Jul 21, 2022 | Pest Control, Wildlife
While most snakes you encounter are harmless, many of us still don’t want to come across one in our yard or home. While our first instinct may be to run, most snakes are actually beneficial to have around – they help keep other pest populations under control (rodents, frogs, etc.).
Snakes will come into your yard in search of 2 things: shelter and food. Snakes will seek out shelter to have a place to rest, breed, and hunt. Common places snakes are found include overgrown grass, dense brush or shrubs, leaf piles, rock piles, compost, or areas with moisture like underneath bird baths, around leaky faucets and hoses, or near ponds or swimming pools. Snakes will also come looking for food. Snakes love to eat rodents, moles, frogs, fish, snails/slugs, and other small insects.
If you prefer not to encounter snakes around your home, here are 7 natural ways you can keep snakes away.
Get Rid of Food Sources
Snakes will come around looking for food so if your home provides them with that, you’ll be more likely to encounter them. Getting rid of these food sources will encourage snakes to move along in search of something to eat. Make sure common pests that snakes like to eat are kept under control. Scheduling routine pest control can help with this.
Get Rid of Water
Snakes are also attracted to areas with a lot of moisture. Eliminate standing water in your yard where possible. Repair leaky faucets and replace leaky hoses. Keep pools, ponds, and other water features maintained. If using sprinklers, make sure they are running in the morning so the water has time to soak in or evaporate before it gets dark. This helps keep soil in your yard from being too wet.
Get Rid of Hiding Spots
Snakes will look for places around your home to hide so they can breed and rest. Get rid of coiled hoses or use hose boxes. Avoid using rock piles in your landscaping, if possible. Store firewood in boxes or elevate it when possible. Keep your grass mowed and dense brush cleared out. Seal off or add fencing to any open areas under sheds or other buildings. If you are using snake-proof fencing, make sure it is made of steel mesh or plastic sheeting, it is at least 3 feet high and 4 feet deep, it is flush with the ground, and it is angled outward.
Use Snake-Repelling Plants
Some plants are known to repel snakes. Try to incorporate these plants into your landscape design where possible. Common snake-repelling plants include marigolds, lemongrass, Mother-in-Law’s tongue, wormwood, onion, and garlic.
Fill In Burrows
Gophers, moles, and voles dig burrows across your yard. Once they’ve been eliminated, these old gopher holes and burrows can remain on your property. Snakes will commonly use them for shelter as they provide a great place for them to hide, rest, and breed. Fill in any of these holes and burrows with dirt or gravel. This will help deter snakes from using them.
Use Natural Predators
Snakes have a few natural predators that can help keep them away. Common snake predators include cats, raccoons, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and foxes. Keeping any of these animals around your home will help deter snakes from coming near. You can also buy fox urine and sprinkle it around your property to help deter snakes, as well.
Use Natural Repellents
There are several natural products that are known to repel snakes. These natural snake repellents can be used around the perimeter of your property, around pools, along the edges of ponds, and anywhere else you have noticed snake activity.
- Ammonia. Ammonia is especially effective around pools and ponds. Soak rags in ammonia and put them in unsealed plastic bags. Place the bags around pools and ponds to help keep snakes out. For best results, change them out daily.
- Naphthalene. Naphthalene is commonly found in many commercial snake repellent products. It can also be bought in pure form and used around your property.
- Sulfur. Sulfur offers twofold irritation to snakes. It puts off an odor that snakes dislike; it also irritates their skin. You can use sulfur around the perimeter of your property or anywhere snakes have been spotted. It’s best to use gloves as it can also irritate human skin, as well.
- Clove and cinnamon oil. These two natural ingredients work best when combined together to repel snakes. Mix them together in a spray bottle and spray anywhere snakes have been seen.
- Garlic and onions. Garlic and onions not only work when planted in your yard, but they also work as a natural snake repellent product as they both contain sulfonic acid which is known to repel snakes. Chop up both garlic and onions and mix them with rock salt. Sprinkle the mixture around your yard to repel snakes.
- Vinegar. Standard vinegar is an effective snake repellent around water sources. No dilution is necessary. Pour standard white vinegar around the edges of ponds and pools for snake deterrence.
- Lime. Lime is effective when mixed with hot pepper or peppermint oil. Mix these together in a glass bottle and apply around the perimeter of your yard.
Despite our best efforts, snakes can still make their way into our yards and homes. If you have a problem with snakes, contact your local pest control company who specializes in snake removal who can help you properly identify the type of snake you have (venomous vs nonvenomous) and help safely and humanely remove it from your property.
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Feb 14, 2022 | Pest Control, Wildlife
As the weather warms up, snakes will begin to emerge from brumation (a state of deep sleep that reptiles and amphibians enter during periods of cold weather). Although it can be scary encountering a snake in your yard or in your home, the majority of them mean you no harm. In fact, most don’t want anything to do with humans at all! Most North American snakes are harmless and, in fact, there are only 5 venomous snakes in the state of Georgia.
The first step in preventing snakes is to figure out what is attracting them to your yard and home in the first place. Snakes will typically come around in search of either food or shelter. By eliminating these attractants, snakes will be less likely to hang around your personal space.
Shelter
Snakes will often come around in search of a place to hide out from predators or to lie in wait for their own prey. Try to avoid debris and rock piles in your yard. Don’t pile rocks up in your landscaping or let other debris accumulate in your yard. Snakes will also use tall grass to hide in so keep grass mowed short and mow it frequently. Mulch attracts both snakes and their food sources. Try to use less mulch or use another type of ground cover if possible. Store firewood away from your home and elevate it if possible as snakes will hide in the cracks and crevices.
Food
Snakes will primarily come around looking for or chasing food. Snakes are known to feed on rodents, birds, insects, and amphibians so eliminating these pests from your home and yard will also help keep snakes away. Excessive moisture attracts all of these food sources so try to avoid overwatering your lawn and getting rid of any standing water. Pick up fallen fruit as rodents and other pests love to eat them. The same goes for spilled birdseed from birdfeeders. Feed pets indoors if possible and, if not, don’t leave pet food out overnight. Keep trashcans clean and seal them tightly. Keep garages clean and clutter free. Inside, keep kitchens and other food areas clean.
Entry Points
Snakes will use a variety of methods to get into your home, garage, attic, or basement. Routinely inspect the exterior of your home and try to identify any potential entry points. Seal any cracks around your foundations, walkways, and porches. Consider installing fencing made of rigid mesh that is at least 2 feet tall and buried 4″ to 6″ into the ground. You can also attach aluminum flashing to the outside bottom portion of the fencing. Make sure the screens on your doors and windows are tightly sealed and in good repair. Use galvanized screens to cover your vents and drains. Close up cellar doors, broken gutters, pet doors, unsealed basement windows, open crawlspaces, and holes in your roof or siding. Keep tree branches trimmed back away from your home. Use gravel or other uneven ground cover as snakes cannot move or hide as easily on these.
When snakes are spotted around your home your first instinct is usually to either run away or get rid of it. While they can be disturbing, most snakes are actually beneficial to have around – eating other pests and keeping their populations under control. If you have an issue with snakes, contact your local pest control company who can help identify what type of snake you are dealing with and help catch and relocate it safely and humanely.
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Aug 12, 2021 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Although many people don’t welcome the sight of a snake in their yard, they are actually quite beneficial to have around. Snakes eat mice, grubs, slugs, and other insects around your home and are also a source of food for birds of prey like hawks. While most species of snakes are non-venomous, there are a few types of snakes that are venomous in our area. For this reason, you should never handle a snake unless you are 100% sure you know what species it is. Most snakes will bite when harassed whether they are venomous or not.
There are many natural snake repellent methods out there today with one of the most common being mothballs. But are they really effective? According to experts at the Blue Ridge Poison Center the answer is a resounding NO. Mothballs are made of either naphthalene or paradicholorbenzene. Both of these chemicals are hazardous to both humans and animals if exposed to or ingested. The chemical makeup of each of these substances allow them to turn into gas when they are exposed to the air – resulting in the strong smell we usually associate with mothballs. These fumes can cause dizziness and irritation to the eyes and the lungs. If ingested, mothballs can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia which is very dangerous. Mothballs also resemble candy to young children, making them more likely to pick them up and handle or eat them.
So if mothballs aren’t the answer, how can you get rid of snakes? Here are a few snake prevention tips you can use safely around your home.
- Make your home and yard less attractive to snakes who are looking for food and shelter.
- Remove any food sources such as rodents or other pests.
- Keep pet food sealed in containers.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Clean up spilled pet food and birdseed from the ground.
- Don’t overwater your lawn as this can attract worms, frogs, and slugs – another food source for snakes.
- Have your home inspected for rodents and other pests and maintain routine pest control treatments.
- Seal any entries into your crawlspace or basement that are larger than 1/4″.
- Make sure doorsweeps and window screens fit tightly.
- Cover vents and drains that come into the house.
- Keep grass mowed – tall grass and weeds provide more coverage for snakes from predators.
- Clean up any debris snakes can hide under (scarp metal, wood piles, trash, logs, etc.).
- Check the roof for overhanging vegetation – snakes are good climbers and can access your home from the roof.
If you have a problem with snakes or other wildlife, contact your local pest control company who can help identify pest attractants, points of entry, and provide you with safe and humane snake removal services.
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Apr 19, 2017 | Wildlife
Common Snakes in the South: Identification, Threats & Snake Control Tips
Eastern Kingsnakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, usually 3-4 feet long
- Shiny black color with white or yellow bands
- Short, blunt snout and rectangular looking head
- Small beady eyes
Where do you find them?
- Protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, cluttered areas, etc.
- Prevalent throughout the southeast U.S.
- Most active during summer months in the morning hours
How dangerous are they?
- Strong constrictors
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – other snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds
- Limit clutter and stored wood near your home
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Rat Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 3-6+ feet long
- Black, yellow with stripes, or gray with darker patches
Where do you find them?
- Semi-protected areas such as woods, over grown vegetation, swamps, abandoned or vacant buildings, etc.
- Prevalent throughout the southeast U.S.
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
- May climb for food
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – rats, mice, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Garter Snakes
What do they look like?
- Small to medium sized snakes, 1.5-4 feet long
- Three yellow stripes running vertically down a dark colored body
Where do you find them?
- Protected areas such as woods and marshes, but are also very common in grassy areas and around water
- Suburban areas where areas of cover/shelter are available
- Active day or night and often found under boards or debris
- Common throughout the southeast and most of the U.S.
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – worms, slugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, fish and tadpoles
- Limit items that can be used as cover/shelter around the home like scraps pieces of wood and debris
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Black Racer Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 5+ feet long
- Slender, solid black color and may have a white chin
- Often confused for other large, black snakes
- Juveniles look very different from adults; they are grayish colored with darker blotches
Where do you find them?
- Thrive in nearly any habitat, but are more abundant near forest edges, old fields, or wetland edges
- Common throughout the eastern U.S.
- Active during warmer months in the daytime hours
How dangerous are they?
- Usually flee from threats
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, and amphibians
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Brown Snakes
What do they look like?
- Small snakes, 6-13 inches long
- Most are brown but may be yellowish, reddish, or grayish-brown with rows of darker spots on the back
Where do you find them?
- Wooded areas, near wetlands, and urban areas
- Not found in areas of high elevation
- Under wood, leaves and debris in residential areas and any other area with adequate groundcover
- Most common snake in urban environments
- Most active during evening or night hours, occasionally seen crossing roads
How dangerous are they?
- Non-venomous
- May bite if handled or threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – slugs, earthworms or other soft-bodied invertebrates
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed pest control company
Copperhead Snakes
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 2-4 feet long with a heavy body
- Head is distinctly triangular shaped
- Tan to brown with hourglass shaped darker bands running across the body
- Juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow tail tip
Where do you find them?
- Semi-protected areas such as woods and swamps
- May be found in suburban areas
- Throughout central and eastern U.S. except some southern portions of Georgia and all of Florida
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
- Use caution when outdoors at night in the summer
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – mice, small birds, lizards, small snakes, amphibians and insects
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
- Professional snake control by a licensed wildlife control company
Water Moccasins (Cottonmouth Snakes)
What do they look like?
- Large snakes, 2-4 feet in length with a very heavy body
- Color varies from solid brown or brown or yellow with dark crossbands
- Juveniles have a yellow tail tip
- Head is distinctly triangular (due to venom glands)
- Characteristic threat display with the head in the middle of the coiled body with the mouth wide open (mouth is white on the inside, hence the cottonmouth nickname)
Where do you find them?
- Freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands
- Throughout the southeast U.S. but are slightly more common in coastal regions
- Active day or night but most often seen foraging at night for food in warmer months
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
- Use caution when around fresh water habitats
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home (bodies of water) – amphibians, lizards, snakes (including smaller cottonmouths), small turtles, baby alligators, mammals, birds, and fish
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
Coral Snakes
What do they look like?
- Medium sized snakes, 1.5-2.5 feet long
- Brightly colored, red, yellow, and black
- When threatened the tail is lifted up and the tip is curled over
Where do you find them?
- Pine and scrub sandhill habitats
- Hardwood forests and pine flatwoods that flood
- Suburban areas
- Throughout much of the southern coastal plain (most common in Florida)
- Rarely seen, they spend the majority of their time underground
- Most sightings occur in the Spring or Fall
How dangerous are they?
- Venomous
- Do not handle or approach, may bite if threatened
How do you prevent and/or control them?
- Keep food sources away from your home – other snakes and lizards
- Use a product that snakes find repellent to prevent them
Jun 6, 2016 | Wildlife
It’s officially summer! While outside enjoying the warm weather, beware. Snakes are also active this time of year, soaking up the sunshine and in search of abundant food sources – around rocks, in gardens, on stone patios, around brush & vegetation, or even in attics, crawlspaces and basements. Here are some common snakes you may encounter in Southern states and what you can do to keep them away from your home.
Common Types of Snakes
King Snakes
King snakes are usually large, black with white or yellow bands, with a short, blunt mouth and face. They’re commonly found in protected areas such as woods, overgrown vegetation, and cluttered areas. Although king snakes are non-venomous, they may bite if threatened. Keep them away from your home by eliminating food sources (rodents, birds, etc.), wood, clutter, and overgrown vegetation. You can also use a preventative snake repellent product, although these treatments are not always effective.
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are large, usually ranging from 3-6+ feet in length and their color depends on what region they’re found in – usually black, yellow with stripes, or grey with darker patches. You’ll usually encounter rat snakes in semi-protected areas such as woods, over grown vegetation, swamps, or abandoned/vacant buildings. They’re known to climb if there’s a food source within reach and will bite if threatened (non-venomous). Keep them away from your home by eliminating their favorite food source – small rodents. For rodent control, contact your local wildlife removal company.
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are small to medium-sized snakes with three vertical, yellow stripes on a dark-colored body. They prefer to hang out around protected areas such as woods and marshes, but are also very common in grassy areas and around water. Garter snakes can be found in mostly any suburban area throughout the southeast and U.S. as long as there is cover for them. Limit food sources around your home to keep them away – insects, lizards, small rodents, etc.
Black Racer Snakes
Black racers are large snakes, usually 5+ feet long, with slender, black bodies (sometimes with a white chin), and are often confused with other black snakes. Black racer snakes can be found throughout the eastern U.S. in nearly any habitat, but are more abundant near forest edges, old fields, or wetland edges. They’re non-venomous snakes but may bite if provoked. Keep them away from your home by reducing potential food sources (insects, lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, & amphibians) with regular pest control or bird control services.
Brown Snakes
Brown snakes are small (6-13″ long), brown or sometimes yellowish, reddish, or grayish-brown with rows of darker spots on the back, and are common in wooded areas, near wetlands, urban areas, under debris in residential areas, and any other area with adequate ground cover (but not found in areas of high elevation). Brown snakes are the most common snake seen in urban environments. Because brown snakes prefer to eat insects like earthworms, snails, and slugs, it’s important to eliminate sources of moisture, debris, and vegetation around your home’s exterior to keep them away.
Copperhead Snakes
Copperheads are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with heavy bodies. They have a distinct, triangular-shaped head, are tan to brown with hour glass shaped darker bands running across the body, while juvenile copperheads have a distinct yellow tail tip. You’ll encounter copperhead snakes throughout central and eastern US, excluding some southern portions of Georgia and all of Florida, in semi-protected areas such as woods and swamps, but also in suburban areas. Copperheads are venomous snakes that will bite if bothered. To prevent copperhead snakes, eliminate potential food sources – mice, small birds, lizards, other small snakes, amphibians, and insects – and use caution when outside at night in the summer.
Water Moccasins
Water moccasins, also referred to as cottonmouth snakes, are large snakes, 2-4 feet long with very heavy bodies, of varying colors – solid brown to brown or yellow with dark cross bands (juveniles have a yellow tip) – with distinctly triangular heads. Water moccasins are venomous snakes known to open their mouths wide when threatened (which is white on the inside, hence the name “cottonmouth”). They’re found throughout the southeast, but are slightly more common in coastal regions, in freshwater habitats, cypress swamps, river floodplains, and heavily vegetated wetlands. It’s unlikely you’ll see water moccasins around your home unless you live near bodies of freshwater.
Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are medium-sized snakes, 1.5-2.5 feet long, brightly-colored red, yellow, and black, commonly found throughout much of the southern coastal plain (most common in Florida), in pine and scrub sandhill habitats, hardwood forests and pine flatwoods that flood, and suburban areas; they spend the majority of their time underground. Coral snakes are venomous and, when threatened, will lift their tail with the tip of the tail curled over.
