How to Reduce the Number of Venomous Snakes in an Area

Snakes flock to an area seeking food and shelter. They can easily adapt to most environments. Most snakes are non-venomous but when venomous snakes inhabit your area, they can be a threat to pets, livestock and your family. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes and their subspecies make up the species of venomous snakes in North America. Reduce their numbers with these tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify features of venomous snakes you encounter. A rattle on the tail, diamond or triangular shaped head, vertical eye pupils and a deep facial pit located between the eyes and nostrils identifies different species of venomous snakes.

2. Remove places that venomous snakes use for shelter. Woodpiles, trash, old cars, tools and other objects on the ground can provide snakes shelter from the sun. Clean up junk and remove or place wood and rock piles far away from the home.

3. Keep your lawn in good condition. High grass is a great shelter for snakes, trim laws and weeds and remove leaf piles to eliminate hiding spots. Consider moving shrubs and other vegetation several feet from the home.

4. Get rid of venomous snakes' food source. Large rodent populations around your home may be the reason for the venomous snakes, use rodent reduction methods for mice and squirrels.

5. Seal up access to your home. Snakes can fit into small cracks and holes, check foundations, crawl spaces, storage shelters, basements and garages for access points. Add screens to windows and doors to block access.

6. Construct a snake proof fence to prevent all venomous snakes and most non poisonous snakes from entering your yard. Snake proof fences can be expensive, a more affordable alternative may be to construct a snake-proof fence around the children's play area.

Tips & Warnings

• Since non-poisonous snakes may possess or appear to possess some of the same physical features of venomous snakes, studying snakes is the only way to correctly identify them.
• Venomous snakes rarely attack a human; the majority of attacks happen when someone tries to kill or pick up the snake. To stay safe, do not attempt to pick up a venomous snake if spotted. Walk away and call Animal Control or a local snake expert.
• Venomous snake bites could be life threatening; seek medical help immediately.