How to Repel Garter Snakes

Natural predators usually keep snake populations in control.

Garter snakes are prevalent in grassy areas populated by mice and rodents upon which they feed. In many climates, garter snakes can be found in lawns and gardens and can even enter homes. Garter snakes are helpful to farmers and gardeners as they eliminate pests that can spread disease and damage plants. However, many methods exist to repel excessive garter snake populations from your property.

Things You'll Need

• Commercial snake repellent
• Pet cat
• Lawnmower
• Short electrical fence (optional)
• Rodent repellent
• Insect repellent
• Foam gun

Instructions

1. Purchase a commercial snake repellent. One popular brand available online or at most garden and home repair stores is called Dr. T's Snake-Away. Most effective snake repellents include sulfur and naphthalene. You can also spread mothballs around porches and the edges of lawns, as these often contain naphthalene.

2. Acquire a pet cat. Cats are natural predators of garter snakes. A cat that is a good mouser is likely to hunt garter snakes in your yard and garden, keeping the population in check. Be aware, however, that cats may bring injured or dead snakes into your home.

3. Install an electrical fence very low to the ground. Do this only if snakes are a major problem, since this method can be expensive, may cause people to trip, and might detract from the aesthetics of your property. If you do not purchase a fence, seal holes in your house, especially those that lead to a damp basement that may harbor snakes. Purchase a foam gun and fill cracks in mortar, drywall and wood that exceed 1/4th inch in size. This will also control rodent problems.

4. Trim the grass in your lawn frequently and maintain a short length. Eliminate thick bushes or groves on your property. Snakes are frightened of people, animals and cars and will only reside where they can hide in plants or grass. Eliminate rock piles where snakes can bask. If you do not provide an ideal habitat for garter snakes, they will not remain on your property.

5. 

   Garter snakes, though plentiful around gardens and lawns, are harmless.

   Eliminate excessive rodent and insect populations on and around your property. Garter snakes feed on insects and very small rodents. Eliminate mice and insect nests and snakes will leave to find a more plentiful food source. You can purchase commercial insect and rodent repellents. Do not leave pet food uncovered and clean up any spills to avoid attracting rodents.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless an exceptionally large snake population affects your area, you probably will not need to do anything to repel garter snakes beyond keeping your lawn and garden trimmed. Garter snakes are an important part of the ecosystem as they eliminate rodent pests, and can even help prevent rodent infestations in your home. If garter snakes do become invasive, follow safe repellent methods. These are harmless snakes, and it is not necessary to kill them in order to remove them from your property.

References

• University of Nebraska: The Efficacy of Naphthalene and Sufure Repellens to Cause Avoidance Behavior in the Plains Garter Snake
• Colorado State University: Coping with Snakes
• Maine.gov: Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series Snakes
• Get Rid of Things: How to Get Rid of Snakes

Resources

• "Slithering Snakes- Like 'em? Hate 'em? How To Get Rid Of Them"; James Louis; 2008
• Dr. T's Nature Products: Home Page