How can you get rid of garter snakes around your yard? Getting rid of garter snakes from your yard safely means making your yard a place they don’t want to be. It’s about changing things so snakes do not find food or shelter there. This is better than trying to catch or harm them. You can do this by cleaning up, getting rid of their food sources, and blocking their hiding spots. These are all part of safe garter snake removal and garter snake control methods.
Garter snakes are common visitors to many yards. They are often harmless and even helpful. They eat pests like slugs and insects. But seeing any snake can be scary for some people. Or maybe you just do not want them close to your home. The good news is you can encourage them to move along without hurting them. You can use humane snake removal methods. You can also focus on how to keep snakes out of yard in the first place.
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Knowing About Garter Snakes
Before you try to move snakes or make your yard less friendly to them, it helps to know a bit about them. This helps you use the right garter snake control methods.
What They Look Like
Garter snakes come in different colors. They often have stripes along their bodies. These stripes can be yellow, green, blue, or white. Their main color is often brown, gray, or black. They are usually small to medium in size. Most are less than two feet long. They are thin. They have round pupils in their eyes. This is a sign they are not dangerous.
Are They Harmful?
For people and pets, garter snakes are almost never harmful. They might bite if they feel trapped or scared. Their bite is not poisonous. It might hurt a little or cause some redness. It is like a scratch. They might also let out a stinky liquid from their rear end. This is to make animals leave them alone. They are not snakes that hurt people. They are not venomous like rattlesnakes or copperheads.
Why They Come Around
Why do these snakes choose your yard? It comes down to two main things: food and shelter. Learning what attracts garter snakes is the first step to sending them away.
- Food: Garter snakes eat small animals. Their favorite foods are earthworms, slugs, and amphibians like frogs and toads. They also eat insects and sometimes small fish or mice. If you have a lot of these small animals in your yard, snakes will come looking for a meal.
- Shelter: Snakes need places to hide. They hide from predators like birds and other animals. They also hide from the sun and cold. They look for cool, damp places in summer. They look for safe spots to sleep in winter. Places like piles of wood, rocks, leaves, tall grass, and holes in the ground make good homes for snakes.
Simple Steps to Make Your Yard Less Appealing
The best way to get snakes to leave is to make your yard a bad place for them to live. This is about making your yard less like a snake home. It is a key part of how to keep snakes out of yard and prevent snakes in garden.
Clean Up Your Yard
Messy yards give snakes places to hide. Cleaning up is a big step to eliminate snake habitat.
Cut Grass Short
Tall grass is a great place for snakes to hide and hunt. Keeping your lawn cut short makes snakes feel unsafe. They do not like being out in the open. Short grass also makes it harder for them to find their food like slugs and worms.
- Mow your lawn often.
- Keep the grass height low.
- This takes away a key hiding spot.
Clear Piles of Stuff
Snakes love to hide under things. Piles of leaves, grass clippings, wood, rocks, or old stuff are perfect snake homes.
- Rake up leaves and grass clippings. Get rid of them.
- Stack firewood neatly off the ground on a rack. Put it far from your house.
- Remove piles of rocks or old building stuff.
- Clean up clutter like old tarps or garden tools left lying around.
Trim Plants
Overgrown bushes and plants that touch the ground give snakes cover. Plants near your house can invite snakes too close.
- Trim bushes and shrubs.
- Keep branches and leaves off the ground.
- Trim plants away from the sides of your house and foundation.
- This removes hiding places.
Control Food Sources
If you take away the snakes’ food, they have no reason to stay. This is another way to get rid of what attracts garter snakes.
Deal with Pests
Snakes eat other small animals. If your yard is full of slugs, snails, frogs, or mice, snakes will come.
- Reduce slugs and snails. Do not overwater plants. Use simple slug traps if needed.
- Manage rodent problems. Keep garbage cans closed. Clean up spilled birdseed. Do not leave pet food outside. Fix holes where mice can get in.
- If you have many frogs or toads, check if you have standing water they like.
Manage Water Sources
Standing water attracts amphibians like frogs and toads. These are food for garter snakes. Water also gives snakes a place to drink and cool off.
- Fix leaky pipes or sprinklers.
- Empty buckets or containers that hold water.
- Clean out bird baths often or move them if they seem to attract snakes.
- Check that your yard drains well. Water should not sit for long periods after rain.
Fix Hiding Spots
Snakes look for small, dark places to hide or get inside buildings. Blocking these spots helps eliminate snake habitat near your home.
Close Holes
Snakes can slip into very small openings. Check the outside of your house. Look for cracks or holes.
- Seal cracks in your home’s foundation. Use caulk or cement.
- Check around pipes and wires that go into the house. Seal gaps there.
- Look at doors and windows. Make sure they seal tightly. Use door sweeps if needed.
Fix Cracks
Walkways, patios, and steps can have cracks. Retaining walls often have gaps. These are perfect snake hiding spots.
- Repair cracks in outdoor concrete or stone.
- Check stone walls or rock gardens. Fill large gaps if possible.
- Make these areas less inviting for snakes looking for shelter.
By cleaning up and fixing hiding spots, you make your yard less comfortable for snakes. This is a key part of yard snake deterrent efforts.
Making Your Yard a Snake-Free Zone
Beyond cleaning, you can also add things that make it harder for snakes to get in. This is about using physical yard snake deterrents.
Put Up a Barrier
A fence can help keep snakes out. It needs to be the right kind of fence and put up the right way. This is a strong snake prevention tip.
Types of Fences
A regular garden fence will not stop snakes. They can go right through it or under it. You need a fence with small holes or a solid material.
- Use mesh or netting with small holes. The holes should be 1/4 inch or smaller. Hardware cloth or snake fencing mesh works well.
- A solid fence base can also block them.
How to Install One Right
Putting up a snake fence is different from a regular fence.
- The fence should be at least 2-3 feet tall. Snakes can climb a little.
- The bottom of the fence is the most important part. Bury the bottom edge a few inches in the ground. Angle it outward slightly. This stops snakes from pushing under it.
- Make sure there are no gaps at the ends or where sections meet.
- Put the fence around areas you want to protect, like a play area or vegetable garden. Fencing your whole yard might be too hard or costly.
A well-built fence is a very good yard snake deterrent. It makes it hard for snakes to enter certain areas.
Using Things Snakes Do Not Like
Some smells or materials might make snakes want to avoid an area. While no natural snake repellent is 10 that works every time, some things might help when used with cleaning up the yard.
Natural Smells
Some people try using strong smells. The idea is that snakes do not like the smell and will go away.
- Garlic and Onions: Planting garlic or onions might keep some things snakes eat away, which indirectly helps. Some people crush them and spread them, but this is not proven to work well for snakes themselves.
- Vinegar: Pouring vinegar around areas like ponds or water features might deter snakes. They do not like going over it. But you need to use a lot, and it washes away easily. It also can harm plants.
- Mothballs: Some people use mothballs. But mothballs contain chemicals that are bad for pets, kids, and the environment. They are also not very good at keeping snakes away. It is best not to use mothballs.
- Specific Plants: Some plants are said to repel snakes, like Marigolds or Snake Plant (Sansevieria). There is not much proof these plants work to repel snakes. They might just not offer good cover.
Instead of relying on smells, focusing on taking away food and shelter is much more effective. Making the yard less inviting is the best natural snake repellent because it removes what snakes need.
Handling Snakes You See
Even with the best steps, you might still see a garter snake sometimes. How should you handle it? This is where humane snake removal comes in.
What to Do First
If you see a garter snake, do not panic. Remember they are not harmful.
- Keep calm.
- Give the snake space. Most snakes will try to get away from you.
- Watch where it goes. Often, it will just move on its own if you leave it alone.
- Do not try to corner it.
Moving a Snake Safely
If a snake is in a place you really need it to leave, like inside your house or a shed, you can try to move it safely.
- Use a long broom or stick: Gently try to nudge the snake towards an exit. Do this calmly. Do not hit the snake.
- Use a bucket and broom: If the snake is in an enclosed space, you can place a bucket on its side. Gently use a broom to guide the snake into the bucket. Once it is in the bucket, keep the bucket upright. Take it far away from your home (at least a few hundred feet, or to a nearby natural area if safe and allowed) and let it go.
- Wear thick gloves: If you must get close, wear thick gloves to protect your hands. But avoid touching the snake if possible.
This type of garter snake removal is kind to the snake and keeps you safe. Remember, they do not want to bite you. They just want to escape.
When to Get Help
Sometimes, you might need help with snake removal.
- If you are not sure what kind of snake it is and worry it might be venomous. (Though garter snakes are easy to spot).
- If you are scared or uncomfortable moving the snake yourself.
- If the snake is in a hard-to-reach spot.
- If you have many snakes and the problem is big.
You can call local animal control, a wildlife expert, or a professional humane snake removal service. They know how to handle snakes safely.
Keeping Them Away for Good
Getting rid of snakes is not just a one-time job. You need to keep working at it. These are important snake prevention tips and part of garter snake control methods.
Keep Up the Cleaning
The most important thing is to keep your yard clean and tidy.
- Mow the lawn often.
- Keep bushes and plants trimmed.
- Do not let leaves or other stuff pile up.
- Store wood and other items neatly and off the ground.
- Regularly check for and seal holes or cracks.
Make this part of your regular yard work plan.
Watch for Signs
Pay attention to your yard.
- Look for signs of snakes, like shed skins.
- Watch for what attracts snakes, like lots of slugs or mice. If you see these pests, deal with them quickly.
- Check areas where snakes like to hide.
Being watchful helps you stop problems before they start.
Avoiding Things That Do Not Work or Are Harmful
When trying to get rid of snakes, it is important to use safe methods. Some ideas you might hear are not good or do not work.
Chemical Repellents
Many products are sold as snake repellents. They often contain chemicals.
- They often do not work well. Snakes do not strongly react to many smells or chemicals that are supposed to repel them.
- They can be harmful. These chemicals can be bad for your pets, local wildlife (like birds or helpful insects), and the soil.
- They do not solve the real problem. If your yard has food and shelter, snakes will come back even if you use a repellent that might work a little bit.
Focus on fixing the reasons snakes are there instead of using chemicals. This is part of a safe garter snake control method.
Killing Snakes
You should never try to kill a garter snake.
- They are not harmful. They are good for the environment because they eat pests.
- It is often illegal. In many places, it is against the law to harm or kill native snakes, even non-venomous ones.
- It does not solve the problem. Killing one snake does not stop others from coming if your yard is still a good place for them to live. More snakes will just move in.
- It is inhumane. Safe, gentle ways to move them or make them leave are much better.
Humane snake removal is always the best choice.
Learning About Local Snakes
Knowing the snakes in your area is helpful.
Know Your Snakes
Learn what garter snakes look like. Learn about any other snakes in your area. This helps you know if the snake you see is a harmless garter snake or something else. Pictures online or books about local wildlife can help. If you are unsure, keep your distance and call an expert.
Check Local Rules
Some areas have rules about wildlife. This includes snakes. Check with your local wildlife agency. They can tell you if there are specific rules about snakes in your area. They can also offer advice on garter snake control methods that are approved where you live.
Summary: Safe Steps for a Snake-Free Yard
Getting garter snakes to leave your yard safely is mainly about changing your yard. It is not about hurting the snakes.
Here is a quick look at the best steps:
- Clean Up: Make your yard neat. Cut grass short. Clear piles of leaves, wood, and junk. Trim plants away from the house. This takes away snake hiding spots and is key to eliminate snake habitat.
- Remove Food: Get rid of what snakes eat. Control pests like slugs and mice. Fix water leaks and standing water that attract frogs. This targets what attracts garter snakes.
- Block Entry: Seal holes and cracks in your home’s foundation. Fix gaps in walls or walkways. Consider a snake-proof fence for specific areas. This helps with how to keep snakes out of yard and is a good yard snake deterrent.
- Humane Handling: If you see a snake, leave it alone if possible. It will likely leave. If you must move it, use a broom and bucket gently. This is humane snake removal.
- Keep It Up: Make these steps a regular part of your yard care. This provides long-term snake prevention tips and effective garter snake control methods.
- Avoid Harm: Do not use chemical snake repellents. They are not safe or effective. Never try to kill a snake. It is not needed and can be harmful or illegal.
By taking these steps, you make your yard less inviting to snakes. You use safe garter snake removal methods that protect you, the snake, and the environment. A clean, tidy yard is the best natural snake repellent.
Questions People Ask
Here are some common questions about snakes in the yard.
Is it normal to see garter snakes in my yard?
Yes, it is very normal. Garter snakes live in many places. Yards that have gardens, water, or places to hide are good spots for them. Seeing one or two is often a sign of a healthy local environment.
Will garter snakes come into my house?
They might, but it’s not common unless they are looking for shelter or chasing food (like mice) that got inside. They usually stay outside. Sealing cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and around pipes helps keep them out. This is part of how to keep snakes out of yard and buildings.
Do snake repellents work?
Most chemical snake repellents do not work well. They often do not make snakes leave. They can also be harmful to pets and wildlife. Natural methods like cleaning up your yard and removing food sources are much better. Focus on eliminate snake habitat instead.
What time of day are garter snakes most active?
Garter snakes are usually most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. This is when they look for food and bask in the sun.
If I see a garter snake, does that mean I have a lot more snakes?
Not always. You might just have one snake passing through. However, if your yard has lots of food and good hiding places, it might attract more snakes over time. This is why focusing on what attracts garter snakes and changing your yard is important.
Can my pet dog or cat be hurt by a garter snake?
A garter snake might bite your pet if the pet tries to catch or play with it. The bite is not poisonous. It might cause some minor pain or swelling. The pet is more likely to be scared by the snake’s stinky liquid. Keeping your yard less attractive to snakes can reduce the chance of your pet meeting one.
Where should I move a snake if I catch it?
If you must move a snake, take it to a safe, natural area away from homes. A park, a wooded spot, or a field at least a few hundred feet away is usually good. Make sure it is a place where the snake can find food and shelter. Check if there are local rules about moving wildlife. This is part of humane snake removal.
Will getting rid of bugs and mice make snakes leave?
Yes, definitely. Snakes come looking for food. If you get rid of the bugs, slugs, worms, frogs, or mice that snakes eat, the snakes will look for food somewhere else. Controlling pests is a key snake prevention tip.
Is it true that mothballs keep snakes away?
No. This is a common idea, but it is not true. Mothballs do not repel snakes well. They contain chemicals that are bad for the air, soil, pets, and people. Do not use mothballs.
How often should I do yard cleanup to prevent snakes?
Regular cleanup is best. Keep your grass mowed every week or two. Rake leaves in the fall. Pick up sticks and debris regularly. Keep storage areas tidy all the time. Fixing holes and cracks should be done as soon as you find them. Making this a habit helps keep snakes away. It is part of effective garter snake control methods.