How Do You Get Rid Of Garter Snakes

Seeing a slender, striped snake in your garden can be a surprise. If you’re wondering how do you get rid of garter snakes, the first thing to know is that they are generally harmless and beneficial. This guide will focus on safe, effective methods to encourage them to move along without harm.

Garter snakes eat pests like slugs, grubs, and mice. But if their presence makes you uneasy, especially near homes or play areas, humane removal is the best approach. Let’s look at why they might visit and how to gently persuade them to leave.

Removal is a process, not a one-time event. It combines making your yard less attractive with safe, physical removal when needed. The goal is to create an environment where they choose to go elsewhere.

Why Garter Snakes Love Your Yard

They aren’t there to bother you. They are there because your yard provides their basic needs. Understanding this is key to solving the situation.

Food Sources: Overwatered lawns, mulch, and dense groundcover attract slugs and earthworms. Compost piles draw insects. Bird feeders can attract rodents, another snake food.
Shelter and Hiding Spots: Tall grass, thick ground covers like ivy, piles of wood or rocks, and gaps under sheds or decks offer perfect hiding places from predators and the sun.
Water Access: Leaky hoses, pond edges, pet water bowls, and low spots that collect rainwater provide the moisture they need.

Step-by-Step Humane Removal and Deterrence

Follow these steps in order. Start with the easiest changes to your yard’s maintenance.

1. Modify the Habitat (Make It Less Comfortable)

This is the most effective long-term strategy. You’re simply removing the welcome mat.

Mow and Trim: Keep your lawn regularly mowed. Trim back dense ground covers and clear tall grasses from fence lines.
Eliminate Hiding Places: Remove piles of debris, bricks, or leaf litter. Store firewood at least 12 inches off the ground and keep it neat.
Seal Entry Points: Use gravel, mesh hardware cloth, or cement to seal gaps under sheds, porches, and steps. Check for cracks in your foundation too.
Manage Water: Fix leaky faucets and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s perimeter.

2. Remove Food Sources

Less food means fewer snakes. They’ll go where the easy meals are.

Use pet-safe slug and snail baits or traps to reduce these common prey.
Secure compost bins with tight lids. Turn the pile regularly to disturb insects.
Use rodent-proof bird feeders and clean up spilled seed promptly. If you have a mouse problem, address it.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Some smells and sensations are unpleasant to snakes. These are deterrents, not permanent solutions, and need reapplication.

Vibrations: A simple solar-powered vibrating snake repellent stake can create unsettling ground vibrations.
Essential Oils: Soak rags in clove, cinnamon, or cedar oil and place them in areas you want to protect. Reapply after rain.
Natural Barriers: A loose, sharp barrier can be a deterrent. Create a perimeter with sharp gravel, crushed eggshells, or pine cones.

4. Safe Physical Removal

If you need to remove a snake immediately, safety for both you and the animal is paramount.

Stay Calm: The snake is likely more scared then you. Sudden movements may startle it.
Use a Broom and Bucket: Gently guide the snake into a large bucket or trash can using a broom. Wear gloves for peace of mind.
Relocate Carefully: Take the snake at least a mile away from your home to a suitable habitat like a wooded area or field. Release it gently.
Consider a Hose: For a snake in an open area, a gentle spray from a garden hose can encourage it to slither away.

What NOT to Do

Some methods are ineffective, inhumane, or even counterproductive.

Do Not Use Mothballs: They are toxic to pets, children, and wildlife, and are illegal to use outdoors for pest control.
Do Not Use Glue Traps: These cause immense suffering and will catch non-target animals like birds and lizards.
Avoid Harming Them: Killing garter snakes is often unnecessary and can disrupt local ecosystems. They control worse pests.
Don’t Rely on Fake Owls: Snakes don’t recognize these as predators, so they provide little to no deterrence.

Prevention: Keeping Them From Coming Back

After you’ve encouraged them to leave, maintain your yard to prevent a return. Consistency is key here.

Keep up with regular lawn maintenance and yard tidiness.
Install fine mesh (1/4 inch) fencing around gardens or play areas, buried a few inches into the soil.
Consider introducing natural predators. While you can’t buy them, encouraging birds of prey by installing a perch can help.
Regularly inspect the perimeter of your home and outbuildings for new gaps or hiding spots.

When to Call a Professional

Most situations are manageable on your own. However, seek professional help in these cases:

If you suspect a large den or infestation, especially under a structure.
If you are unsure of the snake species and are concerned it might be venomous.
If you’ve tried the methods above and the problem persists significantly.

Look for a wildlife removal service that uses humane, exclusion-based techniques. They can also provide more permanent sealing solutions.

FAQ: Common Questions About Garter Snakes

Q: Are garter snakes dangerous to humans or pets?
A: They are mildly venomous but not to humans—their venom is to subdue small prey. A bite may cause minor irritation, but they are not aggressive. They pose little threat to pets, though a curious dog might get a swollen face from a bite.

Q: What’s the best way to keep snakes out of my garden?
A: The combined approach works best: keep grass short, remove debris, use mesh fencing, and manage pests like slugs. A tidy garden is less inviting.

Q: Do commercial snake repellent sprays work?
A: Reviews are mixed. Many rely on scent oils that wash away. The most reliable “repellent” is habitat modification, which removes the reason for them to be there in the first place.

Q: Can I just relocate a snake to my neighbor’s yard?
A: This is inconsiderate and often ineffective. Snakes have strong homing instincts and may return, or you may simply move the problem. Relocate them to a distant, appropriate natural area with permission if needed.

Q: Are there any plants that repel snakes?
A> Some gardeners believe marigolds, lemongrass, and garlic have repellent properties. While not foolproof, planting these around borders can be part of your overall strategy and they’re great for the garden anyway.

Living Alongside Nature

Often, a few garter snakes in the garden can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem. They are excellent at controlling insects and rodents that damage plants. Before taking action, consider if their presence is truly a problem or just a momentary surprise.

By using these safe and effective methods, you can reclaim your space while respecting these useful reptiles. The key is patience and persistence, making your yard a place where you—and not an abundance of snakes—feel most at home.