To
have Non-poisonous snake, such as
the common garter snake is not a bad
thing other than to see one slither
around your yard or make their way
into your home on occasion. Garter
snakes are not poisonous. Certainly
here in California we have rattlesnakes
and they are poisonous and need to
be removed quickly. Call your local
animal control for removal.
The
upside to garter snakes in the garden
is that they eat pest insects, mosquito
larvae, slugs, snails, crickets, and
mice.
However,
if it is your goal to remove them
then there are a few steps that can
be taken to eliminate their habitat
in your backyard without harming them.
First examine what garter snakes like
in a yard
Low-growing
hiding spots near your house
(shrubs, plants, etc.)
Thickly-planted
gardens
Mulch (especially straw
mulch) in the gardens
Tall grass (Keep the lawn
neatly cut and clean)
Bird feeders (which attract
mice & insects, which
attract
snakes)
Ground-level water sources
(birdbaths, ponds, puddles,
etc.)
Compost piles
Wood and brush piles (Snakes
need cover for protection)
Eliminate piles of rocks.
Keep firewood stacked on
a rack at least 12 inches
from the
ground
Remove junk piles
Keeping the yard clean and
tidy keeps the rodent population
down and consequently reduces
the food source for snakes.
In addition, be sure to
fill in holes around pipes
and foundation. It only
takes a ¼ inch hole
for a snake to crawl into.
A
good screen door would be beneficial.
Keeping the door open for long periods
of time increases the opportunity
for a snake to crawl into the house
and what a shock to find it on your
kitchen floor!
To
have Non-poisonous snake, such as
the common garter snake is not a bad
thing other than to see one slither
around your yard or make their way
into your home on occasion. Garter
snakes are not poisonous. Certainly
here in California we have rattlesnakes
and they are poisonous and need to
be removed quickly. Call your local
animal control for removal.
