Nothing creeps my wife out more than seeing a snake in our backyard or inside the house. I could still hear her terrifying shrieks when she saw a snake lounging under a tree in the yard last year. I couldn’t understand why of all the houses on the block, the scary creatures were visiting our property. I had to research and consult local animal experts to know what we needed to do to make our backyard snake-proof.
Before we move further, let me clarify one thing. There are no magic words that could eliminate the very existence of snakes from your house or yard in seconds. However, there are some measures that can prevent them from slithering into your yard and building up shelter there. These techniques made my property unattractive to the reptiles and discouraged them from visiting. That’s why I want to share them with you here.
Read further to learn those techniques and tips that can snakeproof your yard.
Tips to Make Your Backyard Snake Proof
Research and expert opinion show that the following tips can make your backyard snake-proof to a great degree.
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Tidy & Maintained Backyard
Snakes like to hang around a backyard flooded with tall grass and unwanted growth. These provide them cover. Keep and neat and well-maintained backyard by regularly mowing grass and trimming trees and shrubs. Please ensure that low-hanging greenery is well-kept and away from your house’s entrance.
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Reduce Shelters & Hiding Spots
The next thing you need to do is to eliminate or reduce the places that can act as shelters or hiding spots for snakes. For instance, remove stacks of firewoods, mulch, rocks, clippings and debris from the ground as snakes slither under them to hide. My friendly advice is to stack them on a hard surface, like a concrete block, 12 – 18 inches above the ground.
Petersen, a navy biologist, says that ground cover plants like pachysandra and ivy are notorious for giving cover to snakes. Scantly plant them in your garden/yard. Also, control the growth of weeds on your property.
Many snake hiding spots are also excellent rodent hideouts. Removing these shelters will reduce the vermin population too. So, it’s a win-win.
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Seal Cracks and Holes
Cracks, holes and burrows in your yard or outdoor space are also preferred resting spots for these slithering creatures. Seal all these spots shut to discourage both rodents and snakes’ onslaught.
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Eliminate Direct & Indirect Food Source
Creatures such as rats, mice, frogs, toads and lizards are favourite meal options of snakes. Even smaller snakes become meals for large ones. You should follow natural or chemical practices to get rid of rodents and these animals that act as direct food sources for snakes.
Furthermore, remove indirect food sources that lure vermin to your place. Clean bird feeders and chicken coops regularly. Also, keep bird seeds and pet food in tightly sealed containers. In addition to that, keep your garbage and litter cans tightly covered to avoid enticing rodents. Monitor rodent traps closely to discard the catch before it becomes food for other unwanted creatures.
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Eliminate Outdoor Water Sources
Reduce outdoor water sources as much as possible. Excessive moisture tempts the creatures that snakes prefer to eat, such as amphibians, birds, rodents and insects. Try to avoid overwatering your yard or garden. Fix all the leaky faucets, hoses and taps to deprive snakes of the required moisture.
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Protect Your Domestic Fowls
If you have birds and domestic fowls such as hens in your house, the possibility of snake advances towards chicken pens and birdhouses are very high. Don’t leave your birds and poultry unprotected by properly covering their residences. I advise you to clean chicken pens and birdhouses regularly to avoid drawing rodents and snakes.
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Snake Predators to Patrol the Property
Wildlife experts believe that pets as sweet as dogs and cats can be very aggressive towards snakes. They are effective snake predators. Therefore, snakes try to steer clear of places where these pets reside. So, command your kitty or dog to patrol the backyard and other suspicious areas around the house to shoo the snakes away.
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Snake Repellents & Anti-Snake Plants
There’s a mixed opinion regarding the effectiveness of snake repellents and snake repelling plants. I came across several cases during my research where these techniques worked. So, I would advise you to use every means possible to deter snakes. Use snake-repellent products and plants to create multiple layers of boundaries around your yard and house to keep these unannounced guests away.
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Snake-Proof Fencing
If you aren’t satisfied with all the above practices, consider the installation of a snake-proof fence around your backyard. People prefer catch net, steel mesh or plastic sheets materials for creating snake-proof fencing around the land.
Conclusion
I wouldn’t kill snakes, but I am also not comfortable with their presence in my backyard. Many of you must feel the same way. The above practices have higher success rates at preventing your property from becoming a tourist spot for snakes. So, instead of planning the mass murder of these slithering creatures, it is better you follow ways to make your property unattractive to them. In short, these techniques will surely make your backyard snakeproof and reduce unexpected encounters.
