Keeping Snakes Away

One of the most common calls I get in the summer is how to keep snakes away. Snake fences, moth balls and other approaches generally do not work. So how do we get rid of them? 

The answer lies in understanding wildlife. All wildlife require food, shelter, cover and water. By modifying your environment to get rid of one or more of these needs, you have a much better chance of being snake-free.

The number one thing in reducing the chances of seeing a snake is getting rid of shelter or cover. Keep grass mowed, flower beds and shrubs weeded, trim shrubs back so they don’t touch the base of the house, keep pond banks and vacant lots mowed. 

Get rid of piles. Snakes love piles, it can be cool, dark and moist under them and they offer excellent protection from predators plus they can also serve as habitat for food. Piles of leaves, rocks, firewood, lumber piles or any kind of junk needs to be removed.

Think about buildings as well. Storage sheds, basements and even attics where there is a lot of clutter can attract snakes. Hardware cloth and foam sealant can block small holes which snakes can gain access to your home's interior or in the crawl space under the house. 

Also, try to keep pet and livestock feed in closed containers. This reduces the rodent population which will reduce the reasons that snakes will hang out there. 

Mouse and rat poison also helps eliminate snakes. By getting rid of rodents you are removing a major source of food for snakes. 

Fix leaky faucets or wet areas. These areas draw frogs and insects which snakes will consume.

Identification of snakes is important. In West Tennessee the poisonous snakes we are likely to encounter are cottonmouths or water moccasins, copperheads and rattlesnakes. 

If you see a snake and can’t identify it, take a picture. Also, learn to identify King Snakes. The King Snake should be considered a friend as it will kill poisonous snakes.

For more information on home and garden issues contact The University Of Tennessee Extension Service- Carroll County at 731-986-1976. The University Of Tennessee offers its programs to all eligible participants and we do not discriminate.