Finding a copperhead in your yard can be a startling experience. If you’re wondering how to get rid of copperheads in your yard, the first step is to stay calm and avoid the snake. This guide will walk you through effective, humane strategies to make your property less inviting to these reptiles and handle encounters safely.
Copperheads are common in many parts of the U.S. and play a role in the ecosystem by controlling rodents. However, having them near your home poses a risk to pets and people. The goal isn’t to harm all snakes, but to encourage them to live elsewhere, far from your gardens and play areas.
How to Get Rid of Copperheads in Your Yard
This process focuses on long-term habitat modification. Quick fixes rarely work. You need to make your yard an unattractive place for copperheads to find food, water, and shelter.
1. Remove Food Sources
Copperheads eat mice, voles, insects, and small amphibians. If your yard feeds them, they will stay.
- Secure trash and compost bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Use rodent-proof bird feeders and clean up spilled seed regularly.
- Control insect populations, as they attract frogs and lizards, which in turn attract snakes.
2. Eliminate Hiding Spots and Shelter
Snakes seek cover to stay cool and hide from predators. A tidy yard is a deterrent.
- Remove piles of leaf litter, grass clippings, and wood mulch from against the house.
- Store firewood, lumber, and piles of stones or bricks on a rack at least 12 inches off the ground and away from your home’s foundation.
- Keep grass mowed short and trim back overgrown vegetation, especially near walkways and the house.
Dense ground covers like ivy are perfect snake habitat. Consider replacing them with less dense options or keeping them meticulously trimmed.
3. Seal Off Access Points
Prevent snakes from entering spaces under decks, sheds, or your home itself.
- Install sturdy, fine-mesh (1/4-inch) hardware cloth around the base of porches, decks, and sheds. Bury it a few inches into the ground to stop them from burrowing underneath.
- Seal cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and around utility pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
- Keep garage doors closed when not in use and repair any gaps at the bottom.
4. Modify Your Water Features
Like all animals, snakes need water. While you can’t remove all natural water sources, you can manage yours.
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets and hoses.
- Empty kiddie pools, bird baths, and pet water bowls at night if they are near the house (though this affects other wildlife).
- Consider adding a movement-activated sprinkler near pond edges; the sudden spray can startle and deter snakes.
What About Snake Repellents?
Commercial snake repellents (granular or spray) often use naphthalene or sulfur. Their effectiveness is widely debated and they are usually temporary, washing away with rain or irrigation. I don’t rely on them as a primary solution. They might offer a little peace of mind when used with other methods, but don’t expect miracles.
Safe Removal of a Copperhead You’ve Found
If you see a copperhead in your yard, priority one is safety. Do not attempt to kill it. Most bites occur during these attempts.
- Keep Your Distance: Move people and pets inside or far away from the snake. Give it a wide berth.
- Spray It With a Hose: From a safe distance, a steady stream of water from a garden hose will often encourage the snake to leave the area. It’s a simple and effective first response.
- Call a Professional: This is the safest option. Contact a licensed wildlife removal specialist or your local animal control. They have the tools and experience to remove the snake safely.
If you must guide it away yourself, a push broom can be used very carefully to gently coax the snake in a direction away from your home. But again, professional help is best.
Landscaping Plants That Deter Snakes
Some plants are believed to be unappealing to snakes due to their strong scent or texture. While not a foolproof barrier, they can be part of your overall strategy. Plant these around the perimeter of your yard or near key entry points:
- Marigolds
- Lemongrass
- Wormwood
- Garlic and Onions
- Society Garlic
These plants also have the benefit of repelling some insects, which helps with the food source issue. Maintaining these beds so they are not overgrown is crucial, though.
Preventing Future Encounters
Consistency is key. Make these yard maintenance tasks part of your regular routine:
- Inspect your property weekly for new hiding spots or signs of rodents.
- Keep tools and toys picked up and off the ground.
- Use outdoor lighting, as snakes prefer to move under cover of darkness. Motion-sensor lights can be particularly effective.
Encouraging natural predators like certain birds can help too. Installing owl boxes may attract barn owls, which will hunt the rodents that attract snakes. Just be aware that this introduces another wild animal to your property.
Understanding Copperhead Behavior
Knowing a bit about copperheads helps you predict their movements. They are ambush predators, often freezing in place rather than slithering away. Their camouflage is excellent. They are most active at dawn, dusk, and on warm summer nights. In spring and fall, they may be out during the day to bask. This is why being vigilant in these times is so important.
FAQ: Common Questions About Copperhead Removal
What smells do copperheads hate?
Strong scents like ammonia, vinegar, cinnamon oil, and clove oil are often suggested. Soaking rags and placing them around can create a barrier, but the smell is unpleasant for humans too and fades quickly outdoors. Its more of a temporary, localized tactic.
Will mothballs get rid of copperheads?
Using mothballs outdoors for snake control is illegal, as it labels them for an off-label use and poisons the environment. They are also ineffective for large areas and pose a serious risk to children, pets, and wildlife. Please do not use mothballs in your garden.
Do copperheads climb fences?
Copperheads are not the best climbers compared to some species, but they can climb low walls, rough surfaces, and vegetation. A smooth, solid fence that is at least 3 feet high and buried several inches can be a deterrent, but it must be meticulously maintained without gaps.
What should I do if my pet is bitten?
Stay calm and get your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Keep the animal as quiet and still as possible. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out the venom. Knowing the location of a 24-hour emergency vet that carries antivenin is a good precaution for pet owners in copperhead country.
Dealing with copperheads requires patience and a shift in perspective. The most effective method is to create an environment where they have no reason to visit. By removing their shelter and food, you protect your yard for everyone. Remember, if you encounter one, admire it from a distance and call a pro—they’ll handle it safely for both you and the snake.