Gardener Snakes
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We have neighbor who let's his grass get very high before mowing it. We have recently noticed that there are gardener snakes coming under our fence. We have talked to the neighbor to no avail. Does anyone know of a way to keep them from coming into our yard or to kill them if they do? I know they are not harmful but I HATE snakes!!!
18 answers
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They are called Garter snakes and if you have gardens, they are great for removing unwanted insects. They are reclusive shy creatures, and you right, they are harmless. I had several as pets as a child. I would certainly not kill them. Perhaps you can sprinkle some cayenne pepper along the fence?
Carly Swirtz
on Sep 22, 2013
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Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 26, 2013
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Moth balls around yard will keep snakes away
Kelly
on Sep 26, 2013
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thanks Kelly!!!
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 26, 2013
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Dig a trench along side of your fence, you want it to go below your frost/freeze depth for your area. Get rabbit fencing that is galvanized and attach it to your fence at least 2 feet high and all the way to the bottom of your trench. Then fill in the dirt. Snakes can climb and the do burrow, so the rabbit wire will stop them from coming into your yard. When snakes hibernate they will go below the frost/freeze line so they won't freeze during the winter. It's a lot of work, but it will be the safest, especially if you have pets or small kids. Mothballs are poisonous, so you wouldn't want your pet to find one. The rabbit fencing will also help keep out other animals. But .... garter snakes are a very good snakes to have, because they will eat a lot of other bugs and small vermin. But I do understand why you don't want them in your yard.
Becky
on Sep 26, 2013
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Hey just thought of another way. this might work, not sure .. keep the grass next to your fence very short, as short as you can get it. And wide, like mower width. Because they are a timid animal they may not want to cross over because there isn't any coverage.
Becky
on Sep 26, 2013
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PLEASE do not kill them....They eat mosquitoes and other bugs. They won't hurt you! Keep your grass short next to the fence. The yare more afraid of you than you are them
Lynn5280
on Sep 26, 2013
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Thanks for all the great tips....we are trying some of them now. I understand the eco-friendly people and I wouldn't mind having a snake or two in the garden but these are not a few! They are crawling out of his window wells and foundations regularly. I do not want then coming this way to nest or in my house. It just creeps me out!!!
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 27, 2013
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Have you called your city about this? That sounds more like a major nest than just a few that has wander over. I've seen on the news where the city (can't remember which one) had to come in and gas a whole lot because there were THOUSANDS of them. I'm a big tree hugger, but that many is a problem, and something non-eco needs to be done.
Becky
on Sep 27, 2013
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Thxs Becky....I have emailed the City but so far no response. I think I will call on Monday. We bought a pellet gun and killed 5 yesterday and not sure how many we wounded. I think it is a big problem too and am afraid they will get in my yard or basement. It is really scary but the neighbor is just a nut and there is no reasoning with him.
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 27, 2013
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Mix ground cinnamon & ground cloves in equal parts. Sprinkle it around your fence line.
Debbie Patterson
on Sep 27, 2013
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Your neighbor may not even know that there is a problem. I would try to record the snakes coming out of his house to show to the city. You can also try animal control.
Becky
on Sep 28, 2013
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thxs Becky...that is a good idea!!!
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 28, 2013
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Or even your state Dept of Conservation
Becky
on Sep 28, 2013
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true hadn't thought of them...if all else fails I will try Mo Conservation
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 28, 2013
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you can get electronic snake deterrents, if you do an Internet search you will find some think they are wonderful, while others feel they don't work. They are solar powered
Waysouth
on Sep 28, 2013
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have never heard of them but will do a little research.....thxs for the help!!
Maureen Nussbeck
on Sep 28, 2013
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I bet if you look you will not find many mice or rats around. I'll take gardner snakes any day over the rats and mice. When we moved into our house 38 years ago we had a huge slope behind us. I saw several gardner snakes. My neighbor captured and killed them Ever since we have been fighting a huge infestation of tree rats. I use commercial rat bate, and I think it attracts them more than gets rid of them.
John
on Aug 01, 2015
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