How You Can Get Rid of Garter Snakes

How You Can Get Rid of Garter Snakes thumbnail
Garter snakes are generally considered harmless but may be a nuisance to homeowners.

Garter snakes can be found throughout the United States and are generally 3 feet in length or smaller. Most garter snakes feed on small insects or rodents and are considered harmless to humans. They like to warm up in the sun, which is why the snakes can frequently be found on sidewalks or rocks. They often also hide in bushes. Getting rid of garter snakes generally requires removing places they like to hide and eliminating possible food sources. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Lawn mower
  • Clippers
  • Cedar mulch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mow your lawn frequently, trim back shrubs and bushes and fence in gardens. Tall grass, bushes and other leafy places are excellent places for garter snakes to live and hide.

    • 2

      Place log piles or other stacks of wood away from the home, as snakes are fond of the cool hiding places that wood can provide. Check under porches and decks and close off any entry points, if possible.

    • 3

      Look under porches, in garages and in other storage areas for rodents such as mice or rats and work on eliminating any rodents, as they will only attract snakes as a food source.

    • 4

      Check the foundation of the house for any holes that would allow a snake to enter the home. The cool, damp area underneath a house is a primary breeding area for snakes. Therefore, removing access to the foundation will help get rid of the snakes.

    • 5

      Consider getting a pet, as most cats and dogs will protect their domain and will chase away or kill snakes.

    • 6

      Mulch your garden and areas around the home with cedar chips, as garter snakes dislike the scent of cedar. They also dislike the smell of sulfur, which can be purchased at most gardening supply stores.

Tips & Warnings

  • While garter snakes are generally harmless, if you or someone in your family is bitten by a snake, always have the injury checked by a doctor.

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References

  • Photo Credit garter snake image by Carbonbrain from Fotolia.com

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