I have a front entrance of stacked stone and columns at my home, which looks nice; however, I live in the woods.
by
Larry
+12
This results in bugs to lizards and ultimately snakes on and in my front yard and walk. I need to close up the gaps in the stone (goes from bottom to top- app. 300-400 sq ft worth) to keep the food source/snakes away. Any suggestions that is reasonable and still keep a nice front (though wildlife is the most common visitors)?
PICTURE ADDED PER REQUEST. THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK SO FAR...
15 answers
-
Sure would help to have a picture of the lay-out Larry. How tight are the cracks in the stone? Even or uneven surface etc... Be happy to offer a sugestion but I'm biddin' in the blind on this! JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 05, 2011
-
Sounds like a great place, add a photo to your post, and I'm sure we can offer you a few suggestions!
Imagery
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Even if we're stumped we'd like to see a photo!
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 06, 2011
-
definitely need a pic...but you could try sealing with QUIKRETE in a tube...shoots just like caulk. You can let it set up for a few minutes and then smooth it out ...just put a latex glove on or wrap a plastic Depot bag around your finger and be a pro! Depending on how the stone was done, you won't even notice it. Nice homeowner friendly product you can get in the concrete section of your local big box retailer or Ace Hardware.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Yes, a neat looking house indeed Larry and I can see how there could be some infestation but I wouldn't jump on filling the gaps. Try sprinkling this repellant around the house and see if it'll put your mind at ease. You'll need to keep the base of the home free of excess weeds (use a string trimmer!) and get the downspouts sending out water a little farther. Follow the directions and you might even want to river stone the flower beds altogether. Let us know what you do...JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 06, 2011
-
This stone is set on some type of wall already...so the home itself is "sealed" from these critters. I also live in the "forest" and we "draw the line" as Inside the house or Outside the house. If you have a basement or crawl space concentrate on sealing up those areas...and let them have the front yard.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 06, 2011
-
JL, thanks for the response; I've actually cleaned out a lot more since the pic was taken, and the drain actually goes underground through culverts away from the house. The Liquid Fence I have used in the past, and would love to use again; the funny part is, it attracts bears with the smell! Have you had any experience with the electronic 'thumpers' or something similar? I would love to not close the stone in, if there are other options, but I have not found it.
Larry
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Oh Good the drains are getting the water away from the house. I've not used the Thumpers but that snake repellant works great but I wouldn't know about what bears think of it...maybe put some out where you can see the spot and check for paw prints! Best 2 U...keep us posted! JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Larry, great house! Have you considered sealing from the inside? It may sound goofy, but you said you don't want to mess up the look of the stone. (I have woods too and the little lizards still give me heart attacks, but I can't do the bugs!)
Micci S
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Oh... snakes?!.... NM.....bomb, BB gun....11 yr old and ALL of his friends
Micci S
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Micci, you'll do anything to try to get someone to take that 11 yr old. Have you tried Craigslist? :D
Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of
on Oct 06, 2011
-
I haven't tried this, but I have been told that DE (diotomaceous earth) will kill soft shelled bugs, which should keep food source from the lizards, and on up the food chain to snakes, etc.
Cheryl B
on Oct 06, 2011
-
Larry, I would continue your planting beds, wrapping them around the entry of the house. This way you can have a gap before the stone, decreasing its appeal as a hiding place, rather than having grass grow right up to it.
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 07, 2011
-
Cheryl, thanks for the heads up on the DE- I'll give it a shot and see what happens next year. If not, Micci, what's your rent rate on the 11 year old (and would it have to include room and board)?
Larry
on Oct 08, 2011
-
or snake away dust all over makes the reptiles dry out
Shawn E
on Oct 20, 2011
Sign Up to Answer
