How to Get Snakes Out of Your Yard In 9 Ways
Do you have a problem with snakes in your yard? Are you tired of dealing with the slithering creatures and all of the problems they cause? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with snakes in their yards and gardens every year. The good news is that there are some things you can do to keep them out. So, how do you get rid of snakes in your yard? In this blog post, we will discuss 9 ways to keep snakes out of your yard that actually work!
- Remove Possible Food Sources
- Keep Your Grass Short
- Install a Fence
- Use Snake Repellent
- Eliminate Hiding Spots
- Keep Your Yard Clean
- Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
- Plant Snake-Repellent Plants
- You Can Hire a Professional
You may have already heard of or tried some of these tips to get rid of snakes. However, there may be a method you hadn’t thought of yet! Let’s explore all of these ideas a bit more so you will know which one is best for you to try.
1. Removing Food Sources
This may be the easiest thing you can try since most animals like to live where they can eat easily. A typical diet for a snake includes rodents, lizards, frogs, eggs, and insects. If you eliminate their food sources from your property, they may not have any reason to stay!
If you have a lot of rodents or other small animals in your yard, chances are you will have snakes too. To make your property less attractive to snakes, remove possible food sources by:
- Looking For Evidence of Rodents and Removing Them
- Reducing the Number of Insects By Using Safe Pesticides
- Make Sure There Are Not a Large Number of Lizards or Frogs Near Your Home
Another way to remove food sources is to get rid of standing water. Snakes love swimming, so getting rid of stagnant water will make your property much less appealing to them.
2. Keep Grass Short
If you have long grass, it’s time to start mowing! Snakes love hiding in tall grass, so keeping your lawn short will make it much less inviting for them. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of snakes. To cut your grass short, you will want to set your mower to the lowest setting.
It is best to mow your lawn at least once a week to keep the grass short. If you have a lot of trees or other obstacles in your yard, you may need to mow more often.
3. Install a Fence
One of the most permanent ways to keep snakes out of your yard is to install a fence. A fence will not only keep snakes out but it will also keep other animals and pests out of your yard.
There are many different types of fences you can choose from, so you will want to pick one that is best for your needs. If you have a small yard, you may only need a few feet of fencing. However, if you have a large property or live in an area with a lot of snakes, you may need a taller or longer fence.
Fences can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. You will also want to choose a fence that is durable and weather-resistant.
4. Use Snake Repellent
If you don’t want to or can’t install a fence, another option is to use snake repellent. Snake repellents are available in both granular and liquid forms. You can apply the repellent around the perimeter of your property to keep snakes out.
Snake repellents work by emitting a scent that snakes don’t like. The strong smell will send them slithering in the other direction! Some common ingredients or scents in snake repellents include:
- Naphthalene
- Sulfur
- Cedar Oil
- Cloves
- Eugenol
- Cedar Chips
Most repellents are safe to use around humans and pets. However, you will want to check the container and avoid using them in areas where food is grown.
5. Eliminate Hiding Spots
One of the best ways to keep snakes out of your yard is to eliminate hiding spots. Snakes like to hide in tall grass, under rocks, and in piles of leaves or wood. If you remove these hiding spots, snakes will not feel safe and will choose to go elsewhere.
If you feel like you may have some snake hiding spots in your yard, carefully check for them and remove anything that could be a potential hiding place. Some places you may want to check are:
- Piles of Wood
- Stacks of Leaves
- Tall Grass
- Bushes or Shrubs
- Under Decks or Porches
If these places cannot be removed for some reason, just check them regularly and use another method in this article to get rid of the snakes.
6. Keep Your Yard Clean
Along with keeping your grass cut short and eliminating hiding spots, good yard care is a must. A well-maintained yard will make it less attractive to snakes and other pests. Some things you can do to keep your yard clean are:
- Rake Up Leaves and Debris Regularly
- Pick Up Fallen Fruit From Trees
- Clean Up After Your Pets
- Remove Dead Plants or Flowers
By keeping your yard clean, you will make it much less inviting for snakes.
7. Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
If you want an easy and effective way to keep snakes out of your yard, try using a motion-activated sprinkler. These sprinklers will turn on when they sense movement, startling the snake and scaring it away.
Motion-activated sprinklers are also great for deterring other pests, such as deer, rabbits, and rodents.
To use this method, simply place the sprinklers around the perimeter of your property. Make sure they are pointed inwards so they will detect any movement near your fence line. This method is also great because it will keep your grass watered too!
8. Snake-Repellent Plants
Another way to keep snakes out of your yard is to plant snake-repellent plants. These plants give off a scent that snakes don’t like, so they will stay away from them. Some common snake-repellent plants include:
- Marigolds
- Lemon Balm
- Eucalyptus
- Garlic
- Onions
- Peppermint
These plants can be planted around the perimeter of your property or in areas where you have seen snakes before. If you don’t want to plant anything, you can also try using cedar chips. Cedar chips have a strong smell that snakes don’t like and can help to keep them away.
9. When to Hire a Professional
And the last tip is knowing when it is necessary to get some help. If you have tried all of these methods and are still having problems with snakes, it may be time to hire a professional.
A professional will be able to help you figure out what is attracting the snakes to your property and how to get rid of them for good. They will also be able to help you keep other pests out of your yard.
Also if you are concerned that you may have venomous snakes then it is definitely important to seek professional help to remove them.
Related Questions
What attracts snakes to my yard or garden?
There are a few things that can attract snakes to your property. These include tall grass, piles of debris, rocks, and woodpiles. They will also be attracted to food sources like mice, rats, and other small animals. If you have any of these things on your property, it’s important to get rid of them so you can deter snakes from coming onto your land.
How do I know if the snakes in my yard are poisonous?
There are a few ways to tell if the snakes in your yard are poisonous. You can look up what types of snakes are common in your area and see if they are venomous. You can also look at the snake’s eyes. Venomous snakes will have vertical pupils, while non-venomous snakes will have round pupils. If you are still unsure, it’s best to call a professional to come and take a look.
What should I do if I find a snake in my yard?
If you find a snake in your yard, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. Snakes are not aggressive creatures and will usually only attack if they feel threatened. If you must move the snake, make sure to use a long stick or pole to do so. Never try to pick up a snake with your hands, as this can be dangerous.
Will snakes harm my pets?
In most cases, snakes will not harm your pets. However, there are some exceptions. If you have a snake that is venomous, it could potentially kill your pet if it bites them. Additionally, some snakes will eat small animals like rodents and birds. So if you have a pet that is small enough to be considered prey, there is a possibility that the snake could try to eat them.
Final Thoughts
While no one wants snakes in their yard, sometimes they are inevitable. In some cases, one or two snakes in your yard can be beneficial. They help to keep the population of rodents and other pests under control. But if you are not comfortable with snakes, then try some of these 9 ways to keep snakes out of your yard! Thank you for reading today’s article and good luck!
