Snakes are not necessarily bad, but nobody wants them lurking in their yard or at home. Snake-proofing is a matter of finding out what snakes love to avoid and working to discourage them.
This post will educate you on natural snake removal, physical deterrents, and preventive action to keep snakes away from your property.
Why Do Snakes Enter Properties?
Natural Snake Behavior
Snakes are mostly motivated by food, water, and shelter. They’re usually shy and avoid human contact, but they’ll sneak into your yard or home under favorable conditions. Learning their simple behavior helps keep them at bay.
Why Do Snakes Go to Your Yard?
Understanding what keeps snakes away starts with knowing what attracts them. Snakes love to live in places that have lots of hiding spots, food, and water. And if you have a yard with long grass, weeds, junk, or water, it’s a free-for-all for snakes.
Common Attractants:
- Cloaks and hideouts: Snakes love places where they can hide from predators and cold. Hideouts include rocks, shrubbery, and yard litter.
- Sources of food: Rodents, birds, and frogs are common food for snakes. If your garden is teeming with pests, you’re also feeding snakes.
- Water supply: Ponds, birdbaths, or any open water features can harbor snakes, particularly in dry environments.
Natural Snake Repellents
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural snake repellent that’s extremely popular. Some smells are very toxic to them, and you can diffuse these oils around your garden to discourage them.
Types of Oils:
- Cinnamon and clove oil: You can use these oils in a spray bottle with water and apply them around your yard or around the exterior of your house to deter snakes.
- Peppermint and lemongrass oil: Snakes aren’t fond of the strong scent of peppermint and lemongrass. These oils can be sprayed at entrances and in the garden when mixed with water.
While many people fear snakes, not all of them are dangerous. Only a small percentage of snake species are venomous.
Plants That Repel Snakes
Some plants can be planted around your property to repel snakes because of their odor and repellent effect.
Effective Plants:
- Marigolds: Being pest-resistant, marigolds will repel snakes from your garden.
- Wormwood: An unpleasant-smelling herb, wormwood can be sown in your yard to discourage snakes.
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant): The thick, straight leaves make a perfect barrier against snakes.
Vinegar and Ammonia
Vinegar and ammonia are both unpleasant to snakes. A spray of vinegar over a pond or pool will repel snakes. Soaking rags in ammonia and leaving them around places where snakes are known to congregate is a simple but effective deterrent.
Physical Restrictions to Deter Snakes
Snake-Proof Fencing
The best snake-proof fence can be put in place to keep snakes away. These fences tend to be a fine mesh that snakes cannot slide through or under.
Fencing Requirements:
- Material and setup: Use fine mesh or something sturdy, and place it a few inches underground so that snakes can’t get underneath. Keep the fence at least 3 feet high so they can’t climb over it.
- Upkeep: Check your fence regularly for holes or gaps. Snakes can squeeze through holes of any size, so fix them when you see them.
Remove Snake Hiding Spots
If you don’t want snakes hanging around your yard, minimize their hiding places.
Essential Maintenance:
- Prune shrubs and bushes: Overgrown plants make good hiding places for snakes. Keep the plants neat and free of dense growth.
- Clean debris and rubbish: Rock piles, leaf litter, and log piles shelter snakes. You should declutter your yard often, which makes it less attractive to them.
Protect Your Doorway from Infiltration
Snakes can break into houses through small cracks in doors, windows, and floors. To keep them out, check for holes or cracks in your home and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Check your doors and windows regularly for gaps, particularly during the warmer months when snakes are most active.
Long-Term Snake Prevention Strategies
Keep Your Yard Well-Maintained
Snakes hate a clean yard. Mow your lawn regularly, trim your plants, and clear any clutter or materials that might shelter snakes or their prey.
Control Rodent Populations
Snakes eat rodents, so if you don’t have many mice and rats around your yard, you can avoid snakes. Set traps, seal up food sources, and keep outdoor areas free of garbage to deter rodents from taking up residence.
Make Your Yard Unwelcoming to Snakes
By applying a mix of natural repellents, fencing, and maintaining your yard, you can make your yard snake-proof. Making your yard sparse with hiding spots and food sources will keep the snakes away longer.
Conclusion
The goal of keeping snakes out of your yard is to make the place inhospitable. Through a combination of natural snake repellents, physical barriers, and regular yard care, you can lessen the risk of snakes getting into your garden or home. Always remember, consistent effort is what keeps snakes away.
If you are interested in a snake’s diet make sure you check out Do Snakes Eat Frogs!
FAQs
What do I do if there are snakes in my garden?
Search for snake hiding spots, tracks in dust or dirt, and bones or fur-covered droppings.
Can snakes climb fences?
Yes, snakes can climb fences, particularly if the fence is uneven or porous. Well-built snake-proof fencing can keep them from climbing.
Are mothballs effective against snakes?
Mothballs can be ineffective, and they can also damage pets and wildlife, so use caution.
What time of year is best for snake-proofing my yard?
Snake-proofing is best accomplished in spring or early summer when snakes are more active and seeking shelter.