Humidity Too High in Snake Enclosure — Quick Solutions
Enclosures & Habitat
··3 min read

Humidity Too High in Snake Enclosure — Quick Solutions

Keeping the right humidity level is critical for healthy snakes.
But many keepers struggle with humidity that rises too high — especially in tropical climates, winter months, or poorly ventilated enclosures.

High humidity can cause:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Scale rot
  • Mold growth
  • Bacterial blooms
  • Severe stress in desert species

In this guide, you’ll learn why humidity gets too high, the fastest ways to fix it, and species-specific humidity ranges to keep your snake safe.

Snake Humidity Requirements (Quick Chart)

Snake Species Ideal Humidity
Ball Python 50–60%
Corn Snake 40–60%
Kingsnake 30–50%
Boa Constrictor 50–70%
Kenyan Sand Boa 20–40%
Milk Snake 40–60%
Carpet Python 40–60%
Garter Snake 40–60%
Reticulated Python 50–70%

Anything 10–20% above these ranges is considered too high.

Why Is My Snake Enclosure Humidity Too High?

High humidity usually comes from:

  • Poor ventilation
  • Water spills
  • Damp substrate
  • Misting too often
  • Large water bowls near heat sources
  • Enclosure made of humidity-trapping material (PVC/glass)
  • House humidity being naturally high

Now let’s fix it fast.

1. Increase Ventilation (Fastest Fix for Most Tanks)

Ventilation is the #1 factor controlling humidity.

How to improve airflow:

  • Open the top vents (if adjustable)
  • Add small ventilation holes
  • Lift the enclosure lid slightly (if secure)
  • Use a mesh lid instead of a solid one
  • Place the enclosure in a room with better air movement

Why it works:

Fresh airflow removes evaporated water and prevents humidity from rising.

2. Move or Reduce the Water Dish

Large water bowls dramatically increase humidity — especially when placed near heat mats or lamps.

Fixes:

  • Use a smaller water bowl
  • Move the bowl to the cool side
  • Remove the bowl temporarily if humidity is dangerously high
  • Use a heavier bowl to avoid tipping/spills

Don’t remove water for more than 6–8 hours unless it’s an emergency.

3. Switch to a Drier Substrate

Some substrates hold too much moisture.

Avoid if humidity is too high:

  • Coco fiber
  • Reptisoil
  • Cypress mulch
  • Orchid bark

Use drier options instead:

  • Aspen shavings (corn snakes, kingsnakes, milk snakes)
  • Paper towels
  • Repti-Chip but baked or dried out first

If the substrate feels damp, replace or dry it immediately.

4. Add a Small Dehumidifier to the Room

Room humidity strongly affects the enclosure.

A mini dehumidifier can drop humidity by 10–25% in a few hours.

Great for:

  • Rainy seasons
  • Tropical climates
  • Basements
  • Rooms with poor airflow

This is one of the most reliable long-term solutions.

5. Raise the Enclosure Higher Off the Ground

Humidity tends to be higher at floor level.

Place the enclosure:

  • On a shelf
  • On a stand
  • On a table

Even lifting it 2–3 feet can reduce humidity by 5–15%.

6. Increase Heat on the Warm Side

A stronger—but safe—heat gradient dries the enclosure more.

Use:

  • A slightly stronger heat mat
  • A ceramic heat emitter
  • Adjust the thermostat by +1–2°C

Warning:

Never use heat without a thermostat.
Overheating causes burns and death.

7. Remove Moss, Humid Hides, or Damp Decorations

Humidity hides (sphagnum moss in a hide) can push humidity too high when not needed.

Fix:

  • Remove moss until shedding time
  • Keep humid hides sealed and small
  • Replace damp décor with dry branches or artificial plants

8. Open the Enclosure for 10–20 Minutes

If humidity spikes suddenly — from misting or a spill — open the enclosure doors temporarily.

This works instantly and is safe as long as:

  • The snake is secure
  • The room is not cold
  • You don’t leave the enclosure unattended

9. Use Absorbent Materials

Put dry paper towels, small cloths, or silica gel packs (outside the snake’s reach) in the enclosure corners to absorb moisture.

Paper towels soak up humidity fast and are safe for short-term use.

10. Replace the Lid With a Mesh Top (If Safe)

Glass lids trap moisture like a greenhouse.

A mesh lid:

  • Increases airflow
  • Prevents mold
  • Drops humidity 10–30%

If the snake species is an escape artist (most are), secure the mesh lid with clamps.

Signs Humidity Is Dangerously High

If humidity stays above the safe range, your snake may show:

  • Wheezing
  • Clicking sounds
  • Bubbles around nostrils
  • Lethargy
  • Sores on belly scales (scale rot)
  • Excessive hiding
  • Appetite loss
  • Moist substrate with condensation

These signs mean you need fast action to prevent infection.

Species That Suffer Most From High Humidity

These snakes can develop scale rot very quickly:

  • Corn snakes
  • Kingsnakes
  • Milk snakes
  • Kenyan sand boas

Ball pythons tolerate humidity better, but can still get respiratory infections if the tank is too wet.

FAQ

Is high humidity bad for snakes?

Yes. Prolonged high humidity causes respiratory infections, mold growth, and scale rot.

What humidity is too high for a ball python?

Above 70% consistently is too high unless the snake is shedding.

How long does it take to lower humidity in a snake enclosure?

With strong ventilation and removing the water dish, humidity can drop within 15–60 minutes.

Can I use a dehumidifier for my snake room?

Yes — it’s one of the safest and most effective long-term fixes.

Should I remove my snake from the enclosure while drying it?

Only if the substrate is soaked or moldy.
For normal humidity reduction, the snake can stay inside.

Final Thoughts

High humidity in a snake enclosure is a common problem, but thankfully it’s easy to fix with the right adjustments.
The fastest solutions are:

  • Increase ventilation
  • Move the water bowl
  • Use a drier substrate
  • Improve room airflow

Once humidity stabilizes within the correct range, your snake will breathe easier, stay healthy, and avoid dangerous infections.