Snakes play an important role in nature by keeping rodents and pests under control. But finding one in your yard—or worse, inside your home—can be frightening. Whether venomous or harmless, most homeowners don’t want snakes around, especially if children or pets are present.
Snakes usually come near houses looking for food, water, or shelter. If you know how to remove these attractions, you can reduce the chances of having snakes around. In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify snakes, safe methods to get rid of them, and long-term prevention tips to keep your property snake-free.
Key Takeaways
- Snakes are often attracted to tall grass, water sources, or places where rodents and insects hide.
- Most snakes in North America are non-venomous and actually help control pests.
- Safe DIY snake removal includes spraying with water, using repellents, or eliminating hiding spots.
- Professional pest control services can help with safe snake removal and long-term prevention.
Why Do Snakes Come Into Yards?
Like many pests, snakes enter your property mainly to search for food and shelter. Some common reasons include:
- Food sources: rodents, frogs, grasshoppers, birds, or insects.
- Water sources: standing water, leaky gutters, or pet water bowls.
- Shelter: tall grass, compost piles, wood stacks, or holes in the ground.
If your yard provides these conditions, snakes may see it as a safe and attractive place.
Common Types of Snakes
Before trying to remove a snake, it’s important to know whether it’s dangerous or not. Here are some common types you may find:
Garter Snakes
- Found across most of North America.
- Usually have three stripes down their bodies.
- Non-venomous and harmless, but can grow up to 54 inches.
Rat Snakes
- Dark bodies with lighter undersides.
- Can climb trees and swim.
- Non-venomous, often found near barns or gardens.
Kingsnakes
- Colorful bands that may look similar to venomous coral snakes.
- Non-venomous and helpful for controlling rodents.
- Usually have spoon-shaped heads and round pupils.
How to Tell if a Snake is Venomous
Most snakes are harmless, but it’s always better to be cautious. Some ways to identify venomous snakes:
| Feature | Venomous Snakes | Non-Venomous Snakes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Shape | Usually triangular | Rounded or spoon-shaped |
| Pupils | Vertical and thin | Round pupils |
| Color Patterns | Coral snakes: red bands touch yellow | Scarlet kingsnakes: red separated by black |
⚠️ Important: These features are not always 100% accurate. Some harmless snakes mimic venomous ones for protection. If you’re unsure, keep your distance and call a professional.
Signs You Have Snakes Around
Sometimes, you may not see a snake directly but can notice signs such as:
- Shed snake skins.
- Small holes in the ground (1–2 inches wide).
- Snake droppings with fur or bones.
- Tracks in dusty or sandy areas.
- Strange smells in crawl spaces or basements.
How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your Yard
If you confirm the snake is not venomous, you can try these safe methods:
1. Spray with a Hose
From a safe distance, spray water to encourage the snake to leave.
2. Trap with a Garbage Can
Cover the snake with a large container, then place a weight on top until help arrives.
3. Use Snake Repellents
Products like Ortho Snake B Gon (made with cinnamon and clove oil) can disturb their sense of smell and keep them away.
4. Remove Water Sources
Fix leaks, remove standing water, and keep gardens dry to reduce snake activity.
5. Eliminate Hiding Spots
Remove piles of wood, tall grass, or debris where snakes may hide.
6. Set Humane Traps
Wire mesh cage traps allow catch-and-release. Avoid glue traps—they are harmful and often kill snakes.
How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your House
Finding a snake indoors can be scary. Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and do not try to kill the snake.
- If non-venomous, guide it toward the door using a broom.
- Trap it in a container if possible.
- Seal off the room and call animal control if unsure.
Snakes usually enter homes when there is a rodent problem, so pest control may be necessary.
How to Keep Snakes Away Long-Term
The best way to avoid snakes is prevention. Here are some long-term strategies:
| Method | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Keep grass short | Removes hiding places |
| Lay gravel or rough surfaces | Snakes prefer smooth areas |
| Remove bird feeders | Prevents rodents that attract snakes |
| Feed pets indoors | Avoids leftover food attracting pests |
| Trim tree branches | Prevents climbing snakes |
| Seal entry points | Blocks snakes from entering homes |
| Add snake-proof fencing | Creates a physical barrier |
How to Treat a Snakebite
Even non-venomous snakes can bite if threatened. Always treat bites seriously.
Do This:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay calm and keep the bitten limb below heart level.
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Wrap with a clean bandage.
- Mark the bite area and note the time of the bite.
Don’t Do This:
- Don’t use ice or a tourniquet.
- Don’t cut the wound.
- Don’t suck out venom.
- Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine.
Professional Snake Removal
Sometimes, DIY methods are not enough. Professional pest control services can:
- Safely trap and remove snakes.
- Seal entry points.
- Eliminate food sources like rodents and insects.
Recommended companies:
- Terminix – Offers snake removal and prevention.
- Orkin – Provides wildlife control (availability may vary by location).
FAQs About Snakes
Q1: What keeps snakes away naturally?
Snakes dislike strong smells like cinnamon oil, clove oil, and sulfur. Removing food and water sources also keeps them away.
Q2: Do mothballs keep snakes away?
No, mothballs are ineffective and harmful to pets and the environment.
Q3: Does salt work against snakes?
No, salt does not repel snakes like it does slugs.
Q4: What is the most effective snake repellent?
Products containing natural oils like clove and cinnamon are considered effective, but prevention is the best method.
Q5: Should I kill snakes in my yard?
No, most snakes are harmless and actually help by eating pests. Instead, remove them safely or call professionals.
Final Thoughts
Snakes may be beneficial for the ecosystem, but they can make homeowners uncomfortable. By removing food, water, and shelter, you can make your yard less attractive to snakes. For stubborn cases, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control service.
Want to learn more about protecting your home from pests? Visit thisolderhouse for more helpful guides.
