Discovering a Snake Trouble in your house or yard can be unsettling. While many snakes are harmless and even beneficial for controlling pests like rodents, you might prefer they relocate elsewhere. Getting rid of snakes humanely involves making your property less attractive to them and using simple deterrents. Here’s how to encourage snakes to move along.
Cut Off the Food Supply: Snake Trouble are natural predators, often drawn to areas with abundant prey. Reduce rodent populations by storing food properly, sealing potential entry points for mice and rats, and considering traps. Controlling insects and amphibians, other potential food sources, can also help.
Eliminate Hiding Places: Snakes seek shelter in dark, undisturbed spots. Clear away piles of wood, rocks, and garden debris. Trim overgrown bushes and keep your lawn short to eliminate potential hiding places. Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation and around pipes.
Try Natural Repellents: Snakes are sensitive to strong odors. Consider using these natural deterrents around your property:
- Pungent Oils: Some believe strong scents like clove, cinnamon, or cedarwood oil can repel snakes. Apply these around the perimeter of your house.
- Garlic and Onions: These contain sulfonic acid, which some say snakes dislike. Plant them around your garden or sprinkle a mixture of chopped garlic, onions, and rock salt.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is thought to deter snakes, especially near water sources. Pour it around the edges of pools or ponds.
- Snake-Repelling Plants: Certain plants like marigolds, lemongrass, mother-in-law’s tongue, and basil have scents that may deter snakes. Plant them around your home and garden.
Create Physical Barriers: Install a snake-proof fence made of fine mesh hardware cloth. It should be about three feet high and buried a few inches into the ground, angled slightly outward.
Seal Entry Points to Your Home: Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks and gaps, especially around pipes and wiring. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam. Ensure weather stripping on doors and windows is in good condition.