Depending on where you live, snakes can be a pretty significant problem if they have made themselves permanent guests in your backyard. Like cobras and copperheads, certain types of snakes can be potentially dangerous since they are venomous.
Plus, snakes, in general, give everyone the creeps. For that reason, having them in your backyard is probably something you don’t want.
Often snakes can also help keep rodents out by attacking or eating them, but that also means that if you have any pets in your house or backyard, they are also not safe.
If you have these unwanted guests in your garden or backyard, keep reading this thorough guide on how to keep snakes out of your yard. Not only will this guide provide tricks to keep them out, but it will also teach you how to avoid attracting snakes into your garden in the first place.
So, let’s get started!
Tips to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard
Here are some tips on how to keep snakes out of your yard if they have taken up residence there or anywhere around your house:
Use a Snake Repellent
When a snake enters the yard or garden, your first thought would be to drive them away using chemical repellants. Ammonia is another inexpensive repellant, which will immediately drive them away. However, these are often dangerous for snakes, the environment, and humans. Thus, it is a better idea to use a repellant designed specifically for snakes. It is easily available in the markets.
Use a Water Hose
Chasing away a snake by running after it can be potentially dangerous. Instead, use a garden hose with water as it is much easier. Spray the water on the snake to allow it to slither away.
Call Animal Control
If you think a certain snake in your backyard is venomous, the best option is to stay indoors and call animal control that can come over and capture the snake.
Set Non-Lethal Traps
You can set up non-lethal traps in your backyard to catch them and release them at another location away from your house.
Set up Repelling Plants
Snakes don’t like the smell of certain plants, such as lemongrass, garlic, and marigold. So, you can plant these to keep snakes out for good.
DIY Methods on How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard
If you need an immediate method to keep snakes out, some of these DIY methods might be of help:
Sprinkle Vinegar
White vinegar is a repellant that keeps snakes away and can be easily found in your kitchen. You can spray vinegar in areas where snakes linger or around your doors or the pool. Since snakes absorb liquids from the floor, they slither on; they will not come near vinegar-soaked floors.
Use an Ammonia Repellent
Though not the safest option, making a DIY ammonia repellent can also be a quick fix to keep garden snakes out. All you will have to do is soak rags in ammonia and place them in plastic bags. Leave these bags at places where snakes linger. The smell will keep them out as they hate it.
Keep Hair
Snakes don’t like humans as much as humans don’t like them. They are scared of us and avoid us. For that reason, you can save your hair from hairbrushes and sprinkle it around your yard to let the snakes know humans live there. The snakes would smell the hair and slither away.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Attracting Snakes
If snakes constantly visit your yard, or if you’ve used the tips mentioned above to get rid of snakes, here are some preventive measures that you can use to make sure snakes stay out of your yard for good.
Avoid Debris & Rock Piles
Don’t allow any build-up of rocks and debris in your backyard and patio as that creates a living and hiding place for snakes.
Regularly Mow the Lawn
Snakes tend to travel through tall grass as it allows them to lurk there undetected. When you regularly mow the lawn and keep the grass short, they are unlikely to linger there.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
It is best if you avoid watering your lawn or hedges because too much moisture can attract rodents. By keeping the rodents out, you are also keeping the snakes out.
Use Less Mulch
Similar to moisture, mulch can attract rodents as well as snakes. Thus, it is best if you use it sparingly on your lawn and garden.
Clean the Clutter
Cleaning out any stacks of wood or other clutter will also effectively remove any place where snakes can hide and make a home.
Regularly Check Cracks & Crevices
Inspect your house, patio, and backyard for any open spaces, cracks, and crevices that snakes can slither inside and hide in. You can either seal these spaces or regularly keep checking them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Snakes Dangerous?
Contrary to popular belief, most species of snakes are not harmful or venomous. When you come into contact with a snake, it is most likely not dangerous.
Are Snakes Attracted to Water in the Yard?
Snakes are not exactly attracted to water. They are attracted to the rodents and animals that are attracted to water—for example, rats, frogs, insects, and other reptiles.
What Scents do Snakes Dislike?
As mentioned earlier, snakes do not like the scent of lemongrass, garlic, and marigold. Besides that, they also dislike the smell of cinnamon, smoke, cloves, and lime.
How do Snakes Enter the House?
Snakes might find their way into your home by entering through small open spaces in your walls or doors. They may even hide in large indoor plants or enter through basements or crawl spaces.
Final Words
Like many animals, snakes are most likely to be scared of humans more than humans are afraid of them. Even they would prefer not to cross paths with humans. But your fear is understandable, and we hope this guide has taught you what you needed to know about how to keep snakes out of your yard.
If you feel like you can’t keep snakes out, it would be better to call animal control for help.
