Are you tired of sharing your backyard with a few slithery guests? Garter snakes may be harmless creatures, but they can send chills down anyone’s spine. Whether it’s the sudden movement through the grass or the surprise encounter while gardening, these sneaky reptiles might not be the kind of housemates you envisioned. Luckily, you can reclaim your space and banish those snakes for good. Let’s jump into how to get rid of garter snakes around your home and reclaim your territory without losing your cool, or your garden.
Understanding Garter Snakes
Identifying Garter Snakes
Recognizing a garter snake isn’t too hard. They’re usually slender and can measure up to four feet in length. Their common colors include stripes ranging from yellow to white, often found down the length of their bodies. Spotting these stripes is a quick way to identify them. They might appear intimidating, but they’re relatively harmless to humans.
Habitat and Behavior
Garter snakes thrive in a variety of environments. You’ll often spot them near water sources like ponds or streams, and they enjoy moist areas that provide plenty of hiding spots. Their diet generally includes small amphibians, worms, and the occasional rodent, perfectly normal snacks for these critters. They’re diurnal, meaning you’ll find them active during the day, sunning themselves to soak up some warmth.
Reasons For Their Presence
Natural Predators of Garter Snakes
While they snatch up smaller critters, garter snakes have their own predators. Birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, and larger snakes often see them as a meal. This predatory hierarchy is an essential part of the local ecosystem, but it can also explain why they might be hanging around your yard, like humans, they seek safety amid potential threats.
Food Sources Attracting Them
Food is a primary reason garter snakes settle in your area. If you have a plentiful supply of frogs, worms, or even rodents lurking around, they’ll come knocking (or slithering, rather.). Taking a good look at your garden could reveal whether food sources are enticing these snakes to make a pit stop.
Effective Prevention Strategies
Creating a Snake-Proof Yard
To fend off garter snakes, designing a snake-proof yard is key. Begin by maintaining your lawn, keep the grass trimmed short. Tall grass and excessive weeds provide perfect hiding spaces for snakes and their prey alike. Using fencing can also provide a barrier, particularly if it’s buried a few inches underground. Snakes are sneaky creatures, so an above-ground barrier isn’t enough.
Removing Shelter and Hiding Spots
Taking away their preferred hiding spots is another proactive step. Remove debris, stacks of wood, and piles of stones from your yard. Snakes love cozy spots just as much as you do, and they will settle into any nook or cranny they can find. Make sure to clear away brush piles and ensure that any garden features do not provide overly inviting environments.
Eliminating Food Sources
To keep garter snakes away, it’s essential to manage food sources. Consider setting traps for pests such as rodents and keeping your garden free of any potential snacks. Use secure compost bins that prevent rodents from accessing a buffet of organic matter. Also, close any gaps in your home’s foundation where pests might enter: it’s a win-win, as it keeps both snakes and pesky critters out.
Long-Term Solutions For Snake Control
Using Deterrents and Repellents
If snakes continue to be uninvited guests, using natural deterrents can be effective. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your yard can create an unfriendly terrain for them. Also, consider commercial snake repellents that contain sulfur or cinnamon oil, as these scents are known to repel snakes.
When To Call Professionals
If your snake problem becomes overwhelming, it might be time to call in the pros. Pest control services can evaluate your situation and carry out strategies that are beyond standard DIY methods. They’ll help ensure your space turns into a snake-free sanctuary, giving you peace of mind.
