apart from chlorine, there are other toxic chemicals that are able to kill snakes. A chemist will always tell you not to mess with chemicals. Too much exposure to certain chemicals is bad for both humans and animals. For example, chemicals like bleach can kill a snake. I’ve heard people also talk about the damaging toxicity of kerosene on snakes. 

Are snakes attracted to chlorinated pools?

Now let’s dive into this common misconception people have. Are snakes attracted to chlorinated water? The answer is no; there is no evidence to show that snakes are attracted to chlorinated water.

Chlorine or chlorinated pools are harmful to snakes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a snake in one. Snakes would go where they could find food or water. 

A pool is a good source of water for a snake living nearby. Whether chlorinated or not, a snake may want to get a sip from a pool when thirsty. Coincidentally, many pool owners use chlorine to disinfect their pools. The typical concentration of chlorine in most chlorinated pools is between 1-3 ppm. At concentrations of 1 part per million (1 ppm), snakes may not be able to detect the chlorine fumes or danger of the chlorinated pool.

However, at higher levels, snakes will totally avoid chlorinated pools. 

Sometimes it happens that a snake may accidentally fall into a chlorinated pool while chasing its prey. The snake may soon begin to look for an escape route when it begins to feel irritated by the chlorinated water. 

Does chlorine keep snakes away? 

Yes, chlorine can be used to repel snakes. At sufficient levels, snakes will be able to detect the fumes produced by chlorine. Snakes hate the strong fumes and smell of chlorine, so this will definitely repel them. But there’s a problem, chlorine fumes are also toxic to humans and other animals; it is non-selective.

You should not use chlorine to repel snakes in an environment that harbors humans and other animals, doing so will cause harm to those around.

Using chlorine is a bad way to repel snakes. You surely don’t want to put yourself or your pet’s life in harm’s way. There are other safer methods to repel snakes. For example, vinegar has been observed to repel snakes.

Does vinegar keep snakes away?

Vinegar has been said to be able to repel snakes. You can try using vinegar if you have a snake problem in your environment. Pour white vinegar around the perimeter of your home and see what results you get. One of the advantages of using vinegar as a snake repellent is that it is inexpensive and it does not have an adverse effect on humans. It is a safer alternative than chlorine.

Conclusion. 

In conclusion, chlorine can kill snakes. It could happen in two ways. either through inhalation or absorption through the skin. By inhaling strong chlorine fumes, the snake’s lungs become damaged, and the fumes will further cause the snake to choke to death. On the other hand, if a snake absorbs highly concentrated chlorinated water, it will cause damage to the skin, the eyes, and other internal organs in the body. This will bring about a slow and painful death of the snake.