How Do You Get Rid Of Common Garter Snakes? (Answered)

If you live in an area where garter snakes are common, or have recently moved and found them on your property, then you may be wondering how to get rid of these pests.

While not especially dangerous or destructive to your home or garden, garter snakes can become a problem if they’re left unchecked for too long.

Fortunately, however, there are many ways that you can help keep these reptiles out of your yard and away from your home including some simple things that you can do yourself (like trimming shrubs) and others that require professional assistance (like calling in a pest exterminator).

Controlling Garter Snakes – YouTube

Takeaways
Using physical barriers like fences can help keep garter snakes out of certain areas.
Removing potential hiding spots such as debris, woodpiles, and tall grass can discourage garter snakes from inhabiting your property.
Keeping your yard clean and free of food sources, like bird feeders and pet food, can make it less attractive to garter snakes.
Utilizing natural repellents like clove oil, cinnamon, or sulfur can deter garter snakes from specific areas.
Seeking professional assistance from snake removal experts is recommended if you’re uncertain about safely handling garter snakes.

Remove Their Hiding Places

Garter snakes are often found hiding under rocks and logs, so make sure you thoroughly remove these from your yard.

You may also want to check closets, attics and basements since garter snakes tend to find shelter there as well.

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Trim Shrubs And Bushes

If you have bushes and shrubs near your house, make sure they’re at least three feet away from the structure. Also trim back ivy vines that are growing on the exterior walls of your home.

Brush piles and dead leaves are also hiding places for snakes make sure these areas are free of debris so that it’s easier to see them if they do appear in these spots.

Recommendation	Description
Regular Pruning	Trim shrubs and bushes on a consistent schedule to promote healthy growth and maintain desired shape.
Remove Dead or Diseased Parts	Prune any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
Maintain Proper Size	Trim shrubs and bushes to control their size and prevent overgrowth.
Enhance Aesthetic Appeal	Pruning and trimming can improve the overall appearance of your landscape by shaping shrubs and bushes.
Promote Air Circulation	Proper pruning allows for better air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Clean Up The Yard

To reduce the likelihood of a snake infestation, you’ll want to keep your yard clean and free of debris. Snakes like to hide under rocks and logs, so remove any that you find around your property.

Rake leaves and other debris from the yard on a regular basis, as snakes are likely to take shelter in these piles if they’re available.

Finally, be sure to remove dead animals from the yard when possible—if there’s a dead rodent or bird lying around your house, it’s an open invitation for snakes!

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Keep The House Clean

Keeping your house clean helps to prevent the garter snake from getting into your home.

Vacuum regularly to remove snake skins and eggs.

Remove clutter from around the house, especially under furniture and in closets. It’s easier for a snake to sneak into small spaces if there is clutter on the floor or in drawers.

Don’t leave food out where the snakes can get it, and keep pet food inside at all times because garter snakes are attracted to pet food odors as well as those of other animals like mice, chipmunks, rats and birds..

Prevent Access To Food

The most important thing to do is prevent access to food. Snakes are opportunistic predators, so they will eat whatever you leave out for them. Keep your garbage in a secure area and don’t leave pet food outside.

Don’t leave food out for birds, either; garter snakes will hang around bird feeders waiting for the suet or seeds that fall on the ground beneath them.

If you have a compost bin in your yard, cover it up with a lid so that no snakes can get inside (they love compost!).

Finally, make sure all of your gardens are clean and free of debris—this includes keeping trails clear so that any snakes hiding under leaves or logs don’t have an easy way into your yard!

Recommendation	Description
Secure Food Storage	Store food in airtight containers or bins to prevent easy access by pests.
Proper Waste Management	Dispose of food waste in sealed trash cans and regularly clean trash areas.
Pet Food Management	Do not leave pet food out overnight and store it securely to avoid attracting pests.
Bird Feeder Placement	Hang bird feeders away from buildings and at a sufficient height to prevent access by pests.
Outdoor Dining Practices	Clean up food and crumbs after outdoor meals to avoid attracting pests.

Avoid Using A Pheromone-Based Repellent

Pheromone-based repellents are not effective against garter snakes. They can also cause skin irritation, nausea and headaches in humans.

Pheromone-based repellents have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, so they should not be used around children or pets.

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Seal Cracks And Entry Points In Your House And Property

If you’re determined to get rid of them, the next step is to seal cracks and entry points in your house and property.

You can use caulking or silicone to seal cracks around doors, windows and foundations. A metal mesh can also be used to cover up entry points that are too large for a snake to fit through (such as vents).

Use Proper Ventilation In Your House

First, you need to make sure that your house is properly ventilated. Open all the doors and windows, use fans to circulate air, and don’t use an air conditioner.

Garter snakes are poisonous, so it’s best not to leave them in an enclosed space where they can bite someone who isn’t expecting it.

After opening all the windows and doors, allow them a few days to get used to their new surroundings before closing things up again – remember that fresh air is important for good health!

You should also try not smoking indoors or allowing anyone else who does smoke inside your home (especially if there are children or pets around). The smoke from cigarettes can cause many health problems for humans as well as animals like garter snakes

Install Snake Traps Around Your Home Or Garden

If you’re looking to get rid of common garters in your backyard, it’s important to know what they’re attracted to.

Snakes are most likely to be found around homes or gardens where there is evidence of mammals, such as rodent burrows and bird nests.

Snakes also love decomposing matter, so if you’ve got fruit or vegetable scraps laying about outside—or even just a dead mouse lying around—you could have snakes on your hands!

You can reduce the number of snakes around your home by installing snake traps in these areas. These traps will attract any nearby snakes with the smells mentioned above, bringing them into contact with poison bait inside the trap itself.

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Use An Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Inside Your Home

Ultrasonic pest repellers are not effective for snake control. While they may deter rodents, snakes and other pests will not be bothered by the sound waves.

In fact, these devices may even cause hearing damage to pets and humans as they can reach up to 120 decibels (about as loud as a jet engine).

Use A Snake Trap With Lures, Such As Mice And Eggs

A snake trap is a device that you can use to catch snakes. It’s usually made of plastic, and it often contains food such as mice or eggs. You can buy a snake trap online, or sometimes they’re sold at hardware stores or home improvement stores.

Once you’ve caught your snake in the trap, it’s time to release it in an area away from your home!

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Call A Professional Exterminator For Serious Infestations

If you have a serious infestation, it’s best to call a professional exterminator. You can find one by looking online or asking neighbors and family members for recommendations.

The most important thing is to make sure the company uses humane methods to remove the snakes.

A good exterminator will also be able to help identify if there are other pests in your home like termites or mice, as these can sometimes cause similar damage as garter snakes do in basements/crawlspaces/attics – especially during winter months when they’re looking for somewhere warm and safe from predators!

Service	Description
Pest Inspection	Thorough inspection of the property to identify the extent and source of the infestation.
Customized Treatment Plans	Tailored treatment plans designed to target the specific pest infestation and its severity.
Safe and Effective Methods	Utilization of professional-grade products and techniques to safely and effectively eliminate pests.
Follow-up Monitoring	Regular monitoring and follow-up visits to ensure the complete eradication of the infestation.
Expert Advice and Guidance	Professional exterminators offer valuable advice on preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

Conclusion

With proper knowledge and preparation, you can keep common garter snakes from becoming a problem in your yard. If you have more serious infestations of these pests, contact a professional for help.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting rid of garter snakes:

How do I safely remove garter snakes from my property?

To safely remove garter snakes from your property, it’s best to use humane methods such as installing snake barriers, removing potential hiding spots, and encouraging them to relocate naturally.

Are there any natural snake repellents I can use?

Yes, certain natural repellents like cinnamon, clove oil, and sulfur can help deter garter snakes. However, it’s important to use them carefully and consider their impact on the environment.

Will removing their food sources help in getting rid of garter snakes?

Yes, removing their food sources, such as rodents and insects, can make your property less appealing to garter snakes and reduce their presence.

Can I use snake traps to catch garter snakes?

Using snake traps can be an option for catching garter snakes, but it’s crucial to ensure the traps are designed to be humane and won’t harm the snakes. Check local regulations before using traps.

Should I handle garter snakes on my own?

It is generally recommended to avoid handling garter snakes unless you have experience and knowledge in safely doing so. If you need assistance, it’s best to contact a wildlife professional or snake removal expert.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.