A snake encountered in a garden or yard is most often a harmless species, like the common Garter Snake, which is often mistakenly called a “garden snake.” These reptiles are beneficial, helping to control populations of insects and rodents, making them a natural form of pest control. While their presence can be startling, the goal of removal should be safe and humane for both the homeowner and the animal. The most effective long-term strategy involves making the outdoor space less attractive to them, rather than relying on immediate removal techniques alone.
Identifying the Common Garden Snake
The majority of snakes found in residential gardens are non-venomous and relatively small. The Common Garter Snake typically has a slender body, reaching two to four feet, and features a distinctive pattern of three light-colored stripes—often yellow, white, or blue—running lengthwise down a darker body. Their pupils are round, and their head is only slightly wider than their neck, giving them a streamlined appearance. Garter snakes are not aggressive and usually flee quickly, but they may bite if handled or provoked; however, they lack fangs and their bite is not medically significant.
It is important to contrast this with potentially dangerous pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. These venomous snakes often possess a broad, triangular-shaped head and, in the case of rattlesnakes, a rattle at the tail tip. They also have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. If the snake’s identity is uncertain, or if it displays features associated with venomous species, treat it with caution. Do not attempt personal removal; instead, contact a local animal control professional immediately.
Immediate and Safe Removal
If a harmless snake is found in an inconvenient location, such as on a porch or near a doorway, encourage it to leave on its own. A gentle stream of water from a garden hose directed near the snake, not directly at it, can prompt it to move away. Alternatively, a long-handled tool, such as a broom or garden rake, can gently herd the snake toward a less-trafficked area of the yard or a nearby natural border.
For a snake that has entered an enclosed space like a garage, use a bucket or wastebasket for temporary, humane capture. Slowly place a large, empty container over the coiled snake, then slide a flat piece of stiff cardboard or a shovel underneath to seal the opening. This allows the snake to be safely carried and released in a wooded area or field away from the home. Always wear thick work gloves and long sleeves during any removal attempt and maintain a safe distance from the snake’s head.
Long-Term Habitat Modification
The most effective way to prevent snakes from staying is to eliminate the resources that attract them, namely shelter and food. Snakes seek out cool, damp, and secure places to hide, so removing clutter from the yard is a primary step. This includes clearing away piles of wood, rock, and leaf litter, as well as any unused construction materials or debris. Stored firewood should be stacked neatly on a rack at least 12 inches off the ground and placed well away from the house foundation.
Managing the landscape helps reduce available basking and hiding spots, which are important for these cold-blooded reptiles. Keep the lawn closely mowed, as shorter grass increases a snake’s exposure to predators like hawks and makes it easier to spot. Shrubs and bushes near the home should be trimmed back to create a 24- to 36-inch gap between the lowest branches and the ground. Sealing cracks in the foundation, around utility pipes, and under doors with weather stripping will also prevent snakes from accessing the interior of the home.
Snakes are often attracted to an area because their prey is present, so controlling populations of rodents and insects is an indirect but powerful deterrent. Pet food should not be left outdoors, and bird feeders should be kept clean, as spilled seed attracts rodents, which are a major food source for many snakes. Eliminating standing water, such as leaky outdoor faucets, bird baths, or stagnant pools, also removes an attraction for both snakes and their prey, like frogs and slugs.
Methods That Do Not Work
Many commercial products and home remedies marketed as snake repellents are largely ineffective and can pose risks to pets, children, and the environment. Granular repellents often contain sulfur or naphthalene, the active ingredient in mothballs, but scientific studies repeatedly show these substances do not deter snakes. Snakes do not perceive strong smells in the same way that mammals do, and they can easily bypass a perimeter of repellent by simply crawling over it or finding a gap.
Using mothballs outdoors is also a violation of the product’s label instructions and can introduce toxic chemicals into the soil and water. Naphthalene is harmful to pets and children if ingested and can cause illness. Likewise, substances like lime, sulfur, or cayenne pepper are not reliable deterrents and can be a waste of time and money. Focusing on physical exclusion and habitat modification is a much more reliable approach than relying on chemical or scent-based deterrents.