Villa Question

[Scottish Mouse]

We've only stayed at a villa once and unfortunately a snake found its way into our pool – ok it was very small snake but it was still a snake. Thankfully it was one the last day of our holiday so that was not ruined.

However, I am terrified of snakes and my questions to all you villa renters out there are:

Has this ever happened to you?
how likely is it to happen again?
Are some locations more susceptible than others?
Could a snake get into the villa itself?

Thanks in advance

 

[Goofyish]

Snakes are naturally very shy and steer clear of humans unless disturbed. I'm sure you won't see one again

 

[allie5]

Wow, that must have been a shock for you. Dh found a tarantula in a pool at a villa in Spain once and nearly fell in with the shock...he HATES spiders.

Florida has an abundant snake population, so this isnt an uncommon event. Most pools are "screened", but of course there are doors that are in constant use, as most Villa management companies send a pool man round daily. The more susceptable locations would be villas built very near woodland or lake areas, but that counts for MOST of the villa population in the Orlando area. If it is a very big deal to you, try and find a villa that is more centrally located in a bigger, built up complex.

I would have thought thought, that the chances of there being one in the house was very slim. The pool doors are alarmed, so cant be left open and in any case, because of the air conditioning, doors and windows are NEVER left open.

We have never had any snakes in our pools in all the villas we have rented, but have been warned that there are lots about and not to let the children play in areas of long grass anywhere.

Dont forget though, they wont actively "seek you out" they much prefer their normal habitat, so dont let it put you off too much.

Gosh, Im not sure I have helped at all. All I can say, is in 10 trips to Florida, I have never ever seen a snake!

Allie

 

[Martin29]

Hi Scottish Mouse

That must have been quite some fright you got. Sounds like it may have been a very young snake, but a snake is a snake no matter the size.

Thankfully that has never happened to me and I've rented a villa the last seven times in Kissimmee. However, what has happened nearly every time is that I've found a little lizzard in the pool area. I don't know if you've seen them before, they're kind of greeny brown and quite small. They're absolutely everywhere, very fast and are quite difficult to catch, only the larger ones attempt to bite but their teeth are that small they can't puncture your skin. I have to admit I think they're kinda cute.

I only ever saw a snake once and that was when I was out on an early morning jog. I was running on a dirt track which skirted the estate when I passed a snake getting some warmth from the early morning sun. I have to tell you it's the quickest mile I have ever run in my life!! this thing was massive and looked really mean.

I agree with Allie, the more susceptible locations are those villas backing on to woodland or a lake, but these are the most sought after because they give you that added bit of privacy.

I really think this has been an unfortunate one off and can't really see this happening again. Snakes are shy creatures by nature and I think yours was an immature one that had gotten lost.

Don't let it put you off hiring a villa in the future, they are the best way to relax on holiday.

martin.

 

[JohnnySharp]

Never seen a snake at the villas we have stayed at.

Have seen various 'wildlife' around the pool area and inside the pool!
I think it largely depends on the cleanliness of the property - you are more likely to see something than if you were staying in a hotel but snakes, very unlikely I would have thought.

Scorpions, spiders and Frogs have appeared on our trips , having said that the villa was several years old and an absolute dump - never made the same mistake again and never had any problems since - it is not one that I have mentioned at the end of my post though so it is not meant in any way to reflect Indian Point, Chatham Park or Indian Creek.

 

[Mpet]

Hi

Must have been quite a shock. In all the times we've stayed in villas we've never seen a snake - only lizards.

The only snakes we've seen were in Typhoon Lagoon - twice. They were crossing the path from one set of bushes to another. The CM said they were Black Racers and wouldn't hurt you - they keep the rat population down!!!


Maxine

 

[JANNYANS]

As everyone has said its unusual to see a snake but you may especially around the lakes or if there is building work going on nearby and their habitat has been disturbed .
They are unlikely to get into the house if the doors are kept closed - as they should be to help with the aircon -and the pool screen doors are shut and the screen has no holes in it.
I quite understand you feelings as I am not particularly fond of the things myslelf having had a close relation die of an adder bite but try to remember they are more afraid of us .

 

[Scottish Mouse]

Thanks, everyone for taking the time to reply. Your reassurances are much appreciated!!

 

[vicky1bfc]

Oh my....... snakes




Put me off going back now!!!


We woke up one morning to a pool full of worms,at least i hope thats what they were now!!


The screening had a small hole in it and they had got in with the rain