Snakes and Paying to keep them at bay - Worth it? (Murrells Inlet: appointed, house)

[neecewh]

I realized today that my fear of snakes might be a little over the top when I decided to, once again, pay someone to spray urine all over my yard. I did it early in the summer and it appeared to work. I didn't see any more snakes in our yard until the other day when I left my garage door open for a few minutes only to find one slithered his way in (note: this was well past the time that the original spray was reported to work so I am in no way reporting the snake spray didn't work). Of course I called for another spray. I am cheap, though, so it occurred to me that knowledge would be much cheaper at calming my fear (since lack of knowledge is the cause of most fear).On the other hand, if others have experienced success with the spraying I would probably continue to pay for my peace of mind (since my biggest concern is my kids and a dog who insists on trying to play with them). Has anyone used a snake service? And, if so, how were the results for you?

Added Note: If anyone is willing to share their knowledge of snakes, so I could be more informed, anything you got, it would be truly appreciated. Thanks!

[cb at sea]

I don't mind non-poisonous snakes...they keep rodents (mice and stuff!) at bay! Of course, I don't want to be surprised by them, but the non-poisonous snakes are actually beneficial to you!

I think I'd be more worried about urine all over the place, than the odd snake!

Find out what KIND of snakes are around you, and go from there! If they aren't dangerous, don't worry too much about them! I know, easier said than done, if you have a fear!

[CTyankee54]

Moth balls work very well at keeping snakes at bay. BUT, not a good idea to use when children are around.

[SC here I come]

Originally Posted by CTyankee54

Moth balls work very well at keeping snakes at bay. BUT, not a good idea to use when children are around.

From what I've read and seen (videos on youtube).....mothballs are worthless, as are the the rest of the chemicals sold to the public. Dare I say "snake oil", <<yes pun intended>> for false cure of keeping the slime away!!

Just keep your hedges trimmed, and keep an eye out for the suckers.

Oh.....I'm afraid of them too, so you're not alone.

[tmozer]

I love seeing snakes. And would never kill one, not even a poisonous one unless it was inside and a threat. I have been disappointed in the number of snakes I have seen in both SC and FL. I think I have seen more in NJ.

What area do you live in where you see so many snakes? It can't be anywhere near us in Murrells Inlet......

[neecewh]

Originally Posted by tmozer

I love seeing snakes. And would never kill one, not even a poisonous one unless it was inside and a threat. I have been disappointed in the number of snakes I have seen in both SC and FL. I think I have seen more in NJ.

What area do you live in where you see so many snakes? It can't be anywhere near us in Murrells Inlet......

Oh goodness, I wouldn't kill them, Tmozer, (unless as you said they were a threat) just trying to keep them out of my yard and away from my kids and dog. We had many in Maryland too. We lived on the C&D Canal and it was Water Moccasin central. It still didn't make me comfortable with them. We used to have several that liked to come out and sun in a big fountain we had out front .... YIKES

I live in Prestwick in Surfside, Tmozer, and they are plentiful here. We also had many occasion that we saw them when we lived at Tupelo Bay. A six foot racer at my backdoor with his head up was very intimidating (pic below). Also, our neighbor rang our bell one day and when we went to open our door he said "don't open it!" he just wanted to let us know that one was outside our door.

Originally Posted by SC here I come

Just keep your hedges trimmed, and keep an eye out for the suckers.

Yes, that reminds me there are a few more bushes I didn't trim the bottoms off. I did several but I need to do them all. At least then I will have a good view of the ground. Thanks for the reminder!

Originally Posted by CTyankee54

Moth balls work very well at keeping snakes at bay. BUT, not a good idea to use when children are around.

Yes, my kids would be ok, but my dog is still a puppy and thinks everything is for his consumption.

Originally Posted by cb at sea

Find out what KIND of snakes are around you, and go from there! If they aren't dangerous, don't worry too much about them! I know, easier said than done, if you have a fear!

I have seen racers (which are harmless by freakishly aggressive - but I can live with them). We also had a rattlesnake in our back yard - yard is very small, so being in it with him was too close for comfort! Also, a cottonmouth/water moccasin in the neighbors driveway. I don't know what the one was in my garage. I opened the house door to go out and he/she was at the opening of the door area. My best guess is a racer or moccasin ... wasn't close enough to see and happy for it

Thank you all for your input!

[SC here I come]

That photo just gave me the heebie jeebies!!!

[tmozer]

The only ones that make me nervous (when walking our small Pug) are copperheads. They blend in and play dead if approached. I have seen a couple in MI and am always on the lookout for them while walking the dog. I am afraid he will sniff one and get bit. While it is unlikely a bite would kill me, it very well could kill the dog.