How can I kill or get rid of ALOT of snakes?

Question

We recently moved into a house around alot of farmland. We were out weeding our flower garden that we are starting when we came across a snake, then another, then like six more. They are harmless snakes, just common Garter snakes or chicken snakes rather, but I do not want them around here, we have small boys who play outside alot. We are severely scared of these creatures, laugh all you want, but be confronted with 6-8 together at one time, lol. Please lend us your ears and your suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

Can't say I've experienced the same problem, but I've been over-run by snails in the garden. Harmless, mind you, (like the garter snakes) however pests nonetheless, right? I've had friends with garter snakes....ya 6 or more at one time can be a bit much, but they are entirely harmless, as you know. They're more scared of you than you of them, believe me.

There are several safe, humane ways to deal with them. Several products (which are kid and pet safe) exist to deter snakes from your yard. Stuff like granuals work...spread them about (you could use a lawn spreader probably) and the snakes will not stick around because of the smell or taste. I suppose you could also use humane traps and then get someone to collect them and relocate them somewhere out in a field....FAR away from your home...however the snakes might be smarter than that and that will only solve the current snake fiasco, not prevent future invasions.

Do some research online to see what products might work. I would not suggest poisons because its most likely a product that you will have to spread about in your yard and your kids or pets can be affected by it. Also, you do not want to be killing other animals or insects that might be beneficial to your yard. Poisons cannot dicern whether the "pest" is a snake, bird, dog, person, etc. Repellents are usually designed to target the specific pest (snakes in this case) and are made with ingredients that have been proven to be affective against the certain pest only. Usually quite effective. I've used similar granuals in my own garden against other garden pests and it has been effective....and harmless to everything else that wasn't a pest. lol

Just do a bit of searching and you'll find something that works out. Good luck!.

Answer 2

Thirty years ago when we moved to the country we had somewhat of the same problem. The fear factor.

The cleaning of the property is a way to eliminate the hiding places. But if they are non dangerous snakes, that should help to eliminate your fear. As time goes by the fear factor will subside.

On our place in Florida, we have had Indigo's (non dangerous) they eat rats and other small critters. Coral (poisonous), rat snakes of all types (non dangerous), one pygmy rattler, my husband shot his head off, they are poisonous and he is a good shot.

They will be starting to come out soon now that spring is almost here. If you see one, step back and let them go by.
They do not like you any more that you like them.

Calm your fears, so your children do not absorb it.

We used to have a Yellow Rat snake that would lay in a cut in the front sidewalk in the spring, mid day. He would be sleeping so deep he would not move. I got to the place I would step over him to get to my car. He was always gone when I got home. He was about four foot long. The creepiest part is that they can climb trees and up the side of the house.

SO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND STAND BACK.

Your fear will subside as you have been there longer. As I have said, just stand back and let them go my. We keep binoculars by the windows in the sun porch to watch them outside when we see them doing something. Usually chasing food.

You might get a good Wild life book that covers all categories of animals for your children. Then when you see something you and they can look it up.

We have had snakes of course, oh yes some hawks live in the trees now and most of the snakes are gone, grey fox, amadillos, raccoon, oppossum and 30 years ago a black panther. (It excaped from a carnival.) If you put up bird feeders, your children will love the birds. Very educational.

Make this experience a learning one. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Clear out as much brush and weeds as you can from around the house and where the kids will play. Keep the area cleaned up. Since you're in the country get a cat or two. They will hunt the snakes and hep keep them out. You can also put mothballs around the perimeter of the yard. They have the same active ingredient as the snake repellents sold, for a LOT less money. You'll need to replace the mothballs frequently. They evaporate. They won't hurt the kids unless they eat a whole box of them.

Answer 4

what form of snake?undesirable or good snake .moth balls around your place works in spite of the indisputable fact that it stinks additionally cats will do a large interest for ya yet you acquire to feed them.do you have alot of mice? if so you have a soft furnish of prey for the snakes and the cats.enable me recognize if i'm able to help ya greater. what do you recommend by way of alot? 2-4-6-8-10?50?

Answer 5

the snakes are good for your environ, harmless to humans, and it was their home first.
look in the phone for a wildlife specialist, contact the Humane Society, or talk to someone at a local pet store.

Answer 6

http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/snakeaway.htm
or
good supply of moth balls A.K.A. ( Naphthalene)