Female rat snakes typically lay six to two dozen eggs in mid to late July. The eggs usually take five to seven weeks to develop and hatch. 

Rat snakes most commonly feast on small rodents, using their large bodies to constrict prey to death. They also feed on frogs, lizards, and bird eggs, climbing trees easily to reach nests.

Rat snakes can be various colors, including black, brown, gray, red, and yellow. They have rounded pupils, which is a common characteristic of nonvenomous snakes. 

Laying snake traps around yard areas can help eliminate rat snakes, while clove and garlic oils naturally deter snakes due to their strong smell. Spraying these oils or snake repellent around the edges of your home and near sticks and rocks can help keep rat snakes away. 

If your rat snake infestation continues, call Arrow Exterminators for a professional pest control plan.