How to Keep Snakes Out of the Yard

When it comes to snakes many people are hung up or have mixed feelings about these slithery creatures that are feared. I have had many days of running into snakes and to be honest with you they were not pleasant experiences.

The Eco-System

Let’s face it there will always be snakes as much as I hate to admit it. Snakes make up and contribute to the ecosystem just like other animals, they have a part to play. For example, rats are rodents that spread diseases and are a menace by invading our homes causing destruction however rats are a food source for snakes. Besides the many attempts, we make to eliminate rats, snakes come to the rescue by making a meal out of them. That’s all good and well but I am still not fond of snakes.

Our Gardens and Yard

Whether we have a garden or not there will always be snakes that will seek to pay us an unfriendly, unexpected visit because just like other animals snakes seek out food, shelter, and a water source for their survival. The unfortunate thing, however, is that some of them end up in our yards and gardens.

Having a garden with plants of all shapes and sizes attracts and increases the activities of these creatures. Some of these snakes are venomous and are a threat to humans and pets.  The question is how do we keep snakes out of our yards and gardens to make these areas more enjoyable?

Call in the Professionals

Note: If you have a snake issue consider calling first a wildlife conservation organization or a pest control company to assist with the capture and the release of snakes back into the wild.  Remember caution should be taken when attempting to handle snakes because they are poisonous and are considered wildlife.

Here are some steps to follow that will minimize the number of unexpected visits you get from these creatures.

How to get rid of snakes

• Keep your yard and garden clutter-free, piles of leaves should be raked up. Boxes, bags, cut logs, lumber, and other materials should be kept off the ground because snakes love these areas to hide and rest
• Food sources such as roaches, rats, mice, etc… are favorites of snakes. Keeping these food sources at bay will lessen the chance of snake invasion. Using traps, repellents, Insects sprays, etc..can help to keep these rodents away
• Laying snake traps is an effective way to control snakes.
• If you have a lawn keep it cut low because snakes love to hide and rest in overgrown lawns.
• Snake Away is a product that can be used to keep snakes at bay.
• Soak rags in ammonia and place them in open plastic bags, place bags where snakes are seen the smell will keep them away.
• Low-growing plants and shrubs that grow dense are a good hiding place for snakes. Thin shrubs and remove lower limbs of shrubs and low garden plants to control snakes in these areas.
• Using mothball flakes and cat litter sprinkled in areas where you saw snakes will cause them not to return.
• Install snake fence-proofing.
• Keep your garden and other areas weed-free.
• Unfortunately, bird feeds and baths will attract birds which will, in turn, attract snakes. I think you get my point.
• Placing sulfur near entryways and around the perimeter of your yard will keep snakes away.

Plants that Repel Snakes

Because some plants and flowers carry strong aromas are known to reduce the presence of snakes, here is what to plant.

• Rosemary
• Lemongrass
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Mint
• Ginger
• Onion
• Thyme
• Sage
• Marigold
• Cactus
• Indian snakeroot
• Wormwood
• Kaffir lime

Essential Oils to Control Snakes

Pouring or spraying essential oils in areas that may attract snakes can help to bring control repelling or keeping snakes at bay. Although these oils may repel snakes and are non-toxic to humans they can be toxic to pets if injested so keep these oils from pets. Some of these oils include:

• Garlic oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Citronella oil
• Lavender oil
• Cedar oil
• Pine oil
• Clove oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Rosemary oil
• Sage oil
• Juniper berry oil

Call in the Professional

Many snakes are venomous and should be handled by those who are highly trained, if snakes are seen in your yard or garden then call the professional to remove them. Snakes because of being poisons should be handled by those who are trained. (wildlife control team).

Conclusion

Snakes can be a plus and a minus depending on the situation. Following these steps can go a long way in helping you to win the way on snakes. Remember they are attracted to our environment because of food, water, and shelter. By removing or making these sources unavailable will minimize or even stop them from entering our gardens and yards.