How to Keep Snakes Out of Flower Beds

Mulch Piles

• 1

  Place mulch piles well away from your flower beds. Snakes are attracted to rodents that tend to hide in the mulch.

• 2

  Turn over your mulch pile frequently with a pitchfork. This will help keep snakes from establishing residence.

• 3

  Put your mulch in a fence wire enclosure. Make sure the holes are small enough to keep snakes out.

Trimming, Mowing and Landscaping

• 4

  Cut back small trees and hedges; snakes like to hide in these areas. Trim back low-hanging branches to a couple of feet off the ground.

• 5

  Mow the grass often in the areas around your flower beds. Snakes prefer tall grass because they can easily move through it undetected. Avoid planting monkey and pampas grass; these varieties tend to be harder to control.

• 6

  Remove any rocks or wood around your flower beds. These materials provide the cool and moist environment that snakes prefer. Dislodge the rocks and wood with a large stick or rake--a snake may be hidden under them.

• 7

  Store lumber at least 10 feet off the ground to discourage snakes from using it for a home.

• 8

  Store animal food and birdseed away from the flower beds. The food attracts rodents, which will attract snakes.