Snake problem! How can I get rid of them from my backyard!?

Question

Since we moved into our new house (in 2003 end), we have found at least 7-10 snakes (4-10 inches in length). Some of them were brown and some whitish cream in color. I dont know whether these are poisionous. Beacuse of this, we are afraid to let our 6 year old son play or go do anything in the yard. There is a property behind our house which has 3-4 horses. They have stale water there. Can anyone suggest a way to get rid / prevent the snakes from coming to our yard. In India there is a Vine (Sarpa Ghandi) which has the smell of garlic which deters snake. I dont know the botanical name of this plant or whether it will do any good.

Answer 1

The snakes don't sound like the poisonous kind, but you could try to catch some of them and take them to an extension agent or other expert for identification. Most snakes are beneficial. They eat mice and rats and are generally good for the environment.

However cats will usually keep snakes away from your yard. You might want to get one or two outside cats for pets and for varmint control. We have about ten of them right now, including a couple of litters of kittens. I haven't seen a snake in our yard for years, other than my son's pet Boa Constrictor, which doesn't roam free.

Answer 2

1. Click this link for controls:
http://www.wikihow.com/Rattlesnake-Proof-a-Backyard

2. More information:
"Keeping the crawlspace under your house well sealed will help greatly too. The temperatures under your house are more mild than the extreme weather that may be going on outside, and snakes will find refuge under your house. Close all holes and spaces snakes might slither into in the fall as they prepare for the winter weather."
Remove wood piles, brush piles, garbage or anything that attracts rodents. Snakes eat small rodents and if there is healthy rodent population it could attract snakes."

"Next, find out why the snake came to your area. Do you keep rodents or birds? Are there birds nesting in your garden, do you have a rodent problem in the house or garden? In the USA, this can be problematic because animals like chipmunks and squirrels are common. Snakes, however, like mice and rats. Again in the USA, where buildings are made mainly out of timber, rodents often find shelter in the space between the exterior and interior walls. If you hear scratching noises or find evidence of mouse trails in your kitchen, get an expert to solve the problem. Remember, no mice, no snakes!"

3. Snake-a-way product (I do not know if this works):

http://www.growersupply.com/sn4lbsnre.html?gclid=CMjoyPTCuY4CFQ6CPAodfVJUwQ

4. Another control:

http://www.stop-snakes.com/

Answer 3

Perhaps getting rid of the stagnate water would be a good start. But if its in somebodies yard that's probably easier said then done and that's what is likely drawing the snakes to your yard especially when and where its dry

Answer 4

First of all I'd report the stagnate water problem to animal control!!! No animal should have to drink that!!! Also ask animal control what kind of snakes you have in your area. Grass snakes won't harm you they will help keep the rodents down! They might startle you but they will be as afraid of you as you are of them! Cats and Geese will keep snakes at bay, just be kind to the geese if you get some as they can get aggressive also!

Answer 5

You need to contact a local nursery or wildlife control and ask about them. Remember, most snakes are harmless and run from humans. Also, if you decrease their number, remember that the number of insects or small rodents will increase in size. Choose your enemy wisely.]
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You did not say where you live so I could not check for you.

Answer 6

SULFUR!!! AND LOTS OF IT! LOL I'm terrified of snakes, and that's what I used. Home Supply stores like Home Depot and Lowes also carry a product called 'SnakeAway', that you can use as well (it contains sulfur)

Answer 7

When my folks lived close to the everglades, Dad would let his terrier out in the yard first, he'd clean em out.

Answer 8

identify the type of snake, teach your child to recognize the ones to leave alone. Let non poisonous ones live, kill the poisonous ones (triangular head)

Answer 9

Get a mongoose or a leguan