Frequent snakes in the backyard (buy, fence, garden)

[nitynity]

Our backyard faces a small creek which is kinda wooded and every time there is rain or so, we get unwanted visitors like copperhead and stuff on our patio area. So far I encountered 4 of them since this Summer, 2 copperheads outside and 2 garden snakes(I think) inside the house. Last week, one morning I stepped out to my patio area and saw a dead baby copperhead. (around 2 feet long) Probably the dogs got him.



So now it's unsafe for humans as well as dogs to roam around in our backyard. What are some options?


1. Snake repellent (needs to re-apply every 4 weeks)
2. Install a wooden fence to replace our existing wrought iron fence facing the creek.
3. Install a snake fence (probably mesh type).


Now with all the leaves being shed and all over the backyard, these snakes could be anywhere.

[ChristieP]

You aren't going to be able to keep the occasional snake out of your yard, especially since your yard faces a creek. No amount of chemical repellent or fences will keep them all out. This is Texas and they are wild animals that are native here.

It's not "unsafe for humans as well as dogs" in your backyard. Garden/garter snakes are completely harmless, as are rat snakes, bull snakes, and any other snake that isn't venomous. Keep your grass cut and that will deter the snakes. Just be careful where you walk, and don't leave pet food out since that could attract them.

[CCCyou]

Bird netting, twisted into a long roll, stretched along bottom of iron fence (and sides too), makes a pretty good 'entanglement' fence for snakes trying to get into your back yard. Very cost-effective.

[Katana49]

Buy a good "critter" fence with mesh that is very small. You should dig a trench about 6" to make sure they aren't going under it, then fill with dirt so your fence is partially buried. In FL, a combination of that and an electric fence positioned low to the ground worked very well.