How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard

Snakes are good for keeping rodent populations down and bringing balance into nature. They typically want to avoid human contact as much as possible. But, we tend to run into one another from time to time.

The problem with snake and human interaction is that some snakes (very few) are deadly. Their bite can send a person to the hospital and can really mess up your life.

It is for this reason that most people just would rather not have snakes around them. So, in this article we have created some tips on how to prevent snakes from being in your yard.

1. Lawn Maintenance – Having low cut grass and weeded land is a good way to keep snakes from wanting to enter your yard. They typically like taller grass as it is good for concealment and helps them sneak up on prey.
2. Identify Hiding Spot – Snakes will typically dwell in areas where they can not be seen by bigger animals. In a snake’s perfect world, they would be the largest animal on the planet. But in the real world they have to hide from would-be predators as well. Wood piles, brush and even the space next to your outdoor AC unit are good hiding places for snakes. It is best to keep these area uncovered and exposed.
3. Avoid Having Pools of Water Around Home – Blocked draining ditches, gutters and low spots in the yard will often retain water for days on end. Snakes need water to survive and will typically seek these spots to stay hydrated. Keep gutters unclogged, fill in ditches and don’t have any old tires laying around. These are all attractive spots for snakes.
4. Mulch – Snakes have a very unique skin. It is durable and water proof but it can be damaged by anything with sharp edges. Mulch is a very rough material with lots of tiny edges. Snakes will typically avoid mulch.
5. Seal Entryways – Snakes will come into your home if they think they can find shelter or water. It is a good idea to patch any holes in your home or foundation. They are drawn to heat when it is cold outside. They will typically end up near your water heater if they come inside.

These tips can help you avoid having a run-in with a snake. When you do encounter a snake, stay calm and try to avoid it. There are many types of snakes so it is a good idea to become knowledgeable in which snakes are poisonous and which are not.