Any effective way to deter snakes without hurting them?

Somervell

Somervell

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Feb 8, 2009
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Anne
I know there are a lot of herp lovers out there, so I am hoping that you can give some advice. I have garter snakes very close to my house in my favorite garden. I know they're harmless and eat pests. I know they are part of a delicate ecosystem. I know some of you think they are kind of cute. I am snake phobic and want to keep them safely away from my home. I don't want to hurt the critters, I just want them to feel unwanted and unloved so that they will return to a place where they will be "more appreciated."

Any serious suggestions would be most welcome. Any humorous ones might get my bloodpressure back down from the last sighting, so bring 'em on.:)
 
Sprinkling sulfur around the area you dont want them at. You can get sulfur at most any farm and garden store.

Edit to add, Ive never tried this before, have only heard it when I worked at the store.

I completely understand your phobia, my sister is phobic of them as well. In all honesty though, I really think that you wont be able to get rid of them as you wish, try taking a stick with you and wiggling it about anything before you put your hands in it
 
I believe the sulfur would work because it would burn their skin... But I don't remember enough from chemistry to know for sure. It could also be the smell... I wouldn't want to crawl through that stuff. Either way, I would bet that it would work, and also deter ants.

Something else I've heard - I have no bases to back this, besides rumor - is that ultrasonic noises scare them away. You can get dog training devices that make these noises. The simplest, and cheapest would be a dog whistle.
 
Pretty Awesome! According to that site, we are both dead wrong! Learn something old every day.
 
what you need.... is a giant flock of eagles and hawks

good luck finding someone that sells large numbers of predatory birds though... also I think some legal issues will come into play... and there might be issues keeping them in your yard...

you might also try investing in a shotgun
 
Depending on local law, any snakeshot might be illegal. Also, snakeshot from a 22 would kill a garter. Anything out of a 12gauge would make soup out of it. Besides, OP said she didn't want to hurt them.
 
Hebily said:
Depending on local law, any snakeshot might be illegal. Also, snakeshot from a 22 would kill a garter. Anything out of a 12gauge would make soup out of it. Besides, OP said she didn't want to hurt them.
Click to expand...

a 22 would be effective.... a 12 guage is always MORE effective.. and entertaining lol


besides.. I was only joking-- I know she didnt want to hurt them

she said she needed a laugh
 
Thanks, everybody. I actually think it is illegal to shoot snakes in my state (PA.) My family comes from a farm in Maryland. I am actually hanging my head in shame right now over my phobia of an "itty bitty harmless thing that wouldn't hurt a fly."

As to the eagles and hawks. No eagles. Quite a few small hawks, but I think that the creek behind us (hence the snake) probably keeps them occupied with tasty small rodents. We've even had a few Herons back there, but I don't think snake was on their menu, either. Maybe it is. Maybe this is why it's the first I've seen in five years. I did appreciate the laugh. It would probably be more like snake puree or Cream of Garter!
 
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