Devin Jacobs
You might think snakes just slither in out of the blue, but guess what? Sometimes, the choices you make around your yard and house end up doing exactly what snakes need to feel comfortable. So, here are ten common habits that could be making your home way too attractive for snakes.
Excessive Mulch Piles
When piles of mulch are left undisturbed for long periods, they create a hiding spot for snakes. The mulch retains moisture, which snakes need as shelter. The decomposing organic matter also attracts insects and small rodents, which are a snake’s primary food source. These animals burrow into the mulch, offering snakes a built-in food supply.
Compost And Garden Waste Piles
Composting is a wonderful way to recycle organic waste and nourish your plants, but it can also attract a variety of animals, including snakes. The pile becomes a ready-made feeding ground for snakes. To prevent snakes from taking up residence in your compost, make sure your compost bin is securely enclosed and has a tight-fitting lid.
Unsealed Gaps And Holes Around Structures
Snakes are incredibly adept at squeezing into tight spaces, and your home or garden structures may have small gaps or holes that serve as perfect entry points. Small snakes, in their search for shelter or food, can slip through gaps as small as half an inch. Over time, these spaces become snake highways, giving them easy access to your garden.
Dense Ground Cover
While ground covers might seem like an easy way to fill empty spaces in your garden, they create an ideal environment for snakes to thrive. Dense ground cover provides shelter and camouflage, allowing snakes to hide from predators or people. Consider using gravel or stones as an alternative to large swaths of ground cover.
Fertilizer Overuse
Many snakes are opportunistic predators that feed on small mammals and insects, both of which can flourish in an over-fertilized garden. While fertilizers promote plant growth, they can also encourage an influx of insects and rodents. Keeping your garden’s ecosystem balanced will help ensure that you’re not inadvertently welcoming snakes.
Piles Of Rocks And Wood
Piles of rocks, firewood, or stone left undisturbed in your garden serve as hiding spots for snakes. Additionally, firewood and rocks provide shelter from predators and create spaces where small animals can nest, further attracting snakes. If you need to have a stone or wood pile, make sure it’s located away from the house or garden.
Overgrown Shrubs And Tall Grass
Snakes thrive in areas that offer plenty of cover and shade, and overgrown shrubs and tall grass are perfect spots for them. These areas provide a moist environment that snakes find comforting, especially during the hot summer months. So, regularly trim back overgrown plants and clear any unnecessary weeds.
Feeding Wildlife In Your Garden
When you feed wildlife, you essentially create a buffet that snakes will not pass up. If you love attracting wildlife to your garden, try to do so in ways that don’t encourage rodents, such as planting specific types of plants or installing bird feeders high up in trees. Avoid leaving food scraps or seeds on the ground, as these will only draw unwanted animals.
Excessive Ground Lighting
Lights around your garden, especially bright ones near bushes or shrubs, can turn your yard into a bug haven. Some snakes follow their food source, so the more insects you attract, the more likely snakes will show up. If you enjoy outdoor lighting, consider using low-level, motion-sensitive lights that won’t constantly attract pests.
Abundant Water Sources
Water is essential for life, and snakes are no exception. A birdbath or even a puddle left standing for too long can act as a beacon to snakes. If you have a garden pond or birdbath, it’s important to keep the water clean. You can also consider using a small fountain with a moving water element, as moving water tends to deter snakes.