SNAKE PREVENTION
Over the years we have received many calls and questions about snake prevention.
Snakes are mainly solitary and reserved animals, who avoid unnecessary collisions with humans by any means necessary. They would much rather sail away, if given the chance.
Snakes are a beneficial element to our natural environment and form an essential link in the eco system. They protect your plants and flowers by gobbling up pests and slugs who also find solace in your garden. They take on a versatile role as predator as well as prey to other wildlife.
Snakes would find their way into your home, either to seek shelter or to get to valuable food and water supplies.
Whatever the reason of interest, elimination of that source is significant to enable the snake to find another environment. Preferably not anywhere close to your home and living area.
The following tips will help to eliminate snakes from entering your property:
- Keep the garden tidy. By cutting the grass and maintaining it at a lower height, snakes have less hidden space to explore. It will be more visible to spot them too.
- Keep all bushes, shrubs, trees and undergrowth pruned. Make sure no branches are leading to your roof or garage or touching the house. This will reduce sheltered areas and expose them more.
- Feed pets inside. By feeding them outside, you are more likely to attract insects and rodents which in turn attract snakes. Remove all food that are left over and store away in a metal container with a sealable lid. Make sure the area has been cleaned well. You really do not want to attract any unwanted guests.
- Remove rubble and building material as well as debris and leaf piles laying around. This can be extremely attractive to rodents, which in turn creates possible hiding places for snakes.
- Do away with birdhouses. Nesting seasons are high risk and very unpredictable for birds as snakes are not only after the eggs or hatched chicks, but also after the adults. Rodents in turn are after spilled birdseed which attract the snakes, and it all contributes to a happy meal for a hungry snake.
- Try to avoid the birdfeeder or use during colder winter months as snakes are less active then. If you happen to have birdhouses, make sure it is placed on a metal pole and protected with metal sheet or corrugated iron.
- Avoid stocking up your wood piles during the winter. Snakes hibernate in between the warmer spots. If you do have stocked up remaining wood, make sure to store it away from your home as well as elevated by at least 1 meter.
- If you have fruit trees, clear up all fallen fruit constantly, else it calls for a rodent feast, which may lead to another two for one meal.
- Mount a perch pole in an open area in your yard. Owls, hawks, and other predators are able to have a good panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Certain insects like slugs, frogs and worms are attracted to water. Some breed in stagnant water which also attracts snakes, as this supply is readily available. Avoid garden ponds and over watering your garden to reduce the risks of snake invasions.
- Consider fencing installation to keep snakes at bay. The fence should be a few inches buried into the ground and consist of ยผโ meshed netting or even a solid sheet with a bend at the top. This will keep them from climbing up and over wholeheartedly.
- Plan your landscaping from the start. Avoid using mulch, rocks, and other larger building materials as they attract snakes, making it a perfect breeding ground for them and their prey. Consider using smaller fitted rocks, like slabs, gravel or even river rock. This will prevent the snakes from hibernating in these spots during the colder months.
- Focus on improving your home area to prevent snakes from entering and keeping them for slithering into your yard and home.
For your own safety as well as the snakes, we do not advise you to touch any snake. You may not be sure if it is venomous or not harmful. Specified and strategic skills are needed when dealing with snakes.
Contact us on 1300 760ย 045 for free advice or if you have come across a snake in your yard and we will be able to guide you to a snake handler.
Further Reading
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