Snakes and Cigarettes

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I'm going to have to move very soon. I don't have the money for my own place, so I'll be moving back in with my mom for a little while while I save up some money. My only problem is that she and her fiance are smokers. They aren't chain smokers, but there is an obvious smell of smoke in the house. Is this going to cause a problem with my snakes? I don't want to endanger them in any way.

Can you (politely) ask them to smoke outside while you're living there? I know their house their rules, but I know plenty of smokers who won't smoke in their own houses.

You can keep the snake in your bedroom, keep the door closed, and get an air filter/purifier. Open windows as weather permits.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Can you (politely) ask them to smoke outside while you're living there? I know their house their rules, but I know plenty of smokers who won't smoke in their own houses.

You can keep the snake in your bedroom, keep the door closed, and get an air filter/purifier. Open windows as weather permits.

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^^^agreed^^^
definitely, take the above measures to purify the air in your own personal space. Regarding asking them not to smoke in their own house, that might be an uphill battle. I know some smokers who get very defensive about it b/c of the "war on smokers", the war they are waging on their own bodies notwithstanding (i am a former smoker, by the way). But, as bcr alluded to, i think the general law of my house my rules can be legitimacy questioned when there is a health concern. My advice, and obviously this is without knowing anything whatsoever about your family members so please only take it for what its worth, would be to make you qualm about your own health, rather than your snake's. Unless your mom is a herper herself, i imagine it would be much easier to dismiss the health of a tanked reptile than that of her own child.
Good luck with it, and even more good luck in getting back on your feet and into your own place - you can do it!

This would most likely be an uphill battle, especially with a species that many people hate. It's lucky your mom is willing to let you bring the snakes. Many moms wouldn't. I'd keep the door closed and ask them not to smoke inside your room, but would probably limit it to that. Smoke reside clings to walls and ceilings (you should have seen this house when I bought it--ugh!) so you might consider washing them down when you move in. There's much more residue there than you would think from just looking at it. My whole house smelled a lot better once that job was done. You might want to do it, too. And the curtains and carpeting might need care.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the advice everyone. I probably won't have much trouble asking them to limit their smoking inside, especially since my son will be coming with me as well. As far as an air purifier, do you have a recommendation?

Curiously... what about e-vapor?


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I am a smoker. So is hubby. I don't smoke in my house, hubby does. It would be a touchy subject in this house. Some smokers get very very defensive over it.

That said, I take each tub and scrub it twice a week. Yes, it's excessive, but I do know smoke clings to everything and everyone and especially plastic. I would develop a love of cleaning, and just let it go. Smoking arguments can get downright vicious. And know one wants to deal with someone trapped in the house come winter.... with a nic fit.

keep in mind, even if they do stop, nicotine is embedded on every surface in the house. I recommend a big box of magic eraser and goop off for your personal space.

Vaping may be an option- but some smokers don't like them because they don't give the same tactile stimuli.

Definitely clean your carpet and curtains and wipe down the walls - I worked at a place that allowed smoking and one night they cleaned the walls. If thought they were beige.....nope, mint green under all that tar. Keep the door closed and get a room air purifier. I'm sure everything would be fine then. :)