The sudden appearance of holes in the lawn often leads homeowners to fear that snakes have taken up residence. Snakes seek shelter and food, and a hole provides an opportunity for both. Addressing this issue requires a multi-step approach: accurately identifying the source of the hole, safely encouraging any present snake to leave, and modifying the yard environment to prevent future visits. Understanding the motivation behind a snake’s presence allows homeowners to implement effective, non-lethal strategies to reclaim their outdoor space.
Confirming the Source: Are They Really Snake Holes?
Snakes generally do not possess the anatomical ability to dig burrows themselves. A “snake hole” is almost always a repurposed den created by another animal, such as rodents, moles, voles, or abandoned chipmunk tunnels. Snakes opportunistically use these existing holes for shelter, temperature regulation, and ambushing prey. Accurately identifying the hole’s true origin is the first step in long-term prevention, as it reveals the underlying pest problem that attracted the snake.
A snake-occupied hole typically has a smooth, clean entrance, often ranging from one to three inches in diameter, with no visible pile of excavated dirt nearby. This smooth edge contrasts sharply with rodent holes, which usually feature jagged edges and small mounds of loose soil or debris scattered around the opening. The most telling signs of a snake using the hole are visual cues on the ground surface. These include shed snakeskin fragments or dark, cylindrical feces often capped with a chalky white deposit.
If a hole is actively being used by a rodent, you might notice small paw prints, claw marks, or nesting materials like shredded plant matter near the entrance. If the opening is clean and stable without these signs, but shows faint slither tracks or shed skin, it suggests a snake moved in after the original tenant left. Realizing the snake is simply a visitor drawn by prey or existing shelter shifts the focus from snake removal to habitat control.
Safe Removal and Deterrence of Snakes
Safety must be the primary consideration when dealing with any suspected snake hole, and maintaining distance is paramount. Snakes will only strike if they feel threatened or cornered. If a snake is seen utilizing the hole, homeowners should never attempt to handle it or approach closely, regardless of whether they believe it is non-venomous. Non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils, while many highly venomous species possess vertical, cat-like pupils, though this is not a universal rule and should not encourage close inspection.
To encourage a snake to vacate the hole, non-lethal methods are the most humane and effective approach. One gentle technique is to lightly mist the ground near the hole’s entrance with a garden hose from a safe distance. This often prompts the snake to leave the area because they dislike being wet and disturbed. Commercially available, non-toxic granular or liquid repellents can be applied around the hole, as these products often contain strong scents like cinnamon, clove, or cedar oil that irritate a snake’s sensitive sense of smell.
If the snake is large, appears to be venomous, or if the homeowner is uncomfortable attempting a safe eviction, contacting a professional wildlife removal service is the best course of action. These professionals are trained to safely identify, contain, and relocate the animal without causing harm to the snake or the homeowner. Never attempt to trap a snake with a sticky trap, as this causes a slow, agonizing death and can injure other non-target wildlife.
Long-Term Yard Remediation and Prevention
Once the snake has left the area, the next step is to permanently eliminate the hole and modify the yard to prevent re-colonization by snakes and their prey. The hole should be sealed only once it is certain no animal is inside, as trapping a snake can lead to an unsanitary situation or a stressed animal attempting to dig its way out. Holes can be permanently filled with a mixture of dense soil and gravel, which compacts well and makes it difficult for any animal to re-dig or push through.
Habitat modification is the most important long-term strategy, as it removes the attractants that bring snakes onto the property. Snakes are drawn to areas offering both shelter and food, so eliminating clutter is a priority. This involves:
- Clearing away dense brush.
- Removing rock piles.
- Storing firewood on a raised rack at least 12 inches off the ground.
- Keeping the grass mowed short, as tall grass provides excellent cover.
Controlling the snake’s food source, specifically rodents, is crucial, as their presence is the primary reason snakes visit. Homeowners should remove bird feeders, or move them far from the house, since spilled seed attracts mice and rats. Sealing structural entry points also prevents snakes from entering the home or finding protected harborage beneath it. Use concrete or small-mesh hardware cloth to seal foundation cracks, open crawl spaces, and gaps around pipes.