Bought dream home, found nightmare: 'One was two meters long'

Tyler and Lauren Bouldin purchased a dilapidated 1830s stone house in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, in 2020, anticipating a challenging renovation. However, their biggest surprise was the abundance of snakes inhabiting the overgrown property. The snakes, attracted by rodents and other small animals, included harmless black snakes and venomous species. Initially, the couple lived in a nearby auxiliary building while renovating the main house, prioritizing safety for their young children. "We had to be extremely careful every time we went outside," Tyler Bouldin told People. "We made sure the child and dog didn't wander into the overgrown parts of the property." They initially attempted to coexist with the snakes, recognizing that black snakes help control rodent populations. However, they became concerned when black snakes were found in close proximity to venomous species. The Bouldins decided against harming the animals, instead focusing on removing the factors that attracted them. Over several years, they cleared the land, removed debris, landscaped the gardens, and repaired stone walls that provided shelter. They also addressed an abandoned swimming pool and restored a pond, while sealing entry points for rodents into the house and barn. These efforts have significantly reduced snake encounters on their property.

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I am naturally afraid of snakes, so the first year of living here was quite unsettling until I got used to living in the woods.