One question that we often get is, “How can we get rid of snakes in our yard?” Unfortunately, due to the nature of most yards with their shade, landscaping, and sometimes natural water, this can be a tough ask.
Why Snakes Love Your Yard
Most homes with yards have plenty of hideouts for snakes. For example, snakes love shady areas where they can hide away from humans and other animals. Mice and other small animals make a great food source for snakes, and if you have a field nearby, then there is no shortage of food.
Snakes are an essential part of the ecosystem, and sometimes they can be beneficial when they are close by. Some snakes are extremely territorial and will keep out venomous snakes and other pests. However, kicking up a snake while taking out the trash is never ideal.
For the most part, preventing snakes from coming close to your home is important. It is also important to know how to identify snakes in your local area so that you can better manage these sometimes useful pests.
Types of Snakes in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to a diverse range of snake species, each playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem. While the state boasts many non-venomous snakes that are harmless to humans, there are a few venomous species that residents and visitors should be cautious about. Below are some of the different types of snakes found in North Carolina, along with some statistics and a list of the venomous ones:
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
- Venomous: Yes
- Average Length: 3 to 6 feet
- Description: The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. It has a distinctive diamond pattern along its back and a rattle on its tail.
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
- Venomous: Yes
- Average Length: 2 to 3 feet
- Description: Copperheads have a coppery-red head and hourglass-shaped markings on their bodies. They are known for their excellent camouflage.
Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
- Venomous: Yes
- Average Length: 2 to 4 feet
- Description: Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic and are usually found near water bodies. They have a distinctive white mouth, which they display when threatened.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
- Venomous: Yes
- Average Length: 3 to 5 feet
- Description: Timber rattlesnakes have a yellowish-brown body with dark, V-shaped crossbands. Like the Eastern Diamondbacks, they also have a rattle on their tail.
Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)
- Venomous: Yes
- Average Length: 1 to 2 feet
- Description: The Eastern Coral Snake has brightly colored red, yellow, and black bands along its body. It is reclusive and rarely encountered.
Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
- Venomous: No
- Average Length: 4 to 6 feet
- Description: Black Rat Snakes are non-venomous and are excellent climbers. They are often seen around human habitation, hunting for rodents.
Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
- Venomous: No
- Average Length: 1.5 to 4 feet
- Description: Eastern Garter Snakes are harmless and commonly found throughout North Carolina. They have distinct longitudinal stripes running down their bodies.
Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
- Venomous: No
- Average Length: 10 to 15 inches
- Description: Ring-necked Snakes have a unique yellow or orange ring around their necks. They are small, secretive snakes that primarily feed on insects and small amphibians.
Eastern King Snake (Lampropeltis getula)
- Venomous: No
- Average Length: 3 to 4 feet
- Description: Eastern King Snakes are non-venomous and are known for their beautiful black color with white or yellow bands. They are powerful constrictors and help control rodent populations.
How to Prevent Snakes From Getting in Your Yard
The best way to protect your yard from snakes is to make your property unsuitable for them. They are mostly interested in food, water, and shelter. By using the following tips, you can reduce the chances of them showing up in your yard.
1. Get Rid of Food Sources
The easiest thing that you can do to get rid of most snakes is to make sure that there are no food sources for them in your yard. Because snakes are carnivorous, they often go after small rodents, lizards, insects, and birds.
One way to ensure that they do not have food sources is to keep your yard clean. Securing your trash will keep rodents and other small pests from entering your yard and attracting hungry snakes. Also, make sure to keep pet food inside, as mice and rats love kibbles.
2. Eliminate Standing Water
Snakes use water to help regulate their temperature and love water features and areas where water pools up in your yard. If there is a pool of water in the shade, there is a good chance that a snake will find it and make themselves at home.
Make sure that your gutters are properly working and that your yard drains properly. Consider getting rid of bird baths and covering up your swimming pool. If you are stuck with a pond, keep it clean so that it doesn't become murky.
3. Remove Snake Habitats
Snakes love hiding in debris, such as piles of leaves, branches, and wood piles. If you have any of these things, your best bet is to carefully remove them. This gets rid of the shelter that snakes crave. Snakes also love tall grass and weeds, which keep them hidden from their natural predators. So be sure to keep your lawn cut.
4. Call a Professional
It can be risky for you and your family to remove a snake. When you attempt to remove a snake, it may bite you, posing the risk of fatal infections and even demise. To shield yourself and your family against potential attacks, choose a professional service.
To remove wild animals from your home, Rid-A-Bug offers integrated pest management. Our qualified pest control professionals are dedicated to eliminating pests utilizing humane and eco-friendly methods. If you have any questions about humane removal or wildlife issues, get in touch with us right away.