How to Get Rid of Grass Snakes

Grass snakes are not dangerous and normally shy away from humans.

Grass snakes are non-venomous and prefer damp habitats close to water like river banks, ponds and meadows. They like to feed on frogs, insects and rodents and play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling the rodent and insect population. Grass snakes can pose a problem, though, if they wander onto your property in search of shelter from the heat. Getting rid of grass snakes has everything to do with eliminating places on your property where they may feel safe.

Things You'll Need

• Mint
• Snake repellent
• Snake fencing

Instructions

1. Eliminate safe spots on your property. Grass snakes are always looking for cool places to hide out. A compost heap or wood pile can attract snakes because they provide the perfect place for snakes to cool off and be safe from their own natural predators.

2. Keep your lawn trimmed at 2 inches or shorter. Grass snakes love to hide in tall grass because it provides the perfect place to cool off. Tall grass is also an ideal feeding ground for snakes' favorite meals like rodents, grasshoppers and other insects.

3. Deter grass snakes from coming onto your property by getting rid of small rodents. Snakes may be slithering into your yard because they're on the scent of their next meal. Keep your rodent population down by planting mint around the perimeter of your yard. Mice have an aversion to this smell and will stay away.

4. Buy snake repellent to keep grass snakes away. Snake repellent has components that emit a strong odor that repels snakes. Sprinkle it around your house, garden and yard. These repellents are not harmful to pets and children.

5. Install snake-proof fencing in your yard or garden. This is a low fence only a couple of feet high that goes all the way around the area you want to keep snakes out of.

References

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Deterring Unwanted Snakes
• Get Rid of Things: How to Get Rid of Snakes