If you’re a homeowner, then most people likely, you’d like to be able to enjoy your yard without having to worry about snakes. But, the best aspects of it such as shade, lush landscapes, and even the water are very attractive to cold-blooded creatures like garter snakes. How to get rid of garter snakes in my garden?
Your initial reaction to finding a snake in your backyard could be one of disgust and horror It’s important to understand the fact that smelliest snakes are more scared of us than they are of their prey. Many snake species aren’t aggressive and will stay the best away from human beings. There are many non-venomous species such as garden snakes, ribbon snakes, as well as water snakes also have benefits as they devour insects that destroy lawns and garden plants as well as small rodents.
If bites from a poisonous species occur, prompt medical treatment is necessary however, you can have the comfort of knowing that of all the U.S. population of 331 million, only five or 10 people per year die of a snake bite.
Of the more than 3,000 species of snakes in the world there are only 15% pose dangers to human beings. If you encounter the presence of a snake around your property and are concerned that it might be poisonous We strongly suggest speaking to the specialist pest control firm prior to taking any specific move.
Where Do Garden Snakes Live?
Garden snakes originate from North as well as Central America. Douglas Athon Rossman declares it is true that eastern and garter snakes and snake infestation have been identified as most widespread and successful of all snakes in North America in regards to distribution and number. They are found across every state of the continental United States and Canada, starting from north of the Maritime Provinces to British Columbia. They are also found in Mexico. Garter snakes are generally solitary creatures but may hibernate in groups during winter.
If you’re in any of the regions that we mentioned earlier, that you’re trying to prevent backyard snakes from your garden or yard. Nobody likes to be greeted by an animal in the vicinity on an enjoyable summer afternoon. If you’re scared of snakes, or simply would prefer not to cross paths with harmless snakes, we’re here to aid you!
It is essential to be certain that any snake found in your yard isn’t poisonous prior to attempting to eliminate the snake by yourself. If you’re unsure you are unsure, phone the animal control department or your local pest control professional for assistance.
How to get rid of garter snakes in my garden?
It is essential to be certain that any snake found in your yard isn’t poisonous prior to attempting to eliminate the snake by yourself. If you’re unsure you are unsure, phone the animal control department or your local pest control professional for assistance.
Use a Hose to Encourage Snakes to Move Along
Many snakes won’t appreciate spraying them with water. If you’re certain that the snake in question is not poisonous You can spraying a steady stream water at a distance in order so that the snake is compelled to go on its way.
Consider Using Snake Repellents
There are numerous snake repellents in the marketplace and you could build your own. A lot of them work by removing the smell of a snake and making your backyard more unattractive.
The majority of ready-to-use products are safe to use in the presence of pets. We strongly recommend checking this prior to purchasing. If you are looking for secure DIY solutions, please refer to the sections below for home methods to repel snakes.
Set Traps for Non-Venomous Snakes
If you’re certain that the snake is not dangerous You can capture the animal and release it away from your house. Cages and catch traps that are like rat traps employ baits to draw the snake into traps, entrapping it during the procedure. After that, you are able to free the snake out of the glue trap and move it to a secure location.
Be aware that trapping will require you to be near to your snake this may not always be secure as snakes that aren’t venomous can bite.
Eliminate Standing Pools of Water in Your Yard
Standing water areas within your backyard particularly those that are that are hidden behind a storage space garden or even a rolled-up water hoses, can attract snakes. Take these water sources off to keep snakes away and prevent other bugs from staying.
Keep Grass Short and Well-Maintained
Snakes are a docile species that depend on their stealthy instincts to find and escape. The shortness of your lawn helps to eliminate places where snakes might be hiding. This reduces fears of your family members, you and your pets may encounter one in a sudden manner.
Opt for Gravel or Rock Landscaping to Discourage Snakes
Snakes do not like rough surface. If you substitute flat grass, ground or dirt with stones or pebbles, you are directing snakes to avoid the region. Also, you save money the cost of water as well, which makes the process a win-win.
Address Rodent and Insect Issues in Your Yard
It is recommended to reduce the amount of pests and rodents in your home, especially by eliminating bird feeders, which could spill food and cause which can attract rodents, and later snakes.
Fill in Holes and Burrows That May Attract Snakes
Snakes are known for using old burrows from small animals to build nests. Certain snakes create their own burrows using small mammals openings of one to two inches. The most obvious sign of snake activity is the dropping snake skin. Examine your property, search for holes or burrows that are abandoned and then fill any holes you discover with gravel or dirt in order to keep snakes as well as other bugs from making their residences.
Seek Professional Pest Control Assistance if Needed
Snakes pose a risk, and many of us do not desire to take on the job of the removal and trapping of them even if they’re safe species. It is highly recommended to contact professionals from a pest control firm to deal with your snake issue. Experts can examine the property for areas of hiding as well as other factors that attract snakes, and then reduce them so that snakes aren’t able to come to return.
Identifying Common Types of Snakes and Differentiating Them
Snakes can be hard to recognize because they travel fast and can be difficult to spot. They also excel at hiding. It is important to determine the kind of snake you’re facing before you begin to get rid of the snake. In this article, we’ll go over some typical kinds of snakes -garter snakes, Kingsnakes, rat snakes and others that you might encounter in your backyard that aren’t venomous or dangerous to human beings.
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are tiny or medium-sized snakes (two up to four feet long) that are found all over North America. There are 35 species that differ in appearance, but they all feature three stripes on their bodies.
Their habitats are woodlands, forests grasslands, lawns and forests, however, they’re not far from the source of water as amphibians, like frogs, make up the majority in their food. They are often found close to small ponds, with thick grass.
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes have a medium size (three up to 5 feet )) they are prevalent throughout across the Southeast, East and Midwest of the United States. They kill prey by constriction, which makes them a not a threat to human beings. Different species come with different designs and different colors, but they all are dark with light cheeks and lower bellies.
Their heads tend to be big in comparison to their body. Rat snakes can be very adaptable and are able to swim as well as climb and climb, which is why you can see their presence in lakes, ponds as well as in trees. You can read about tree removal services in our article.
Kingsnakes
There are other kinds of snake that is found in across the United States, and species are diverse in dimensions, color, and patterns. There are some that have subtle black to brown hues, but others have vivid designs in vibrant colors such as yellows and reds. There are some with three distinct colors: red, black, and yellow. patterns which could cause confusion with the poisonous coral snake.
Kingsnakes tend to be more threatening than rat and garter snakes, but their bites aren’t harmful. They also can benefit the yard and you in the form of preying on snakes which have venom.
How to Tell if a Snake is Poisonous
What can you do to tell the snake within your backyard is poisonous?
It’s not easy to recognize snakes because they vary greatly in their appearance and generally, you need to be close enough to spot their presence, which is not recommended. Below are some quick things to consider to determine if there is the presence of a poisonous snake within your yard.
| Snake Type | Pupils | Head Shape | Color | Other features |
| Venomous snakes | Thinner, vertical, usually surrounded by yellow or green eyes | Triangular and bulbous head with skinny neck to hold venom sacks under the jaw, some non-venomous snakes mimic this head shape to intimidate predators, | Varies, not a reliable method of identification | Some rattlesnakes shake the rattles on their tails which creates a loud clicking noise, Cottonmouths are the only semi-aquatic venomous snake in the USA, they hold their head above water while swimming unlike non-venomous snakes |
| Non-venomous snakes | Rounded pupils | Rounded or spoon-shaped head | Varies, typically not brightly colored | Varies widely |
Common Reasons You Have Snakes in Your Yard or Home
The majority of snakes will only be attracted to your property if they can gain the food source, water as well as shelter. Think about the following predators that could draw reptiles to your property:
- Rodents
- Moles
- Slugs
- Earthworms
- Small fish
- Toads and frogs
- Small farm animals
- Snails
- Grasshoppers
- Chicken eggs
Common shelters for snakes include:
- Thick brush
- Tall grass
- Water
- Compost or piles of leaves
- Broken gutters
- Buildings have ventilation areas.
- Storage facilities
- Containers of firewood
- Water hoses that are oiled
Another reason why you might encounter snakes is when the area you live in has a few natural predators for snakes like the raccoon or fox.
Signs You May Have Snakes
The most effective way to find out whether you are suffering from a garter snake problem is to search for evidence of them in your backyard or in your home.
The most common indicators are:
- Garter snakes laying on logs or rocks
- Traces in mud or sand close to water sources
- The skin is shed near the areas they’re inactive
- Snake holes
- The tracks in your dust, or dirt that has escaped from your slithering
- Strange odors emanating from enclosed space
- Snake Droppings
If you spot any of these symptoms you should be sure to do something to eliminate the snakes, before they turn into an even bigger issue.
How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your House
The presence of a snake in your house can pose dangers to family members as well as pets. Snakes can attack whenever it feels threatened or is trapped. If you see an animal in your home contact an exterminator immediately or a wildlife control expert for assistance in handling the situation.
The presence of a snake in your home could be an indication of an infestation by rodents We recommend that an expert in pest control check through your property to search for signs of underlying pest issues.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the common places in the house that snakes frequent. It is important to note that keeping food sources out such as mice is an excellent method to keep snakes out in their first place. However, we’ll also suggest ways to stop them from coming into the home and returning.
Snakes in Basements and Utility Rooms
Snakes love these parts in the house since they’re usually quiet. Basements can also be moist, making them ideal to nest in.
Tips for avoiding these:
- The walls of the seal
- Spray bottle or apply essential oils that are made from all of the organic components described further in this article.
Snakes Near Pools
Snakes can swim well and prefer natural swimming pools to drink water and cool off during summer. They do not usually like chlorinated swimming pools since chlorine poisons snakes, however they could get into the water when they chase prey, or they accidentally fall in.
Tricks to stop snakes
- Apply vinegar to the edges of the pool.
- Sprinkle crushed garlic, cinnamon or clove oil on the swimming pool. Sprinkle crushed garlic, cinnamon, or clove oil around the
Snakes in Your Garage
Garages are popular homes for snakes since they have accessibility to the outside when doors are opened, they are a great hide-out spots and offer cooler temperatures during temperatures are hot or cold. Garages are also a shelter for food (such in the form of pet food that is stored) for mice that draw snakes.
Strategies to avoid snakes:
- Make sure that the garage is locked
- Keep your garage clean and clutter-free. garage
- Keep pet food separate from the other
Snakes in Attics
Like garages and basements Attics are a part within the home that rodents are able to live and reside and can attract snakes. The attics are also home to boxes as well as things that can be used as a great hiding place as well as provide moderate temperatures.
Strategies to avoid snakes:
- Use essential oils or sprays composed of natural components as which are described in detail
- Block air vents by using metal mesh, to keep snakes out as well as the predators that entice these animals.
How to Keep Snakes Away
Once snakes are removed, you can follow these methods to keep them from coming back.
| Method | Why it works |
| Feed your pets inside | Leaving pet food or food scraps outside can attract pests, like rodents and insects, which are common snake food sources. |
| Trim your branches | Certain species of snakes, like rat snakes, are excellent climbers and may make a home in trees in your yard. Keep your trees trimmed to prevent this. |
| Install gravel or uneven ground coverings | Snakes prefer smooth surfaces, such as grass-covered spaces, for easy travel and slithering. Gravel or uneven ground covering may discourage them from traveling through your yard. |
| Get rid of your birdbath or bird feeder | While birds can be lovely to look at, many birdbaths or birdfeeders will attract rodents, which may attract snakes. |
| Remove water features | Many snakes look for water elements to swim in or create nests near. If you live in a snake-prone area, consider skipping out on water features. |
| Use natural predators against snakes | Foxes are natural predators to snakes, so try purchasing fox urine and using this as a natural snake repellent around your property. Owls are also natural predators to snakes and can be attracted to your property using an owl box. |
| Install a tightly woven mesh fence | Snakes, rodents, and other animals will not be able to enter through a tightly woven mesh fence. |
| Use smoke to your advantage | Snakes have heightened senses of smell, and they especially hate the smell of smoke. If you have a fire pit, try letting it smoke for a couple of days to discourage snakes from entering your property. |
How To Get Rid Of Garter Snakes Naturally?
If you have garter snakes in your yard, you may be wondering how to get rid of them naturally. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to encourage them to find a new home.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a species of plant that emits a distinct citrus scent. Garter snakes get repellent by the lemongrass scent and avoid places that have the plant.
It is possible to plant lemongrass along the boundaries of your property, or make essential oils out of the plants.
Garlic
As lemongrass, garlic is a powerful scent and can be used as a snake repellent. Garlic cloves can be placed around garlic on the outside of your home or create an agarlic spray using garlic cloves mixed with water before spraying it onto places where garter snakes can be often encountered.
Sulfur
It is a different ingredient commonly used for snake-repellents. In the event of burning, sulfur creates the gas which snakes who find it unpleasant.
Purchase sulfur from the majority of hardware stores. You can then burn it on the outside of your home. Make sure you are cautious in burning sulfur since it could be hazardous when it is inhaled.
Essential oils
There are a variety of essential oils that are able to deter common garter snake. These include citrus, citronella and cedarwood and peppermint oils.
The oils are diluted by water, then sprayed on your property’s perimeter or laid on cotton balls, and then put in places in which garter snakes are frequently encountered.
One of the most effective organic methods to combat pests is to attract predators who consume snakes to come into your house.
Minnow
Garter snakes like the scent of minnows consequently placing minnows on your property’s perimeter could help draw the animals away from your property.
Make sure you check with the local wildlife and fish department prior to using minnows for bait since it could be prohibited in certain areas.
Maze
Garter snakes love places with thick dense vegetation because they offer shelter away from prey and predators.
Making a maze out of things such as logs, rocks, and chicken wire will assist in keeping snakes that are garter from entering your property since they’ll have a hard time finding their way around the maze.
How to Treat a Snake Bite
If a snake bites your it is recommended that you immediately contact 911 or visit an emergency room near you, even if you think that the snake’s bite isn’t venomous. Any snake bites must be evaluated and treated immediately by a medical professional.
In the meantime, while waiting for emergency assistance, follow these steps:
- Be sure to stay far from any snakes. Avoid going after, kill or even handle the snake, as the snake could bite again.
- Rinse your snake bite using water and soap.
- Check your heart rate as well as your breathing.
- Make sure the area is bitten remains as straight as you can and under the level of your heart.
- Stay calm, and should you be able to, in your side.
- Get rid of jewelry, tight clothing such as rings and watches. These items can make you uncomfortable if the site the bite begins to swell.
- Draw a circle on the first area victimized by the bite note the date as well as your first symptoms.If you can, trace circles over the affected region in case it gets large numbers and record the the time.
- Note down any details you can remember regarding the snake, including how it appears and the kind of snake in case you are familiar with it as well as the size of the snake (tell your emergency room personnel these information).
Do not:
- Put on the tourniquet
- Try to draw the venom
- Drink caffeine or alcohol
- Ice the bit of snake in the water
Top 10 Snake Safety Tips for Your Home and Yard
Here we’ll discuss some practices that you can adopt to lower the possibility of bites to yourself and your loved ones.
1. Don’t Walk Barefoot in the Yard
The ankles and feet of your feet are prone to bites from snakes. Make sure you wear shoes when working in the yard.
2. Avoid Walking in Tall Grass
Large amounts of grass make snakes difficult to spot, which puts the snakes within reach. Take a step of caution, and stay clear of parts of your yard that have large grass.
3. Check Out Stumps Before Sitting on Them
They may seem like the perfect spot to lay in, however, snakes usually are a part of these areas. They may not be obvious to see which can lead to a rude shock when you are seated at their place of residence.
4. Be Cautious Around Rocks and Logs
Avoid turning or stepping on large logs or rocks. Instead, climb over them or turn them in your direction.
5. Don’t Step or Put Hands Inside Areas You Can’t See
Snakes are known to hide from view. When you step or reach across a box or trees and are unable to be able to see your feet or hands then you’ll not be able to see the snake, possibly which could lead to dangerous interactions.
6. Make Noise in Crowded, Cluttered Areas
We have mentioned before that snakes usually attempt to stay away from confrontations however, if they are surprised by them, they will automatically defend themselves. The sound of your voice will alert that the snake is near to move away, reducing the risk of chances of encounter.
7. Don’t Approach a Snake
There’s no way to know whether the snake you are observing is a threat and therefore, it’s advisable to be cautious and contact an expert in pest control. “If you need to remove a dangerous snake from your property physically, your best option is almost always to contact animal control,” stated Farley. “They will have the tools, expertise, and immediate access to antivenom that are necessary to handle these situations safely.”
8. Use Caution Collecting Firewood
Snakes like to hide in the wood. Firewood stacks are the ideal place for them, as it provides shading and lots of hiding places. Make sure you wear gloves that are anti-bite or leather to safeguard yourself while working with wood.
9. Inspect Water Hose Coils Before Using Them
Snakes are often hid in the coiled hoses in order to shield their plight from predators, and to keep warm. Take care when you pick the hose up and should, if you can, purchase a hose rack which hangs from the floor.
10. If you hear rattling Make sure you stay away from the sound
This squealing sound might be the rattlesnake waiting to strike. Move into the opposite direction, and be on the lookout for snakes in the storage area.
FAQ
What keeps snakes away from my home/yard?
Snakes can be sensitive to smells with strong aromas including cinnamon, smoke vinegar, cloves, and smoke. Some plants such as lemongrass, garlic, onion marigolds, and lemongrass are recognized to deter snakes from the gardens. Also, you should examine the condition of your home for signs that are attracted to snakes at first. Think about food sources such as rodents, insects, and pet food, which could draw snakes towards your house. Excellent hiding spots like the pools of water, the dense brush, and tall grass as well as broken gutters and large storage spaces can also attract snakes to your property.
Do mothballs keep snakes away?
The common belief is that mothballs deter snakes from your property. The mothballs don’t be harmful to snakes but they are toxic to water systems as well as pets and human well-being, which is why it’s better to stay clear of mothballs, and instead focus on the other repellents for snakes.
What is the best snake repellent?
Changes in the long term and preventive actions are the top ways to keep snakes away. Changes to the environment of your property in a way that is less conducive to snakes is a good news option. Additional natural repellents, such as onions and garlic, marigold and lemongrass can be used to deter snakes from lingering in your yard. Snakes can also be averse to scents that are strong like cloves, white vinegar cinnamon essential oil, as well as smoke. These can be used to deter snakes.
Does salt keep snakes away?
Salt has been proven to be effective against certain insects, like Slugs. But, it hasn’t been proven to cause irritation or hurt snakes.
Will a snake leave a house on its own?
This could happen. If you’ve got an animal in your house and you are able to safely seal it out with only one exit It could decide to move out by itself. But, a lot of snakes prefer to stay in a comfortable, warm place like your house. Some may be agitated inside your house and begin to lash at you. In the event that you encounter an animal in your house. In this situation, we suggest immediate contact with animal control or a reputable pest control service to get rid of the snake. Also, look to see if there are entry points that it may have gotten into.
Are snakes nocturnal?
Certain snakes are night-time predators, however, others prefer to move and hunt during the daylight hours. Snakes are diurnal as well as nocturnal. This means they are more likely to hunt, and even be active in the evening, however they could require hunting during the day, when they are too cold to be active during the night. Snakes’ movements are dependent upon the weather conditions outside since they’re cold-blooded. As an example, snakes tend to go active at night, or early in the day during the summer months because it’s hot at night and they might require a cooler shelter in the daytime for them to feel comfy. When it’s fall it is possible that a snake will need to hunt throughout the day because of dropping temperatures.
