“I am literally on the verge of tears at this point. I genuinely don’t know what to do.”
These are the desperate words from TikTok content creator Callie Phillips (@callieoverseas), who is facing a nightmare scenario in her Montana ranch house.
Phillips recently turned to social media to share her distressing experience, revealing an unexpected and unwelcome infestation of garter snakes that has transformed her home into a slithering sanctuary.
In a gripping video that has garnered over 2.1 million views on TikTok, Phillips detailed her struggle with the small to medium-sized snakes, formally known as the genus Thamnophis, which is a member of the colubrid family.
These creatures, native to North and Central America, can vary significantly in appearance, from their striking stripes of blue, yellow, and red to their more subdued patterns – and, most alarmingly, they are now nesting in her home.
Describing her ordeal, Phillips shared how she and her husband have already removed more than eight snakes in just a week.
@callieoverseas Callie terrified 😬😭🐍 #ranchwife #momof3 #westernaesthetic #ranchlife #sahm #montana #wfhmom #sahm #dailyvlog #Vlog #wfh #snake #narrator #narratortrend #capcut ♬ original sound – callieoverseas
The situation escalated when her husband discovered a nest of snakes underneath their home’s entryway, compounding their plight.
“The only option is to stay,” Phillips lamented, explaining that moving out isn’t feasible since her husband’s position as a ranch hand ties them to the property.
Living in a remote area of Montana, the couple faces the additional hurdle of finding suitable pest control, as there are no exterminators readily available to assist them.
With ingenuity and resourcefulness, they have resorted to using a grabber tool, spray foam, and sticky traps to manage the persistent snakes invading their abode.
The couple’s predicament has drawn the attention of internet users, who have taken to social media to comment on the situation.
Phillips’ ranch home has since been dubbed “The Serpent Shack”, with comments ranging from sympathy to disbelief.
@callieoverseas I am literally on the verge of tears at this point. I just lost one in the kitchen 😭 #ranchwife #momof3 #westernaesthetic #ranchlife #sahm #montana #wfhmom #sahm #dailyvlog #Vlog #wfh #snakehouse #serpentshack ♬ original sound – callieoverseas
One user, @shaketyshake, expressed their worry after finding out that garter snakes can give birth to up to 40 live young at a time, stating, “Good luck.”
Others, like @aloramichelle89, commented humourously, stating, “I’d pass away. I’d like to share some wise words from a stranger. There are 3 kinds of snakes I’m afraid of: live snakes, dead snakes, and sticks that look like snakes.”
However, not all comments were light-hearted.
User @aye___j raised an important ethical concern, arguing against the use of sticky traps, which can lead to a slow and painful death for snakes.
They reasoned, “Garter snakes are beneficial and harmless,” and called for more humane solutions.
Conversely, @hilarypaigedavis questioned the priorities of online commenters, pointing out, “The fact that everyone is more concerned about the snakes’ wellbeing than her literal children is insane. An infestation has to be stopped.”
As Phillips continues to navigate her family’s unusual challenge, her story serves as a striking reminder of the realities of rural living and the unexpected challenges that can arise in the most serene of settings.
