How To Get Rid Of Snakes

No matter where you live in the United States, you can’t avoid snakes. This isn’t a happy reality for those of you who find these creatures unpleasant, and with summer approaching quickly, you are becoming more and more likely to run into these slithering serpents.

That said, try and keep in mind that snakes are a beneficial and useful reptile that do more good than harm.

These natural pest control experts help reduce the number of annoying and harmful pests like insects, rodents and more.

Still, while snakes are beneficial to our ecosystem and important for the environment, they can also be dangerous. There are 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States alone, and every state except for Hawaii and Alaska is home to at least one venomous snake.

Venomous snakes can cause harm and even death to people and pets. Other snakes can cause destruction if they hibernate in our homes, walls, and beneath our flooring. And, let’s face it, snakes in general can be creepy to run into when out and about.

Luckily, you can keep snakes out of your home and yard using simple repellents, products, home remedies, and removal tips.

Are you wondering how to get rid of snakes in yards, this is the article for you. Let’s get started.

What Attracts Snakes To A Yard?

Snakes are attracted to tall grass. They look for shelter and food sources.

Wondering how to get rid of snakes in yards? Then you should first try and understand what attracts them there in the first place.

Snakes are reptiles and are most attracted to overgrowth. They prefer places they can hide and hunt, and will seek out shelter underground, in woodpiles, in old trees, and beneath debris like dead leaves.

Furthermore, snakes are also attracted to yards that provide them with hearty food sources like rodents, insects, earthworms, and even other reptiles like lizards. The good news is that most snakes who enter your yard will usually leave it.

However, some snakes can find a yard to be the perfect home, especially if it supplies plenty of food and shelter. If this happens, they may choose to make your property their property and stay for the long haul.

This becomes problematic when you have multiple snakes who choose to breed and reproduce on your property. It can also be problematic in the colder months, when snakes are less active and may even den or hibernate together to stay warm.

In fact, some snakes have been found in dens with as many as 100 other snakes at a time. If this happens, and especially if this happens in or around your property, you could be dealing with unsanitary conditions and even damage caused by snake feces and urine.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) snakes don’t leave behind the same obvious signs as other pests like rodents, bats, and insects. In fact, you could have a snake hidden inside your walls or crawlspace for months without realizing it.

So, how do you keep snakes from entering your home in the first place? The best way to keep snakes from becoming an issue in your home is to keep them from entering your yard in droves.

Of course, remember that snakes can be good for yards and gardens in smaller numbers. Let’s learn why.

Pros And Cons Of Having Snakes In The Yard

Rattlesnakes are some of the most commonly spotted venomous snakes in the US.

We know you want to know how to get rid of snakes in yards, but before you pull out all the stops, call the pros and buy the products, remember that snakes aren’t all bad. These carnivorous reptiles make excellent pest control allies and can help keep your yard and garden safe from all kinds of other, more damaging pests.

That said, snakes can also be startling, problematic, and even dangerous. While most snakes, even venomous ones, only bite when provoked, it’s still wise to leave a snake be if you find one outside.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of having snakes in your yard and learn why it’s important you know how to get rid of snakes in yards before they become a problem.

Snake Pros

• Snakes help keep the insect population under control
• Some non-venomous snakes prey on venomous snakes
• Snakes can help control the rodent population
• Most snakes are simply passing through

Snake Cons

• Some snakes are venomous to people and pets
• Snakes can carry diseases like salmonella
• Snakes can enter homes and hibernate in large numbers during the winter

Now that we’ve weighed out the pros and cons of having snakes around, let’s move on to a few different methods for how to get rid of snakes in yards.

How To Get Rid Of Snakes In Yards – Most Popular Methods

There are a few different methods you can use to get rid of snakes effectively. 

Even though we know snakes are beneficial, it’s important to keep them from entering our gardens and yards in large numbers, especially if they are venomous.

Since nearly every state in the US is home to at least one venomous snake, we recommend using the below methods for how to get rid of snakes in yards.

• Repellents

• Traps

• Professionals

• Preventatives

Not sure which above method for how to get rid of snakes in yards is right for you and your home? Let’s learn a bit more about each different method below.

Repellents

Most snake repellents are harmless and natural and can be used safely around homes and yards with children and pets.

Remember, the best way to keep snakes from entering your home is to keep them from your yard. Some of the best repellents for how to get rid of snakes in yards use scents and frequencies that snakes can’t stand.

Snake Traps

Traps are important to use in areas where a high volume of snakes have been spotted. You can use traps where you have noticed snake activity to help capture and relocate snakes. Of course, use traps with caution and never physically handle a snake unless you know for a fact it is not venomous.

The traps we’ve listed for how to get rid of snakes in yards below are all humane, live trap options meant for safe capture and relocation of problematic snakes.

Professionals

Most people are able to get rid of snakes on their own without the use of professionals. The good news is that snakes are generally solitary creatures. However, when the weather cools down, snakes may choose to den with other snakes, at which point you may need to contact a professional.

You should also contact a professional for how to get rid of snakes in yards if you feel you are dealing with venomous snakes and are uncomfortable handling the problem on your own.

Preventatives 

Preventatives go hand-in-hand with repellents when it comes to how to get rid of snakes in yards. Keeping snakes from entering your yard and garden is the easiest and most efficient way to avoid snake problems at all.

We will discuss some of the best preventatives for how to get rid of snakes in yards further down.

Still curious about which method is right for you? The below video explains a few different methods you can use to help get rid of snakes in the house and in the yard.

Now, let’s go over some of our favorite repellents for how to get rid of snakes in yards.

How To Get Rid Of Snakes In Yard Using Repellents

Repellents are a safe and humane way to keep snakes from entering your garden. 

As we mentioned above, using snake repellents are some of the best methods for keeping snakes from becoming a problem in your yard and garden.

Wondering what some of our favorite snake repellents are for how to get rid of snakes in yards? We have listed a few of our favorite brands for you to check out below.

Snake Defense Natural Repellent

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Snake Defense by Exterminator’s choice is a natural snake repellent that works on both non-venomous and venomous snakes. It is a safe repellent to use in your yard and garden and will help repel and prevent snakes from nesting, foraging, and even slithering around your yard looking for food.

The repellent works using essential oils like clove oil, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil to repel snakes and keep them from returning. This product is meant for outdoor use only so it’s perfect for those looking for how to get rid of snakes in yards.

That said, you can still spray this repellent along the perimeter of your home to help prevent snakes from entering your property as well.

Safer Brand Snake Shield

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This snake repellent is another safe and natural product you can use for how to get rid of snakes in yards. It uses natural ingredients like cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, and clove oil to help repel snakes and keep them from coming back.

However, this snake repellent is not a spray and instead works using granules that you can sprinkle around your yard and garden. We also suggest sprinkling it along the perimeter of your property to help keep snakes from getting close to your home.

Solar Powered Snake Repellent

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We love solar powered repellents for pests in the yard and garden because they help repel so many unwanted intruders. Solar powered snake repellents help keep snakes from entering your yard using frequency vibrations that irritate snakes and keep them from coming onto your property.

This product also works to repel pests like voles, gophers, and moles. The repellent works using solar energy, so they are super low maintenance and can be placed anywhere in your yard or garden without the use of any chemicals or harmful ingredients.

Ortho Snake B Gon

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Another product that uses essential oils for how to get rid of snakes in yards is Ortho Snake B Gon. This product uses natural granules that help to repel snakes. They are weather resistant and can last through rain and sprinklers.

This product is safe to use around children and pets and just needs to be sprinkled around the yard, garden, and perimeter of your home in order to deter snake activity.

Havahart Snake-A-Way

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This product is ideal for those with larger lawns and those who want to handle snakes humanely and safely. This product does not harm the environment and it is safe to use around children and pets as well.

It is available in a four pound bag and can be applied throughout the lawn and in the garden to help you keep snakes and other pests out of the yard.

How To Get Rid Of Snakes Using Traps

Many people find that minnow traps help to safely and humanely capture snakes for relocation. 

Traps are not typically recommended as the first choice for how to get rid of snakes in yards but can work to help you control the problem once you’ve used repellents and preventatives.

Many homeowners place snake traps in areas they feel they have seen lots of snake activity or in areas they want to keep snakes from entering, like around the perimeter of their homes. One of the traps many people commonly use to control snakes is a glue trap.

While glue traps are considered controversial by some, you can release a snake gently from a glue trap, as this video below explains.

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If you choose to use snake traps for how to get rid of snakes in yards, use them with caution. And again, never handle a snake unless you know for certain it is not venomous.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best snake traps recommended by experts.

Fnova Snake Tongs

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If you live in an area rich with snake activity, it may be wise to invest in a pair of snake tongs. While snake tongs will not help you keep snakes out of your yard, they will help you safely relocate a snake if you come across it.

The snake tongs above allow you to handle a snake carefully without direct contact so you can safely and humanely relocate it off of your property.

Snake Hook

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Snake hooks work similarly to snake tongs and will help you remove snakes from your yard safely. What we like about the above snake hook is that it is specifically designed to handle venomous snakes.

It is 43 inches long, giving you plenty of arm-width to remove these snakes off of your property and, when used along with repellents, is an excellent tool to help you figure out how to get rid of snakes in yards.

HARRIS Supersized Snake Glue Trap

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This glue trap by HARRIS is specifically made with snakes in mind and works well to trap and hold snakes safely so you can relocate and release them. As we mentioned above, while many glue traps are considered cruel, you can release the snakes from the trap by pouring food-grade olive oil over their bodies and allowing them to wriggle free.

Glue traps are not only great for how to get rid of snakes in yards, but they can also help capture other pests, including spiders, rats and mice.

Minnow Trap

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Because of the unique shape and build of minnow traps, many experts have found that they also work well as snake traps.

Snakes enter the larger holes of minnow traps and then find they are unable to make their way out again. We like this option for how to get rid of snakes in yards because it is a harm-free way you can capture and relocate snakes.

Catchmaster Snake Glue Trap

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This is another glue trap designed to catch snakes that should be used with caution, especially when dealing with venomous snakes.

Most experts agree that glue traps are best used when trying to keep snakes from inside the home, but they can also be used for those looking at how to get rid of snakes in yards when placed along the property line.

However, glue traps may also trap or harm other animals and should be used with caution.

How To Get Rid Of Snakes In Yard Using Home Remedies

Snakes are repelled by lemongrass plants. 

If you prefer to use your own home remedies for how to get rid of snakes in yards, you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways you as a homeowner can protect your yard and property from snakes by simply using ingredients you already have in your pantry, kitchen, or garden shed.

Let’s take a look!

• Plant Snake-Deterrent Plants 

Snakes are sensitive to odors and touch, and many of them are repelled by certain plants. Plants that work best to repel snakes from coming into your yard or garden include lemongrass, onion plants, garlic plants, Dracaena trifasciata (aka Motherin-Law’s Tongue), and marigolds.

That said, keep in mind that some of the above listed plants can be harmful and toxic to other animals, including our pets. For example, marigolds can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

• White Vinegar 

Many snakes are attracted to water sources because water sources like ponds and lakes attract insects. White vinegar helps to keep snakes at bay when poured along the edges of water sources.

• Use Mothballs 

Naphthalene is an ingredient in mothballs that repels not only snakes, but many other pests. The strong scent overwhelms snakes and will help keep them from entering your yard and home.

However, we should note that mothballs use chemicals and can be toxic around children and pets.

• Onions, Garlic, And Rock Salt Mixture

Did you know you can make your own snake repellent at home using onions, garlic, and rock salt? If you are wondering how to get rid of snakes in yards using home remedies, this is the recipe for you.

Simply dice and mix fresh onions and garlic with rock salt and sprinkle the solution around your yard and garden. This will need to be replied every few days or so, but it should work well to keep snakes at bay.

However, keep in mind that garlic and onions are toxic to dogs, so we don’t recommend using this home remedy if you have pets who play in the yard.

• Lime And Peppermint Oil

LIme juice and peppermint oil mixed with water make another effective snake repellent spray. Best of all, this smells wonderful and is safe to use around pets.

Mix the oil and lime juice with water in a spray bottle and spray anywhere you want to keep snakes from hanging around.

• Clove Oil, Peppermint Oil, Or Cinnamon Oil And Water Spray

Essential oils like cinnamon and clove oil also work wonders to keep snakes and other pests out of your garden. Many experts recommend mixing several drops of the oil of your choice with water in a spray bottle and spraying this mixture in your garden and around the perimeter of your home.

• Ammonia 

Wondering how to get rid of snakes in yards using ammonia? The scent is powerful even to people, so it’s no surprise that it would also help keep snakes away.

You can place ammonia soaked rags around your garden and home or soak cotton balls and do the same thing. This will help repel snakes and a few other pests, however Ammonia is a strong chemical that is toxic to people and pets and should be used carefully.

Quick Facts – What You Should Know About Snakes

Though they don’t have limbs, many snakes can climb trees.

So many people have a fear of snakes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that snakes are beneficial and generally not aggressive.

In fact, most snakes choose to keep to themselves and will only bite if provoked or if they feel threatened. So, while you’re looking for how to get rid of snakes in your yard, why not also look into learning about snakes to help ease your fear of them?

Here are a few interesting facts about snakes you may not have known.

There are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world and over 700 venomous snakes

And amazingly, snakes are found all over the world and on every continent except for Antarctica, where it is too cold for snakes to survive.

Snakes can’t chew

Ever wondered why snakes eat their food whole? Though they do have teeth, Snakes actually can’t chew and must swallow their food whole. Their jaws are also incredibly flexible, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than their own heads.

Snakes smell with their tongues

That flickering tongue movement you see snakes do isn’t just for show. These guys use their tongue to smell and determine what is food and what isn’t.

Some snakes give live birth

It’s a common misconception that all snakes lay eggs. In fact, just 70% of snakes lay eggs. The other 30% have eggs that hatch inside of them and give birth to live baby snakes.

Snakes can climb trees

Despite having limbs, snakes can climb trees. Their bodies are made primarily of muscle and they are able to climb by contracting their bodies and winding their way up thin branches and tree trunks.

How To Get Rid Of Snakes In Yard – When To Call A Professional

If you have a severe snake infestation or are dealing with venomous snakes, you may decide to call a professional. 

While running into a snake in your yard may be alarming, it’s not usually necessary to call in the professionals for snake removal.

Remember, most snakes are just passing through and are simply looking for their next meal. If you do come across a snake, you can use snake tongs or a snake hook to remove and relocate the snake and then go about using preventative measures and repellents to keep snakes from returning.

However, if you feel you have an overwhelming snake problem and you need help from the experts to figure out how to get rid of snakes in yards, don’t worry. Most pest control experts can help with snake removal.

On average, a professional pest control expert will charge around $150 to remove snakes, but this price may vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the company you contact.

Tips On Preventing Future Snake Problems In Your Yard

You can help keep snakes from returning to your yard by removing debris and keeping your grass cut short. 

Once you have figured out how to get rid of snakes in yards, you’ll want to ensure they don’t come back. There are plenty of tried and true methods you can use to keep snakes from returning to your yard during the summer and to keep your family and pets safe.

Some of the best preventative methods for how to get rid of snakes in yards and keep them from returning include:

• Remove A Snake’s Food Source

All snakes are carnivores and prey on pests like insects, lizards, mice, rats, and more. One of the best ways to keep snakes from entering your yard is to remove their food source.

Use natural repellents that not only target snakes, but also pests they prey on.

• Mow Your Lawn And Landscape

Because snakes like to hide in tall grass, keeping your lawn landscaped and your grass cut short will help keep them from slithering around where you can’t see them.

This will not only help you with how to get rid of snakes in yards but it will also keep you from accidentally getting bitten by a possibly venomous snake, as you have a better chance of seeing a snake if it does happen to come into your yard.

• Remove Debris 

Along with food, snakes are also on the hunt for shelter. They like to hide beneath dead leaves, in abandoned rodent holes, in hollowed tree trunks, beneath woodpiles, and other spaces they deem safe. You can help keep your yard snake free by removing loose debris.

• Install A Snake-Proof Fence Around Your Property

One of the best methods you can use for how to get rid of snakes in yards is to use a snake-proof fence. These fences must be installed properly in order to work, however, and you should make sure you have the proper size fence as well.

The proper fence will be made with mesh that is no larger than ¼ of an inch. Snake proof fences with larger openings will only protect your yard from adult snakes. Experts highly recommend snake-proof fences for those who live in areas rich with venomous snakes.

We hope this article has helped teach you how to get rid of snakes in yards and keep them from returning. Remember, snakes are beneficial animals but can be dangerous, especially if they are venomous.

What do you think? Would you remove snakes from your yard yourself or would you call in a professional for help? Tell us your opinions in the comment section below.