Spring has arrived, temperatures are rising, and the snake population is ready to wake from their long winter’s nap. That means it’s time to think about ways to protect your dog (and you) from snakes. Read on for tips to keep unwanted slithering visitors out of your yard and away from Fido.
1. Know the Snakes in Your Area
Spend a little time researching the types of snakes native to your region. Different regions are home to various types of snakes, each with its own behaviors and venomous potential. By understanding which snakes are prevalent in your surroundings, you can better prepare yourself and your dogs for potential encounters and take appropriate precautions.
2. Keep Your Grass Short
Snakes, in general, favor tall grass because it offers them a nice place to get cozy and hide from predators. So, keeping your grass short will help to deter snakes from hanging out in your yard. In case one does decide to slither through, though, the short grass will also help make it easier for you to spot the unwanted visitor.
3. Patch Holes in Your Yard
If you see any holes in your yard that were made by little critters, make sure to fill them in with either soil or sod. You’ll want the area thoroughly compacted to discourage snakes from calling it home.
4. Keep Your Yard Tidy
The goal is to limit hiding spots! Consider the following:
Keep Trees and Shrubs Pruned: When you look around your yard, you want to be able to see under every bush and shrub. So keep everything pruned and avoid thick foliage. Also, be careful when inspecting tree limbs and branches before you reach your arm in to do any trimming. Snakes like to hide in trees!
Avoid Leaf Piles: This provides snakes with a place to nest, hide, and hunt.
Be Mindful of Snakes Hiding in Pine Straw and Mulch: Snakes also like to burrow in pine straw and mulch.
Watch out for Woodpiles: Snakes commonly make woodpiles their home. They offer numerous hiding places to stay cool, dry, and out-of-sight. Plus, you can compare large wood piles to outdoor eateries for snakes since little critters like mice, rats, and squirrels like to hang out there as well. If you must have a woodpile, keep it away from your house and stack it at least a foot off the ground.
Look out for Rock Piles: Snakes love rock piles. They too offer unlimited hiding spots, temperature regulation, and a mini menu of food options (AKA small critters and bugs).
5. Install Snake Fencing
You may want to install snake fencing around your property to prevent snakes from entering. Make sure the fencing extends below ground level to prevent snakes from burrowing underneath. Watch This must-see short video to learn the correct mesh material you can use to keep snakes out:
6. Look Into Snake Repellant
Snake repellents are substances designed to deter snakes from entering specific areas by emitting odors or tastes that are unpleasant to them. Sulfur powder is a known snake repellent, but many veterinarians say it’s strong odor and skin irritant may cause concern for pet owners. If you’re looking for a more natural repellant, experts recommend to try diluting 6-8 drops of cinnamon or clove essential oils into a gallon on water and spraying any areas where you’ve seen snakes. Certain plants, such as lemongrass, may also help deter snakes around your home. Here’s another tip from Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital in California: “Mulch key areas with coral, sharp rock, holly leaves, pine cones, or eggshells to create a barrier between snakes and the house.”
7. Keep Your Dog On a Leash
If you happen to notice a snake slithering through your yard, you’ll know to stay away. But, seeing a snake wiggle across the ground is usually enough to peek Fido’s curiosity … which can get him into trouble. Snake bites happen quickly when a snake feels threatened or startled. So, if you suspect there are snakes in your yard then keep your dog on a leash. Don’t let him explore, go under trees, play in piles of mulch, brush, pine needles, ground cover, or any other place he is likely to encounter a snake.
Snakes are especially aggressive during mating season, and if you see baby snakes then keep Fido away. While many assume baby snakes are safer since they’re smaller – think again. The bite from a venomous baby snake can be even more deadly than a larger snake in some instances because a baby snake does not yet know how to control the release of his venom and may release his whole supply in one bite.
8. Inspect All Outside Vents, Exhausts, Or HVAC Units
Be sure to protect any openings that lead into your home through the outside walls or roof, such as outdoor fireplace or dryer vents, exhausts systems, or heat/air conditioner units. These are common ports of entry for snakes and other critters.
It happens all the time. In fact, just a few weeks ago, a neighbor of mine came face-to-face with a copperhead that was staring at her from behind the glass window in her gas fireplace. Needless to say, a whole lot of craziness was going on in that house. It turned out, the snake had made his way in through the fireplace vent on the outside wall of her home. Be sure to seal off any openings with 1/4″ metal mesh to keep unwanted snakes and critters out!
9. Check, Inspect, & Repair Any Cracks Around House Or Foundation
Walk around your house and thoroughly inspect the foundation. Make sure there are no cracks, crevices, or openings. Snakes will take advantage of any opportunity. If you find any vulnerable areas, repair them ASAP.
10. Be Mindful in Garages and Sheds
Keep your garage door closed. Snakes love to set-up home in a garage or outdoor shed where the food supply from critters and insects are often plentiful. There’s nothing worse than you or your pooch walking into the garage and accidentally stepping on a snake. Remember: Most snake bites occur when a snake is startled.
11. Watch Out for Water Sources
Snakes are often found near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and puddles. Be cautious when walking your dog near these areas and keep them away from the water’s edge.
12. If You See a Snake … Stay Calm!
Keep a close eye on your surroundings when you’re outdoors with your dog. Look out for any signs of snakes, such as rustling in the bushes or movement in tall grass. In the event of a snake encounter, remain calm and try to calmly move yourself and your dog away from the snake. Panicking can escalate the situation and increase the risk of a bite.
If you follow the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to snake-proofing your yard and home. Of course, this won’t guarantee that you’ll never see a snake or one won’t find somewhere on your property to nest. But, you’ll be making it much more challenging for a snake to make your home his home too.
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