Do you have a garden and are plagued by garter snakes? If so, you’re not alone. Garter snakes are common in many gardens, and can be a real nuisance. They often enter homes through pet doors or crawl spaces, and can be difficult to get rid of. In this article, we will provide you with some helpful tips on how to get rid of garter snakes in your garden once and for all!
What Do Garter Snakes Eat?
Garter snakes are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of small rodents, such as mice and voles. They will also eat insects, frogs, and earthworms.
Garter Snakes in the Yard and Garden
Garter snakes are common throughout the United States and much of Canada. They’re often found in people’s yards and gardens, and while they aren’t venomous, their presence can be unsettling for some homeowners. If you’re wondering how to get rid of garter snakes in your garden, there are a few things you can do.
First, it’s important to understand that garter snakes are beneficial animals. They eat pests like slugs and mice, so getting rid of them can actually do more harm than good. If you simply can’t tolerate having snakes around, there are a few non-lethal methods you can try to discourage them from hanging around your property.[1]
How to Identify Common Types of Snakes
Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are one of the most common types of snakes in North America. They can be found in a variety of habitats, but prefer areas with plenty of cover such as gardens, forests, and fields. Garter snakes are relatively small, typically reaching lengths of only two to three feet. However, some individuals can grow up to five feet long. These snakes get their name from the striping pattern on their bodies which resembles a garter belt. Garter snakes are generally harmless to humans and pets, but can become aggressive if threatened or feeling cornered.
If you think you may have garter snakes in your garden, the best way to confirm is by sightings. Look for these reptiles basking in the sun or slithering through the grass. You may also hear their distinctive hissing sound if they feel threatened. If you do spot a garter snake, it’s important to take action to remove them from your property as soon as possible. Keep reading for our complete guide on how to get rid of garter snakes in your garden.[3]
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are a type of nonvenomous snake that is often found in gardens and yards. These snakes are beneficial because they eat rodents, but they can be a nuisance if they come into contact with humans or pets. If you have a rat snake in your garden, there are several things you can do to get rid of it.
The first thing you need to do is identify the snake. Rat snakes are typically black or brown and have a white belly. They can grow up to four feet long, but most are only two or three feet long. If you see a snake that fits this description in your garden, it is likely a rat snake.[2]
What is Kingsnakes
The scientific name for the king snake is Lampropeltis getula. They are a non-venomous constrictor species that can be found in North and Central America. King snakes are known to be very aggressive eaters and will consume other snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds.
Kingsnakes come in many different colors depending on their geographical location. The most common colors are black with white bands or red with black bands. There are also albino king snakes which lack any pigment in their skin and appear completely white.
King snakes average between two to five feet in length but some have been known to grow up to six feet long! They typically live for around 20 years but some have been known to live for up to 30 years in captivity.
If you have seen a snake in your garden that you think may be a king snake, the best way to identify it is by its pattern. King snakes have very distinctive markings that make them easy to identify. Another way to tell if a snake is a king snake is by its behavior. They are very aggressive eaters and will often strike at their prey without warning.[2]
How to Tell if Snakes Are Venomous
The easiest way to tell if a snake is venomous is by looking at the placement of its fangs. If the fangs are located in the front of the mouth, then the snake is probably venomous. Another way to tell if a snake is venomous is by looking at its eyes. Venomous snakes will usually have elliptical-shaped pupils, while nonvenomous snakes will have round pupils. You can also try to look up pictures of different types of snakes online to see if you can identify the one in your garden.
If you’re still not sure whether or not the snake in your garden is venomous, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume that it is. In general, it’s best to avoid all snakes, whether they’re venomous or not.
If you have young children or pets, it’s especially important to get rid of snakes in your garden since they could be at risk of being bitten. Snakes can also be a nuisance if they’re constantly slithering around your property. Fortunately, there are a few different methods you can use to get rid of snakes in your garden.
Why Do I Have Snakes?
There are a few reasons you might have snakes in your garden. They could be looking for food, shelter, or a place to lay their eggs. Snakes are also attracted to areas with lots of insects, so if you have a problem with pests, that could be another reason they’re hanging around.
If you live in an area where there are garter snakes, it’s likely that they’re just passing through your yard on their way to somewhere else. However, if you have a pond or other water source on your property, that could be more attractive to them and they may decide to stick around.
Of course, sometimes snakes just end up in our yards by accident – like when they’re being chased by predators or looking for a way to escape the cold.[2]
Common Signs You Have Snakes
One of the most common ways people discover they have snakes in their garden is by seeing one. If you see a snake, it’s a good indicator that there are more around. Snakes like to sun themselves on rocks, so if you see a snake basking in your garden, it’s likely there are more hiding nearby.
Another way to tell if you have snakes in your garden is by the presence of their prey. Snakes eat small animals like rodents and lizards. If you notice an increase in the number of these animals in your garden, it could be because snakes are attracting them with the hope of catching a meal.
Finally, another sign that you may have snakes in your garden is the presence of snake skin. Snakes shed their skin as they grow, so if you find discarded snake skin in your garden, it’s a good indicator that snakes are using it as a place to hide.
How to Get Rid of Garter Snakes
Remove Food Sources
The best way to get rid of garter snakes is by removing their food sources. If you have a lot of rodents or insects in your garden, the snakes will be attracted to it. To make your garden less appealing to them, you can:
- Remove debris and weeds where rodents and insects might hide
- Keep your lawn mowed short
- Trim shrubs and bushes so they don’t provide hiding places for prey
- Use mulch or gravel instead of soil in areas where snakes might sun themselves
These simple steps will make it much harder for garter snakes to find food in your garden.[3]
Spray the Hose
If you have a garden hose, you can use it to get rid of garter snakes. All you need to do is turn the water on full blast and spray the snake. The force of the water will usually be enough to scare the snake away. If not, it will at least make it difficult for the snake to move around, making it easier for you to capture or kill it. Just be careful not to spray yourself in the process!
Another option is to use a power washer if you have one available. This will definitely get rid of the snake, but it may also damage your plants in the process. Use this method as a last resort.
Trap with a Garbage Can
You can also use a garbage can to trap the snakes. First, you need to find a spot where you often see the snakes and place the garbage can upside down on that spot. Then, you need to put some food inside the can as bait. The garter snakes will be attracted by the food and they will go inside the can.
Once they are inside, you can lift up the can and take it away from your property. Make sure that you release the snakes far away from your home so they won’t come back.
Use Snake Repellent
If you want to keep snakes away, you need to use a snake repellent. There are many different types of snake repellents on the market, but not all of them are effective. You should look for a repellent that contains naphthalene or sulfur as these two ingredients have been proven to be effective at deterring snakes.
There are several ways to apply snake repellent. You can sprinkle it around the perimeter of your property, or you can apply it directly to areas where snakes are likely to enter your garden, such as cracks in walls or holes in fences.
Eliminate Standing Water
The first step to getting rid of garter snakes in your garden is to eliminate all sources of standing water. This means making sure there are no puddles, ponds, or other bodies of water where the snakes can hide and breed. If you have a birdbath or fountain, make sure it has a screen over the top to keep snakes out.
Set a Trap
One of the best ways to get rid of garter snakes in your garden is to set a trap. You can purchase a trap at your local hardware store, or you can make your own. To make your own trap, you will need a bucket, some chicken wire, and a piece of wood. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket that is big enough for the snake to fit through. Cover the hole with chicken wire and secure it with tape or staples. Place the bucket in an area where you have seen the snakes and put a piece of wood over the top so that they cannot escape. Check the trap daily and release any captured snakes into an area away from your home.[2]
Remove Shelter
The best way to get rid of garter snakes in my garden is by removing their shelter and food sources. This means clearing out any potential hiding places, such as piles of leaves or debris, and making sure there is no easy access to food, such as an open garbage can. You may also want to consider installing a fence around your property to keep snakes out.
If you have a snake problem, the first step is to figure out what is attracting them to your property in the first place. Once you know that, you can take steps to remove those attractants and make your home less inviting for snakes. In many cases, simply making your yard less hospitable for snakes will be enough to discourage them from sticking around.[2]
Fill in Burrows
The best way to get rid of garter snakes is to fill in their burrows. This will discourage them from returning to your garden. You can do this by using a shovel or spade to fill in the entrances to the burrows. Be sure to compact the soil so that the snakes can’t just dig their way back out.
Keep Your Grass Short
Garter snakes love to hide in long grass, so keeping your lawn short is a good way to discourage them from hanging around. If you have a lot of garter snakes in your area, you may need to mow your lawn more frequently than usual. You can also try using a weed whacker or strimmer to keep the grass around the perimeter of your home short.
Another way to deter garter snakes from entering your yard is to create a barrier between their natural habitat and your property. This can be done by clearing away any debris, rocks, or logs that are close to the edge of your property. You may also want to consider installing a fence around your yard if you live in an area with a high population of garter snakes.
Hire a Professional Pest Control Company
The best way to get rid of garter snakes in your garden is to hire a professional pest control company. A reliable and experienced company will be able to safely and effectively remove the snakes from your property.
Make sure that you choose a reputable and experienced company that uses safe and effective methods to remove the snakes. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, or you can search online for reviews of local companies.
Once you have found a good pest control company, give them a call and explain your situation. They will be able to provide you with a free quote and more information about their services.
How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your House
If you have garter snakes in your garden, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. For one, you can try to remove their food source. Garter snakes typically eat small rodents, so if you can remove the mice and rats from your property, the snakes will have nothing to eat and will eventually move on. You can also try using snake repellent. There are many commercial products available that contain ingredients that snakes dislike, such as naphthalene or sulfur. Simply sprinkle the repellent around the perimeter of your property, and the snakes should stay away. Finally, if you have a serious snake problem, you may need to call in professional help. A pest control company will be able to identify the snakes and remove them from your property safely.
How to Get Rid of Snakes by the Pool
If you have a snake in your pool, the best thing to do is remove it by hand. You can also use a net to scoop it out. If you don’t want to touch the snake, you can try using a long stick to nudge it towards the edge of the pool. Once the snake is out of the pool, it will be much easier to catch and remove it from your property.
If you have a problem with snakes in your pool on a regular basis, you may want to consider installing a fence around the perimeter of the pool. This will help keep snakes out and make your backyard more enjoyable for everyone.
Another way to keep snakes away from your pool is to eliminate their food source. If you have a lot of rodents or other small animals around your property, they will attract snakes. To keep this from happening, you can try using live traps to catch and remove the rodents. You can also use snake repellent products around the perimeter of your pool. These products will help to make your backyard less attractive to snakes.
How to Keep Snakes Away
The best way to keep snakes away from your house is to remove any potential food sources and shelter options.
Protecting Your Home
The best way to keep garter snakes out of your garden is to make it less attractive to them. Keep your grass short, and remove any debris or piles of leaves where they could hide. If you have a fence, make sure there are no gaps or holes that snakes could squeeze through. You can also try using a commercial repellent around the perimeter of your property, but be aware that these products are not always effective.[2]
How to Treat a Snakebite
If you or your pet has been bitten by a garter snake, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Garter snakes are not venomous, but their bites can still be painful and may become infected. To treat a garter snake bite:
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling.
- Elevate the affected limb if possible.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.”
Keeping Good Snakes Around
If you’re interested in getting rid of garter snakes in your garden, the most important thing you can do is to encourage the good snakes. These are the predators that will help keep the population of garter snakes in check. Some of the good guys include:
- Hawks
- Owls
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Skunks
- Coyotes
To encourage these predators to stick around, it’s important to provide them with food and shelter. This means leaving some areas of your yard untidy, and not using pesticides or herbicides that could harm them. It also means putting up nesting boxes for birds, and providing water sources like ponds or bird baths.
FAQ
What keeps snakes away from your home?
The best way to keep snakes away from your home is to remove their food source. Snakes are attracted to areas where they can find rodents or other small animals to eat. If you have a snake problem in your yard, it is likely because there is an abundance of food for them to eat. To get rid of snakes, you need to remove their food source. This can be done by eliminating the populations of rodents and other small animals that live in your yard. You can also make your yard less attractive to snakes by removing debris and vegetation that provide hiding places for them.
Do mothballs really keep snakes away?
Mothballs are one of the most common home remedies for getting rid of snakes, but they’re also one of the least effective. Snakes can smell mothballs, but they don’t find them repulsive enough to stay away. In fact, some snakes may actually be attracted to the smell of mothballs! If you’re looking for a natural way to keep snakes away from your property, try using essential oils instead.
What is the best snake repellent?
There are a number of snake repellents available on the market, but not all of them are effective against garter snakes. Some people swear by using mothballs or naphthalene balls, but these have been shown to be ineffective against garter snakes. The best snake repellent that has been proven to work against garter snakes is a product called Snake-A-Way. This product contains the active ingredient naphthalene, which is a powerful repellent against many species of snakes. Snake-A-Way is available in granular form or as a liquid concentrate.
Does salt keep snakes away?
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep snakes away, you might have heard that salt can be effective. While it’s true that salt can deter some snakes, it’s not a foolproof method and is generally only effective against certain species. In addition, using salt around your garden can damage plants and soil. If you do decide to try this method, be sure to use Epsom salt rather than table salt.
Another potential downside of using salt is that it can attract other animals, such as deer, raccoons, and opossums, which could also cause damage to your garden. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, this may not be the best option for you.
Do garter snakes stay in the same area?
Garter snakes are relatively sedentary creatures and will often stay in the same area for their entire lives. This is one of the reasons why they are such a common problem in gardens and yards; once they’ve found a place that suits them, they’re unlikely to move on!
Does vinegar keep snakes away?
One common home remedy is to use vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and garter snakes dislike the smell. You can make a snake repellent by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, spray it around the perimeter of your garden. Some people also recommend adding a few drops of essential oil to the mixture.
Another way to use vinegar is to soak rags in the solution and place them around your garden. The downside to this method is that you will need to replace the rags every few days as they will eventually dry out and lose their potency.
Useful Video: how to get rid of garter snakes around your house
Conclusion
If you follow the steps above, you should be able to get rid of garter snakes in your garden. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you need help.
Do you have any tips on how to get rid of garter snakes? Share them with us in the comments below! Thanks for reading!]
References:
- https://www.havahart.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-garter-snakes
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pest-control/reviews/how-to-get-rid-of-snakes
- https://pestcontrolhacks.com/how-to-get-rid-of-garter-snakes/
- https://kidadl.com/facts/how-to-get-rid-of-garter-snakes-once-and-for-all-tried-and-tested-ways
