It is true that some snakes are in fact beneficial for a garden, but that does not convince most homeowners to let them live in their backyard. If you are searching for the effective ways to keep snakes away, you are definitely not alone. You can try many ways to keep snakes away, but the most important thing is to remove anything that might invite snakes to your home or garden. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Keep Snakes Away
Remove Clutter
If you have clutter in your backyard, you will soon have an encounter with a snake. Snakes are in love with warm, dark places, so you should never leave piles of leaves, straw mulch, compost piles, wood chip mulch, piles of cut grass, or stacks of firewood in your backyard.
Avoid Tall-Growing Plants
Certain shrubs and tall-growing plants may also invite snakes to your backyard. They provide a perfect hiding place for snakes. If you ask how to keep snakes away, you should also learn how to get rid of these hideouts of snakes. Make sure to keep your grass mowed regularly. You may even consider thinning shrubs out a little if you have a potential snake problem. If you really want to have these plants in your garden, you may want to have them in the far side of your garden.
Pay Attention to Large Puddles
Are there any puddles large or small in your backyard? You have to remove these ground-level water sources to keep snakes away. Many snakes love water, so you have to drain large puddles as soon as possible or you will soon notice an uninvited guest. You may also have to pay attention to birdbaths because they attract rodents and insects, which in turn attract snakes.
Keep Pests Away
Most tricks regarding how to keep snakes away will not work great unless you do something to get rid of snakes' food sources. In other words, you need to take steps to keep pests away because insects like roaches and grasshoppers will attract snakes. Spray repellents and lay traps to deal with mice. Try getting a small dog or a cat to help keep these pests away.
Repair Any Holes
If you have spotted snakes in your house, the first thing you have to do is look for any holes they use to enter your property. You also need to repair any holes in your garage, foundation, or screen doors to keep these uninvited guests out. Do not leave any holes even if you think they are too small for a snake to enter. They may be large enough for certain types of garter snakes to enter your house.
Use Sulfur Powder
Many homeowners swear by this method and believe that anyone can learn how to keep snakes away by learning to make the right use of sulfur powder. You need to sprinkle the powder in problem areas. Some say the idea works because snakes do not like the smell of sulfur. Others believe sulfur keeps rodents away and leaves no reason for snakes to enter your home. Avoid this trick though if you have pets or small children in home.
Run the Machines That Produce Vibrations
If you notice any snake in your garden, simply run the lawn mower. In most cases, this is enough to scare them off and leave their hiding place. Do not push the mower through the area because it is usually enough to get them out of your property. There is no need to kill them.
Apply Snake Repellents
Just like pest repellents, you can now find commercial snake repellents in the market. Some of these repellents prove quite effective against specific species, so you may have to experiment a bit to find what works for you. Also, some of these repellents may be dangerous for you, your family, or your animals. Be sure to read the label first and then make a purchase.
Construct Snake-Proof Fence
One important step in the list of how to keep snakes away from your property is to learn how to construct a snake-proof fence. You can find specialized types of fencing if you know what types of snakes you are up against, but you can also hire a professional to help you with that. You may benefit by a fence made of ¼ inch mesh wire screening with 30 inches of height. It should be at least 6 inches under the ground. You also need to ensure that it slants outward at a 30-degree angle. Also, make sure that gates fit tightly with supporting stakes inside the fence.
Set up Traps
Consider setting up traps if you believe you already have a snake in your home. You can find glue traps and mechanical traps designed to catch a snake. Just be sure to talk to your local animal control center before setting up these traps because you need to complete the procedure safely and legally.
Spray Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil as well as many other essential oils can help repel snakes. The smell of these oils is offensive to snakes. Spray these oils in smaller areas such as in the corners of your garage or in crawl spaces. You can also soak a towel in the oil and place it in any area where snakes might show up.
Try Mothballs
In addition, you can also try mothballs to repel snakes, but many people believe that is not as effective as you might think. You may want to avoid using this trick if you have pets and children in home because mothballs are toxic.
Note
You should not try the tricks if you are dealing with venomous snakes. Contact a professional to deal with them. Be sure to call Poison Control Center immediately if you think the snake that has bitten someone is venomous.
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