Snakes: does anything work? (landscaping, cats, concrete, yard)
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I jinxed myself this morning. I commented that I wondered when my first snake encounter of the spring would be. Of course, I walked outside to do some light gardening in the landscaping beds and encountered my first snake under the porch.
The snakes in my area are non-poisonous, but they can be large! (3-5 feet in length or more). I know they will be near the house this time of year, but I really hate being startled by them. They scare me.
So, there are snake repellants available, prevention methods, some "natural" remedies like marigolds. What has worked for you?
BTW--not much we can do as far as prevention. The small porch area where I encountered one today is clear of brush, weeds, etc. The only solution would be to pull it out and install concrete. That's not going to happen. They also like a few other areas near the house and near the shrubs, etc.
There are a several ways to repel snakes around your home or farm.
Moth balls and sulfur are proven deterrents but can be harmful to domestic animals and pets.
For smaller areas soak a towel or old tee shirt in cinnamon oil or other essential oil and place it in an area known to be frequented by snakes.
Spreading a thin layer of cat litter over a large area is effective because the litter granules become embedded in the snake's scales.
Mice are a main attraction for snakes so having cats patrolling your yard and controlling the rodent population is a very good way to keep snakes away.
The only way to get rid of snakes is to remove all food sources for them. They won't hang out at your place if there is nothing to eat.
Personally, I like having the snakes around specifically because they eat any mice who make the mistake of showing their pointy little noses in public.
The only way to get rid of snakes is to remove all food sources for them. They won't hang out at your place if there is nothing to eat.
Personally, I like having the snakes around specifically because they eat any mice who make the mistake of showing their pointy little noses in public.
^^^ +1...
Unless one is phobic about them, let them be: great mousers, eat voles, et al.
They could care less about us.
Good creatures around one's garden, imo.
GL, mD
I jinxed myself this morning. I commented that I wondered when my first snake encounter of the spring would be. Of course, I walked outside to do some light gardening in the landscaping beds and encountered my first snake under the porch.
The snakes in my area are non-poisonous, but they can be large! (3-5 feet in length or more). I know they will be near the house this time of year, but I really hate being startled by them. They scare me.
So, there are snake repellants available, prevention methods, some "natural" remedies like marigolds. What has worked for you?
BTW--not much we can do as far as prevention. The small porch area where I encountered one today is clear of brush, weeds, etc. The only solution would be to pull it out and install concrete. That's not going to happen. They also like a few other areas near the house and near the shrubs, etc.
I will begin with the bad news. This time of year snakes are just now coming out of Hibernation. Snakes tend to hibernate in the same place, or close to it every year.
Looks like you have a critter that has made his winter home near you.
Good news is he will soon move onto his regular feeding area. Which will probably be Mice, frogs or toads this time of year. Unless he has a good food supply near your house he will stay gone until it is time to go back into hibernation.
In most most states Wildlife and fisheries will send some one out to catch and relocate unwanted snakes.
Give them a call, for Indiana their web site and phone numbers for various animal problems is HERE
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