There are few things more frightening than crossing paths with a slithering snake in your own backyard. Of course, nature is a snake's home, but we totally understand that you'd rather it not be so close to yours. While snakes will come and go as they please in your yard, there are some things you may be doing—or doing too much of—that inadvertently attract them. Experts warn that you should avoid making this common mistake that may bring snakes to your yard.
RELATED: If You're Not Cleaning This Room, You're Inviting Snakes to Your Home.
Overwatering your garden or lawn can attract snakes.
Snakes are drawn to areas that are well stocked with food for them to eat, and overwatering your lawn attracts snakes' favorite snacks, which makes them more likely to pay your backyard a visit. "Too much landscape water may attract prey species such as worms, slugs, and frogs, which in turn may attract snakes seeking a meal," explains Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension wildlife specialist, on the university's website.
If you notice snakes in your yard, it may be a sign that you have problems with other pests you should be worrying about, according to the experts at Varment Guard Wildlife Services. Matthew Mills, CEO of green pest manufacturer Med-X and the creator of Nature-Cide, says you must try to limit the population of other pests that are a snake's prey by making your yard unattractive to them.
"Overwatering your yard leads to weed and brush growth, which opens the yard up to rodent harborage, which attracts snakes through a sense of smell," explains Mills. "Snakes have a very keen sense of smell to their prey and are always looking to harbor where there is ample prey."
RELATED: 6 Things That Are Bringing Snakes Into Your Home.
Snakes themselves are also attracted to moist environments.
In addition to food, snakes also need moisture to stay cool and hydrated, according to the Varment Guard experts. "They're attracted to puddles, wet grass, sunken spots, and other stagnant water," they say.
If you see snakes in your yard, it's likely because you're inadvertently providing them with a spot that has all the amenities they need to survive, like your overwatered garden or grass.
Long grass and big plants provide shelter for snakes.
Sure, watering your garden and grass will lead to lush lawn and blooming flowers, but it will also provide snakes with their ideal shelter.
Snakes need shelter to protect them from predators, such as hawks, explain the pros at Varment Guard, which means they love overgrown vegetation and grass.
These reptiles also tend to burrow through loose topsoil or leaves. "Snakes love hiding, and what better place to hide than a yard full of leaves?" Megan Cavanaugh of Done Right Pest Solutions previously told Best Life. "Leaves on the ground provide cover for them. Keeping your yard clear of leaves and other debris, like sticks, will help deter snakes."
RELATED:For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Removing shelter, moisture, and food sources for snakes will help prevent them from coming to your yard.
If you're looking for a way to prevent snakes from shacking up in your yard, or you're trying to get rid of some that have already visited, you need to deprive them of their basic needs. If snakes are seeking moisture, food, and shelter, and your yard is currently providing that, you need to make some changes.
The experts at Varment Guard Wildlife Services say you should first aim to remove anything that could serve as shelter for snakes. Mow the grass and trim the bushes frequently. "Snakes hate feeling exposed and avoid open, highly visible areas," they explain.
Then you'll want to tackle the removal of any excess moisture in your yard. Varment Guard Wildlife Services recommends making sure your garden hose and spout aren't leaky, and that you avoid overwatering your grass and garden.
"Keeping a tidy yard and cleaning up after pets as well as making sure dog food bowls and backyard picnic areas are cleaned after use will greatly increase the chances for a pest-free environment," said Mills.
RELATED: Leaving This in Your Garage Is Bringing Snakes to Your Home, Experts Warn.
Filed UnderAnimals • Garden • NewsRead This NextNot Cleaning This Up Could Invite Snakes to Your Home
This one mistake could be making your home a haven for pests. September 16, 2021This One Thing Is Attracting Snakes to Your Yard
Make sure you're not inviting any slithering guests by leaving this lying around.September 10, 2021The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 201815 Things Your Real Estate Agent Won't Tell You
These are sure to shock even the most intrepid homebuyers. February 14, 2018
