Gardening was your peaceful release, or it was until your immaculately kept rows of petunias or carrots were invaded by snakes. No matter if you suffer from a severe case of ophidiophobia — fear of snakes — or not; finding a slithering invertebrate on your lawn can send you shouting to your house. If you cannot stand the sight of snakes, use simple methods to eliminate the unwanted slithering guests. But do not forget, mammals additionally keep the rodent population in check, so you may want to think about peaceful coexistence.
Learn how to spot a venomous snake. As stated by the University of California, there are a couple species of rattlesnakes that will make their way into your backyard. Aside from the distinctive tail along with the “rattling” noise, which the snake makes when it feels threatened, venomous rattlesnakes will also have a triangular head. Many species of non-venomous snakes — including corn and rat snakes — have also rattlers.
Put in a snake-proof fence around the perimeter of your yard. According to the University of California, these fences are possibly pricey but may be an efficient way to keep snakes from your lawn. Snake-resistant fences are assembled from mesh wire screening and buried at least 6 inches under the ground. The fencing is available at home improvement stores.
Remove weeds from the garden and keep any nearby shrubs or grass in check. Unkempt foliage, grass and huge patches of weeds all provide cover and hiding spaces for snakes. Trimming the out-of-control leaf makes your lawn and yard less attractive to the snakes.
Lay glue board traps around the perimeter of the lawn. Attach individual traps to little chunks of plywood with glue or tiny nails and lay them everywhere you’ve noticed snakes or even a snake trail before. The plywood makes the traps heavier, making it more difficult for the snake to escape. Check the glue traps at least once per day and if you grab a snake, contact a professional to relocate the invertebrate.
Manually capture any nonvenomous snakes from your yard, if you’re not squeamish. Either pick this up with gloved hands or shoo the invertebrate to a sack, bucket or pillowcase with a broom. Contact a pest control business to relocate the snake.
Slip on a pair of snake-proof boots or legging while gardening. The boots and leggings are constructed from heavy duty materials, including thick leather, and are designed to stop a biting snake from sinking its fangs into your skin. Wearing long sleeves, jeans and gardening gloves in addition to the boots or legging also protects you by a possible bite while toiling in the backyard. Snake-proof boots and leggings are available at sporting goods stores.
Wear gardening gloves and observe what you’re doing while you wash up debris, lift rocks, pull weeds or root around areas that snakes enjoy hiding. If you encounter a snake, have a step back and allow it to slither away. Otherwise, slowly back away from a snake that is standing its ground.