How To Get Rid of Snakes With Simple Proven Methods

Most snakes are healthy and beneficial to you and your lawn. They could be more appealing creatures to keep around. But they are also dangerous. So you may be searching often tips on how to get rid of snakes. Snakes are thin, long carnivores that don’t have legs. They are part of the suborder Serpentes, with more than three thousand species worldwide. 

Snakes are ectothermic, which means they cannot regulate their body temperature. They seek a warm area to live and care for their offspring when it’s cold outside.

Particularly in the United States, most snakes aren’t venomous. In fact, according to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, it is estimated that more than 90% of snake species within the U.S. are not poisonous. Therefore, any information or advice found in this article focuses on the existence of non-poisonous snakes.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you must know about removing snakes that have taken over your backyard.

An Overview of Snakes

Few animals experience such extremes of hatred and love like snakes do. Many people keep snakes as pets. Herpetologists (snake researchers) devote their time to studying them. Snakes are part of religious and cultural traditions and are tattooed on the skin.

However, for some, the mere thought of a snake can trigger fear of these slithering reptiles. The sight of one in person is enough to cause trauma that requires immediate attention.

Most people fall somewhere in the middle, finding an animal in a zoo interesting but not wanting them close to their homes. It can be particularly frustrating when you see one in your yard or occasionally in your house.

Snakes are found all over the globe on every continent except Antarctica. They’ve existed for over 100 million years—long before humans. In the natural world, snakes are an integral part of the ecosystem. 

They are carnivores and mostly consume eggs, rodents, insects, and sometimes other snakes, frogs, tortoises, birds, and other small mammals. The prey’s size depends on the snake’s size, but they can consume prey much larger than themselves if they can manage it.

As a result, snakes play a crucial role in controlling nuisance wildlife populations, including those of mice, rats, and even venomous snakes. They also provide food sources for birds and other mammals in the food chain. 

Many individuals, including scientists, are against killing snakes for this reason. However, due to the risks associated with snakes and humans’ natural fear, they are often considered a typical household pest that must be managed promptly and humanely.

Snakes as Pests

Nature-loving snakes are an important type of wildlife. However, in and around the home, they pose a threat. 

They often find food sources in backyards and can enter homes through cracks between walls, doors, or siding. They may also use holes, missing mortar on brick walls, or pipes to gain entry. Once inside, snakes typically retreat to basements or attics but can be found anywhere.

The encounter with a snake can be alarming. Sometimes, you may not even see the snake. Instead, you might notice signs of its presence, such as:

• Discarded snake skins
• Rustling sounds in the walls
• Strange-smelling tap water
• Excrement containing fur or bones

For some, being unable to recognize the snake or know where it is can be even more frightening than encountering it directly.

Snakes are also a common result of rodent infestation. Rats and mice are major food sources for snakes. If you’ve had a rodent problem and live in an area where snakes are prevalent, check to see if reptiles have followed the rodents into your home.

The type of snake you encounter in your backyard or home will depend on your region and the local snake species. 

North America has more than 120 snake species with unique sizes, colors, habitats, and behaviors. Snakes generally range from a few inches to 10 feet long, with most falling somewhere in between.

With such a wide variety of snakes, it can be difficult to identify them all. Some snakes are venomous, while others are not. It’s common to feel fear, even towards non-venomous snakes, especially if you’re unsure of the species. 

How To Identify Common Types of Snakes

Any pest problem, especially one as serious as a snake infestation, starts with identifying the animal. If you encounter a snake, keep your distance and try to identify the species. If you suspect you’ve encountered a venomous snake, do not attempt to handle it yourself. 

However, depending on where you live, you might encounter non-venomous snakes commonly found in leaf piles, bushes, or storage areas.

Common Snake Types and How to Identify Them

Snakes can move so quickly that spotting them is easier if you know what to look for. To help with identification, look for the shape of their head, eyes, and any noticeable markings or patterns on their bodies. 

Most common snakes are not dangerous and will help eliminate rodents and other pests from your yard. Non-venomous species, such as rats and garter snakes, pose no serious threat to humans.

• Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are found in all regions of North America other than particularly dry regions in the Southwest. They generally have three stripes that run across their entire bodies. They have heads bigger than their necks and can reach 54 inches. The patterns and colors vary between species.

• Rat Snakes

The U.S. is believed to be home to many different kinds of rat snakes. Like garter snakes, they differ in color and patterns but usually feature a dark body with a lighter underbelly and a chin. They also have bigger heads as opposed to their necks. Rat snakes can swim and climb so that you can spot them in forests or bodies of water.

• Kingsnakes

There are many varieties of popular backyard snakes, such as snakes called kingsnakes. They are frequently confused with the venomous ones, like coral snakes, because of the color bands that run down their backs. According to the type, they could be colored yellow, red, black, brown, gray, or lavender marks. The majority will have a spoon-shaped head as well as round pupils.

What Damage Can Snakes Cause, and Are They Dangerous?

Despite their reputation for being dangerous, most snakes aren’t harmful. They don’t damage landscapes or structures like more serious pests like roaches, rats, or squirrels. Snakes generally avoid interaction with humans.

There are two primary issues regarding snakes, though both are not major. According to the CDC, snakes and other reptiles carry Salmonella in their saliva. While this bacteria is usually not harmful to humans, it can pose a risk if not managed properly, especially in areas where snakes frequent.

If you keep ducks or chickens, it’s important to know that snakes will happily eat the eggs you hope to collect. This can be difficult to notice, as snakes can consume eggs in one go, leaving no trace. You’ll only notice the missing eggs.

How to Get Rid of  Snakes

1. Get Rid of Food Sources

Snakes can be seen looking for food should your home provide the food they require, you’ll be more likely to see them. Eliminating food sources can encourage snakes to travel and seek something to consume. Make sure that the common insects that snakes are known to eat are in check. Planning regular insect control could help in this regard.

2. Get Rid of Water

Snakes are also attracted by areas that have enough moisture. Remove as much standing water from your yard as you can. Repair leaky faucets and replace damaged pipes. Maintain ponds, pools, as well as other features well-maintained. If you are with sprinklers, ensure they operate in the morning to warrant that the water can absorb the morning or evaporate by the time it darkens. This will prevent your yard’s soil from getting too wet.

3. Get Rid of Hiding Spots

Snakes are always looking for a place in your home to get away to breed and relax. Remove snakes that have coiled your hoses. You can also use hose boxes. Avoid using rock piles in your landscaping, if possible. 

Place firewood in boxes or raise it whenever possible. Keep your lawn well-trimmed and the dense brush cleared. Secure or install fencing around any areas that are under sheds or structures. If you’re with the snake-proof fence, be sure it’s made of steel or plastic sheets. It is 3 feet tall and 4 feet tall with the ground and towards the outward.

4. Use Snake-Repelling Plants

Certain plants are believed to be able to deter snakes. Consider incorporating the plants in your landscaping design as much as you can. The most common snake-repelling plants are marigolds, lemongrass, Mother-in-Law’s tongue, wormwood, onions, and garlic.

5. Fill In Burrows

Gophers, moles, and voles make burrows on your property. After eradication, the gopher burrows and holes can be left in your yard. Snakes often use them to shelter since they offer the perfect area to retreat, rest, and breed. Fill any of these caves and holes with dirt or sand. This can aid in deterring snakes from with them.

6. Use Natural Predators

Snakes are natural predators that could aid in keeping them out. The most common snake predators are cats, raccoons, turkeys, guinea hen, guinea hens, and Foxes. 

Keeping any of these animals on your property will keep snakes away from your property. You can also purchase Fox urine and sprinkle it all over your property to deter snakes.

Use Natural Snake Repellents

There are many natural substances thought to repel snakes:

• Ammonia: Effective around ponds and pools, soak rags in ammonia and place them in plastic bags. Replace them daily.
• Naphthalene: Often used in commercial snake repellents, it can be purchased in its pure form for use around your property.
• Sulfur: Snakes dislike the smell and irritation sulfur causes. Apply it around your property, but wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
• Clove oil and cinnamon: Combine these oils in a spray bottle and use it as a repellent.
• Garlic and onions contain sulfonic acid, which is believed to repel snakes. Chop them and mix them with salt, then sprinkle the mixture around your yard.
• Vinegar: White vinegar works well around water sources like pools and ponds.
• Lime: Lime, peppermint, and hot pepper oil can be a snake repellent.

Snakes can still become a nuisance in your home and yard despite all these efforts. If you’re dealing with a snake issue, contact a nearby pest control service specializing in snake elimination. They can help identify the species (venomous or non-venomous) and safely remove the snake from your property.

Simple Ways To Keep Snakes Out Of Your Yard

Although non-venomous snakes are beneficial in controlling pests, some people fear them. If you want to keep snakes out of your yard, here are some tips:

1. Use gravel or river rocks for landscaping, as snakes prefer flat surfaces.
2. Eliminate bird feeders that attract mice, which are prey for snakes.
3. Drain ponds and other water sources to avoid attracting snakes.
4. Store pet food in tightly sealed bins to prevent attracting rodents.
5. Keep your grass trimmed and remove large rocks, mulch, and bushy trees that provide hiding places for snakes.

How to Get Rid of Snakes Fast

The best approach to handling outdoor snakes is to leave them alone unless they are venomous. However, many solutions exist if you’re dealing with snakes on your property or inside your home. These include:

Live Trapping

Calling a well-qualified wildlife control service is the safest and most effective method of getting rid of any snake, especially if it’s venomous. 

A humane wildlife control service will capture the snake using special equipment and relocate it to a safer area, far from your home. Depending on how easily you can access the snake, the process could take a few minutes to several days.

Contact the Fire Department

Some fire departments provide snake removal services if you live in an area with venomous snakes. 

Most of them operate humanely, releasing the snake in a safe location. Since fire departments are well-equipped, this method is usually fast, with the snake often captured the same day. However, since snake removal is not their primary function, this service might only sometimes be available.

DIY Snake Removal

If you are comfortable handling the situation, there are several ways to remove a snake from your home or yard. We’ll cover some of these methods in the next section and show you how to tackle snake removal independently.

Exclusion

From natural deterrents to pesticides and physical barriers, there are various ways to prevent snakes from entering your home. From these methods or hire a wildlife control company to assess and implement exclusion strategies to keep snakes out of your yard and home.

In many cases, a combination of these strategies is the most effective. Pest control firms, for example, often remove the snake first, but they also implement exclusion measures to prevent future encounters.

How to Treat a Snakebite

Even non-venomous snakes may bite in self-defense; any snake bite should be treated urgently. Call 911 immediately, regardless of whether the bite seems painful or severe.

While waiting for help, if you cannot get immediate medical assistance, Johns Hopkins Medical Center suggests the following steps:

1. Ensure safety: Stay away from the snake. Avoid trying to kill or handle it, as it may bite you again.
2. Stay calm: If possible, lie down and elevate the affected area above your heart to slow the spread of venom.
3. Remove tight clothing: Take off jewelry or watches if your limbs swell.
4. Clean the wound: Wash the area with soap and water, wrap it with a clean bandage, and apply pressure.
5. Mark the bite: Draw a circle around the bite with a marker and note the time it occurred to assist medical personnel.

Indoor Snake Prevention Through Exclusion

Chemical and natural repellents may help keep snakes out of your home. However, you may occasionally find snakes in your backyard if you live in a region with a significant snake population. In most cases, these visits are temporary. Snakes are solitary creatures, so they often move on to another property once they leave.

The primary concern is ensuring they don’t enter your home. This can be done through exclusion, a method pest control companies use to prevent snakes from finding entry points into your house.

Exclusion requires handyman skills and a keen eye for detail, as snakes can fit through openings as small as a quarter. Here are some tools you might use:

• Mesh or netting
• Mortar
• Lava rocks or sharp mulch (to deter snakes from shedding their skin)
• Metal sheets
• Snake-proof fencing
• Expanding foam

Physically blocking these entry points is secure and humane. It will protect your family and pets from harm and ensure that nearby snakes stay out. Additionally, it can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and keeping out pests like rodents.

The effectiveness of exclusion depends on the extent of your efforts. In lower-risk areas, basic exclusion methods are sufficient to keep snakes away, while higher-risk areas require a comprehensive approach.

Outdoor Snake Prevention Through Habitat Management

Habitat management can prevent snakes from spending much time outside the home. In the wild, snakes lie in warm, sunny spots to control their body temperature and more comfortable hiding places in secluded areas to relax. 

Eliminating them from the property renders it less suitable for snakes.

Researching the snakes in your neighborhood can help determine the average size and any hiding areas to which the species are naturally attracted. While snakes tend to have the same behavior patterns, having more specific information can help you identify which species in your yard exhibit certain features.

In general, you’ll be looking for ways to reduce the number of snakes that can nest within your yard and to prevent them from gaining access:

• Trim Grass It is a tall grass that provides the opportunity to hide and allows the snakes to soak up the heat that the sun provides. This is true for lawns and areas of wild, natural-growing grasses. Keep grass to no greater than a few inches tall. This will limit the places where snakes can get a foothold, and although they could still be lying on the grass during the day, it will be much easier to spot and stay clear of them.
• The Clean Rock And Wood Piles 

A pile of wood or rocks provides the perfect shelter to shield snakes from predators and weather. If you don’t pile or leave your firewood outside during summer, snakes could stay there for months, taking advantage of rodents in the area. Remove piles of garbage or cover the firewood with a tarp secured with a tarp anchored to the earth.

• Cut back Branches Snakes can climb trees, slither through branches, and then drop into your backyard. This could cause a derailment to any boundary you have on your property to keep snakes away, such as fencing or a repellent chemical. By trimming your trees regularly, you can limit how you let snakes get into your backyard.
• Reduce Rodents – Many snakes feed on rats and mice, so you must eliminate anything that might lure rodents into your garden. Bird feeders that scatter seeds onto the floor, a place to dispose of garbage, feed pets outdoors, and store food outside are popular attractors for rodents. If you change this, you eliminate the food source and force rodents to leave when they are hungry.

A thorough cleaning of the outside of your property of any areas containing snakes could minimize their presence or stop them entirely. 

Snake Habitats Change Throughout The Year

Snake habitats change throughout the year so that you can find snakes in different locations based on the season. 

In the winter months, areas in your backyard that offer additional warm and safe shelter may provide snakes a safe place to retreat or reside in Brumation (the term used to describe how reptiles go into hibernation). These include:

• Sheds and Outbuildings
• Rock Piles
• Wood Piles
• Tree Stumps
• Squirrel and Rodent Burrows
• Car Engines

In the summer, it is important to take away woodpiles and rocks along with old tree stumps, which could help provide an area for snakes to dig. 

FAQs

How can you get rid of snakes quickly?

If you want to keep snakes away from your yard, here are seven natural ways to repel them:

1. Get rid of food sources.
2. Remove water sources.
3. Eliminate hiding spots.
4. Use snake-repelling plants.
5. Fill in the burrows.
6. Encourage natural predators.
7. Use natural repellents.

What smells keep snakes away?

Essential oils like cinnamon, eucalyptus, or clove can be sprayed to deter snakes when mixed with water. Mothballs, vinegar, and ground coffee are also effective.

What types of snakes are most repelled by these methods?

Snakes are highly sensitive to smells, and using substances like lime, garlic, vinegar, or oils like peppermint can help evict them from your property.

How do you get a snake to leave?

You can use natural repellents like ammonia, naphthalene, sulfur, or essential oils to make your property less inviting to snakes.