Things That Keep Snakes Away From Houses

Warning

• Although there are many snake repellents advertised to keep snakes out of homes, they do not work, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Commercially made snake repellents claim to work by emitting an offensive odor, but this odor rapidly dissipates in the open air. This makes such repellents such as naphthalene, mothballs, sulfur, creosote and cedar oil far too unpredictable to rely on. Mothballs and naphthalene may poison pets or children.

Yard Modification

• Snakes enter yards in pursuit of their prey – rodents and insects. If the yard is unattractive to prey, then the snakes will move on. Rodents and insects need food such as garbage, pet food or spilled bird seed. Feed pets indoors, clean up all spilled bird seed around feeders daily and use metal garbage cans that rodents cannot gnaw. Rodents and insects find homes in tall clumps of vegetation, which also make great hiding places for snakes. Mow the grass, trim back bushes so branches do not touch the ground and clear up debris or piles of garden clippings.

Fencing

• Fencing is a good alternative for anyone living in an area known to be the habitat of venomous snakes. Heavy galvanized hardwire cloth fencing around a yard can help deter snakes from getting into a yard and house. Fencing should have small mesh openings of one-quarter inch wide. Angle the fencing so that it slopes 30 degrees away from the inside of the fence. Any wider, and baby or thin snake species may squeeze through. Bury fencing six inches underground to deter snakes from tunneling underneath. Mow the grass or plants around the fence and gate to keep snakes from using the vegetation as a bridge to climb the fence.

Repairing Cracks and Holes

• Inspect the home for any cracks or holes that are one-quarter inch wide, which is wide enough for a snake. Repair all windows, foundation cracks, cracks around utility pipes, electrical lines, doorways and screen doors or windows. Fill in cracks with caulking compound, mortar or hardware cloth mesh. Snakes are poor climbers, so they should not enter attics or upper floors.