How To Get Rid Of Garter Snakes Around Your Home
Finding a snake slithering through your garden can be a shock for any homeowner or homesteader. While these reptiles play a vital role in our ecosystem, it is understandable why you might want to keep them away from your immediate living space. You deserve to feel comfortable and safe in your own backyard or campsite.
This guide provides a comprehensive, safety-first approach to managing these visitors without using harmful chemicals or lethal methods. You will learn the most effective, hands-on strategies for how to get rid of garter snakes around your home while maintaining a balanced outdoor environment. We will cover habitat modification, food source management, and physical barriers to ensure your space remains snake-free.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear, actionable plan to discourage snakes from settling near your porch, garden, or RV site. We will look at the specific tools you need and the behavioral changes that make your property less attractive to cold-blooded guests. Let’s dive into the practical steps to reclaim your outdoor living area.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Visitor: The Common Garter Snake
Before you take action, it is essential to know what you are dealing with. Garter snakes are among the most common reptiles found in North American backyards and campsites. They are typically non-venomous and relatively harmless to humans and pets, though they can release a foul-smelling musk if handled.
These snakes are easily identified by the longitudinal stripes running down their bodies, usually in shades of yellow, green, or red. They are active during the day, especially in the morning when they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Understanding their biology helps you target their weaknesses when planning exclusion strategies.
Garter snakes are attracted to moisture and cover. If your property has high grass, leaf litter, or a nearby water source, you have created a snake sanctuary. Recognizing these attractions is the first step in learning how to get rid of garter snakes around your home effectively and permanently.
Why Snakes Choose Your Yard
Snakes do not wander into yards without a reason. They are looking for three things: food, water, and protection. If your garden is full of slugs, crickets, or frogs, you are providing a five-star buffet for a hungry garter snake.
They also seek out “micro-climates” where they can hide from predators like hawks and owls. This includes the space under your deck, inside a woodpile, or within dense ornamental shrubs. Removing these elements is the foundation of any successful deterrent program.
Eliminate Shelter and Hideouts
The most effective way to discourage snakes is to make the environment inhospitable. Garter snakes are thigmotactic, meaning they like to feel contact with solid objects. They prefer tight, dark spaces where they feel secure from the elements and predators.
Start by clearing away any debris that sits directly on the ground. Old boards, sheets of metal, and piles of rocks are perfect “hotels” for snakes. By removing these, you force the snakes to find shelter elsewhere, usually further away from your living areas.
Keep your lawn manicured. Short grass offers no cover, making snakes feel exposed to birds of prey. Aim to keep your grass height below three inches throughout the spring and summer months when snakes are most active.
Manage Your Woodpiles and Storage
If you are a homesteader or an RV owner with a permanent site, you likely have a woodpile. Woodpiles provide warmth, moisture, and protection. To prevent snakes from nesting there, store your firewood on an elevated rack at least 12 inches off the ground.
Avoid leaning equipment against the side of your house or shed. Even a leaning piece of plywood can create enough of a gap for a garter snake to hide. Organize your outdoor storage bins and ensure they have tight-fitting lids to prevent small mammals from nesting inside, which would eventually attract snakes.
Landscaping for Snake Prevention
Certain landscaping choices act as an open invitation. Dense groundcovers like ivy or heavy mulch provide excellent camouflage. Consider replacing thick mulch with large river rocks or crushed gravel, which are less comfortable for snakes to traverse and offer fewer hiding spots for their prey.
Trim the bottom of your shrubs and hedges. Creating a “clearance zone” of six inches between the ground and the lowest branches removes the dark, cool shadows that snakes love. This also makes it much easier for you to spot a snake from a distance before you accidentally step near it.
How to Get Rid of Garter Snakes Around Your Home by Removing Food
If there is nothing to eat, the snakes will move on. Garter snakes have a varied diet, but they primarily focus on small invertebrates and amphibians. Controlling the population of these “prey items” is a critical part of how to get rid of garter snakes around your home.
Target the slugs and snails in your garden. These are a primary food source for garter snakes. Use diatomaceous earth or copper tape around your planter boxes to deter slugs. When the slug population drops, the snakes will naturally follow their food source to a different location.
Check for rodent activity around your foundation. While garter snakes are small, larger individuals will eat mice. Seal any holes in your crawlspace or shed with steel wool and caulk. Preventing a rodent infestation is one of the best long-term ways to keep all types of snakes away from your residence.
Address Moisture and Water Sources
Garter snakes are often called “garden snakes,” but they are also closely related to water snakes. They thrive in damp environments. Fix any leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation lines that create persistent puddles in your yard.
If you have a decorative pond, keep the perimeter clear of tall grass and plants. Snakes will use the water to stay hydrated and hunt for tadpoles. Consider adding a fountain or aerator; the constant movement of water can sometimes discourage snakes that prefer still, quiet pools.
Natural and Chemical Deterrents: What Works?
Many people turn to “snake away” products, but their effectiveness is often debated. Many commercial repellents use naphthalene (mothballs), which can be toxic to the environment and pets. Instead, focus on natural alternatives that are safer for your family and the local ecosystem.
Essential oils can be a useful tool in your kit. Some studies suggest that high concentrations of cinnamon and clove oil can irritate a snake’s sensory organs. Mix these oils with water and spray the solution around the perimeter of your deck or patio to create a temporary scent barrier.
Sulfur is another common ingredient in snake repellents. While it doesn’t harm the snake, the strong odor can be off-putting. However, keep in mind that any scent-based repellent will need to be reapplied frequently, especially after heavy rain or high winds.
Using Plants as a Barrier
Some gardeners swear by planting “snake-repellent” flora. Plants like marigolds, lemongrass, and mother-in-law’s tongue are often cited as deterrents. While there is no scientific proof that these plants will 100% stop a snake, they can contribute to an overall environment that snakes find less appealing.
Lemongrass, for example, contains citronella, which many pests dislike. By reducing the overall insect population in your garden, these plants indirectly help with your goal of how to get rid of garter snakes around your home. Plus, they add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Tactics
Sometimes, habitat modification isn’t enough, and you need a physical wall. This is especially true for small areas like a child’s play area or a specific garden bed. A properly installed snake fence is the most reliable way to keep them out of a specific zone.
Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth (a galvanized wire mesh). It must be buried at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent snakes from crawling under it. The fence should be about 3 feet high and tilted outward at a 30-degree angle to prevent snakes from climbing over the top.
Ensure the mesh is small enough that a young garter snake cannot squeeze through. Standard chain-link fencing will not work, as snakes can easily slide through the gaps. This method requires some manual labor, but it provides a physical guarantee that the area remains secure.
Sealing the Foundation
Garter snakes often look for places to overwinter (brumate). Your home’s foundation or the underside of your RV can provide the perfect temperature-controlled environment. Conduct a perimeter check of your home at least twice a year.
Look for cracks in the concrete, gaps around utility pipes, or loose siding. Use expandable foam or masonry caulk to seal these entries. For larger gaps, use heavy-duty wire mesh before sealing to ensure a snake cannot push its way through the filler material.
Safe and Humane Relocation
If you encounter a snake that refuses to leave, you may need to move it manually. This should always be a last resort. If you are uncomfortable, contact a local wildlife relocation service or a pest control professional who specializes in humane removal.
If you choose to do it yourself, use a snake hook or a long-handled rake. Gently lift the snake and place it into a tall plastic bin with a secure lid. Wear thick gardening gloves and long pants to protect yourself, even though garter snakes are not dangerous.
Relocate the snake to a natural area at least one mile away from your home. Choose a spot with plenty of cover and a water source, such as a local park or woods. This ensures the snake has a high chance of survival while ensuring it won’t simply slither back to your porch the next day.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Rid of Garter Snakes Around Your Home
To make this process easy to follow, we have broken down the essential actions into a logical sequence. Follow these steps to systematically reduce the snake population on your property.
- Survey the Land: Walk your property and identify “hot spots” like overgrown weeds, rock piles, or damp areas under the porch.
- De-Clutter: Remove all unnecessary ground cover. Dispose of old lumber, cardboard boxes, and leaf piles immediately.
- Mow and Trim: Cut the grass short and prune all shrubs so they are off the ground. This removes the visual security snakes require.
- Seal the Perimeter: Inspect your home’s foundation and seal every gap larger than a pencil. Check the skirting on your RV or mobile home as well.
- Eliminate the Buffet: Use organic methods to reduce the population of slugs, grickets, and rodents. Without food, the snakes will migrate.
- Apply Deterrents: Use natural oils or sulfur-based granules around high-traffic areas like doorways and patios as a secondary layer of defense.
Consistency is the key to how to get rid of garter snakes around your home. One afternoon of cleaning is a great start, but you must maintain these habits throughout the warmer months to see long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garter Snakes
Are garter snakes dangerous to my dogs or cats?
Generally, no. Garter snakes are not venomous and their bite is usually no more painful than a brier scratch. However, they do carry bacteria, so if your pet gets bitten, you should clean the wound thoroughly. Some pets may also have a mild allergic reaction to the snake’s saliva or musk.
Can I use mothballs to keep snakes away?
No, you should avoid using mothballs outdoors. They are ineffective against snakes and contain chemicals that are toxic to the soil, water, and local wildlife. Using mothballs in a way not specified on the label is also a violation of EPA regulations in many regions.
Do garter snakes travel in pairs or groups?
Most of the time, garter snakes are solitary hunters. However, during the spring, you may see them in “mating balls” where multiple males swarm a single female. They also tend to congregate in large numbers in communal dens during the winter to stay warm.
Will a garter snake bite me if I step on it?
A garter snake’s first instinct is to flee. If it feels cornered or is accidentally stepped on, it may strike in self-defense. Most of the time, they will simply release a smelly musk to discourage you from bothering them further. Always wear boots when walking through tall grass to stay safe.
Final Thoughts on Living Snake-Free
Managing wildlife is a part of the outdoor lifestyle, but it doesn’t mean you have to share your immediate living space with every creature that wanders by. By focusing on habitat modification and food source reduction, you can naturally encourage snakes to find a more suitable home elsewhere.
Remember that garter snakes are actually beneficial neighbors; they keep the pest population in check. However, your comfort and peace of mind are paramount. Implementing the strategies for how to get rid of garter snakes around your home allows you to enjoy your garden, porch, or campsite with confidence.
Stay proactive, keep your gear organized, and maintain a tidy landscape. With these professional tips, you can foster a safe and enjoyable environment for your family and friends. Stay safe and stay comfortable out there!
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