Snakes are often drawn to sheds seeking shelter, warmth, or a quiet place to hunt, especially as outdoor temperatures fluctuate. Exclusion aims to make the structure completely inaccessible and unattractive to these reptiles. This involves eliminating both the attraction and the entry points. Prevention relies on managing the surrounding environment and physically sealing the building.
Eliminating Food Sources
Snakes are primarily attracted to sheds because the structures frequently house their prey, most often rodents like mice and rats. Eliminating this food source is the first line of defense in making your shed unappealing. Rodents are drawn to stored items such as pet food, birdseed, and grain.
All stored food items must be secured within thick, airtight metal or plastic containers that rodents cannot chew through. Avoid using rodent poisons, as a snake that consumes a poisoned rodent may also become ill or die, which does not solve the underlying problem. Instead, utilize traps to manage any existing rodent population in and around the shed.
Eliminating standing water sources is also important, as moisture attracts insects, amphibians, and other small creatures that serve as secondary prey. Repair any plumbing leaks and ensure containers do not collect rainwater near the shed foundation. A shed that offers no food will have little appeal to a snake.
Sealing the Structure
Physical exclusion is the most reliable method for keeping snakes out, given their ability to fit through surprisingly small openings. Snakes can compress their bodies to enter gaps as narrow as one-quarter of an inch, requiring a thorough inspection of the entire shed perimeter. This step requires durable materials they cannot push through or climb.
Inspect the foundation and walls for cracks, holes, or deteriorated mortar and seal these openings with concrete, caulk, or expanding foam. For ventilation openings, such as vents or crawl space access, use hardware cloth with mesh openings no larger than 1/4 inch. This small mesh size is effective at blocking juvenile snakes while still allowing airflow.
Pay close attention to the bottom of the door, a frequent entry point, and install a quality door sweep or weather stripping to eliminate the gap. Utility entry points, such as where electrical conduit or pipes enter the shed wall, must also be meticulously sealed with caulk or copper mesh. Sealing every opening is the standard for successful snake exclusion.
Managing Exterior Shelter
Even a perfectly sealed shed can be compromised if the immediate exterior environment provides attractive shelter. Snakes seek cool, dark, and damp places to rest, digest meals, or hide from predators. Removing these external hiding spots prevents them from establishing a staging area near the shed.
Clear away accumulated debris, including piles of scrap lumber, old equipment, rock piles, or yard waste. Store firewood elevated and away from the shed walls. Maintain a clear, short-cut lawn around the structure, as tall grass and dense shrubs provide cover for snakes to move undetected. Trimming back any low-hanging vegetation or vines that touch the shed prevents climbing snakes from gaining access.
By eliminating exterior clutter and maintaining a tidy landscape, you remove the shade and camouflage snakes need to feel secure. This habitat modification encourages snakes to bypass the area entirely. A strip of clear, well-maintained ground surrounding the shed acts as a buffer zone.
Safe Removal Procedures
If a snake is already inside the shed, the focus must shift to safe, non-lethal removal, prioritizing human safety. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake, especially if you are unsure whether it is venomous. Unprovoked bites most often occur when a person attempts to interact with or harm a snake.
The simplest approach is to open the shed door and any windows, then leave the area undisturbed. Snakes prefer to avoid human activity and will often exit on their own if given a clear path. You can encourage a snake’s departure from a distance by gently spraying it with a garden hose, which prompts it to move away.
If the snake appears venomous, or if you are uncomfortable with identification or removal, contact a professional wildlife control service or local animal control immediately. These professionals have the proper tools, such as snake tongs and buckets, and the experience to safely capture and relocate the animal. After the animal is removed, immediately seal the entry point to prevent future access.