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mcbrayer0814

Need snakes GONE!

10 years ago

Didn't see another forum on pest or snakes so thought I'd ask fellow Texans. We moved to a 2 acre property last year and start seeing snakes immediately. But they have really picked up this year, 5 within the past 2 months. Copperhead, yellow-bellied racer, garter snake and 2 others I couldn't identify, saw them AFTER the mower went over them. I am EXTREMELY terrified of snakes. Luckily my husband has no issue and kills the snakes if he is home. I am in search of something, anything that will keep the snakes off the property and away from our house.

We have a small indoor dog and a very curious 2 year old child. We have a useless outdoor cat that only tries to eat the snakes once they are dead and an outdoor dog that does not have access to the entire property.

I mow our yard very low and weekly to discourage any slithering but we have a slope with a lot of trees on one side, woods behind us and the only neighbor we have has 80ish acres and only cuts grass once a year!

Will lemongrass help? Does the snake repellent spray from Lowe's or HD work? We have eliminated any inviting areas for them to stay but we do have an elevated firewood stack on our back porch and as I was walking back from feeding our dog my son and I walked up on a yellow-bellied racer (didn't know at the time) laying on top of the wood. I was carrying my son and I assume I had walked right by it minutes earlier with my son inches from it. My worst fear is having a venomous snake bite my child before I see the snake.

Any advice appreciated! But please no "snakes keep away mice, snakes are good for...." I can handle mice and other creatures. I can not deal with snakes. Thanks

Comments (12)

  • 10 years ago

    They are going to like your firewood- I suggest moving it away from the house, and using a wheelbarrow when you actually want some, and getting enough for that day/night, then weeling it to the backdoor.


    You said you are cutting grass low- make sure there are no rock piles/brush piles/etc. Make sure the neighbor's area is SO much more enticing, lol.


    The best discouragement I've ever known is much like what you are doing- eliminate anything they do like. If you feed the dog outside, there will be mice/etc around, and that'll attract the snakes.


    It may be helpful to call and talk to the dr. as well about what to do in case the dog or child is bit at some point. Have a gameplan ready. I grew up out in the Texas woods and lots of snakes, never got bit- a neighbor boy was bit 3x in one summer! He likes looking FOR them in their woodpile though. We also made a point to be very noisy when walking, encourage them to move off.

  • 10 years ago

    It is my understanding that if you spread soil sulfur that will work as a repellant. I paid 25. for a 40 lb bag.


  • 10 years ago

    Renee, thanks for the reply.

    When we feed our dog she eats her food quickly. Normally she doesn't let her food sit too long to attract anything. We moved her house far away from our house, she's closer to the back fence and woods than to our house.

    I've already informed the husband we are moving the wood pile.

    My plan is sulfur, moth balls, agapanthus and lemon grass.

  • 10 years ago

    I did a search on the GW Reptile Forum and came up with 135 posts on how to repel snakes Discussions | Reptiles & Amphibians. I didn't read them to see if there was anything tried and true, but thought you might want to take a look. Wishing you success.

    mcbrayer0814 thanked roselee z8b S.W. Texas
  • 10 years ago

    I don't like them any better than you do, and forget the mice eating talk, we have lived here for years, and they are not gone by any means, but for years I have put moth balls around the edge of the house outside, one closet inside, I think snakeaway has that in it, we have a mocking bird nestingjn a bush at the corner of the house, they will warn when one is near them and did the other day, a black snake, thats what we mostly have. from what I understand they follow scent trails , so anything thatcan interrupt that might help. wood pile would have to be moved. maybe some natural spices might work like cinnamon cloves...

  • 10 years ago

    I have family in the country side, who've always had problems with snakes. Always see copperheads and lost eggs to some egg eating snakes. I don't know about repellents, but make sure to either move or be VERY careful when handling large rocks, or pieces of wood. Always carry a flashlight at night, too. :-)

  • 9 years ago

    Hello Expert! I am happy I saw this reply. We just bought a place in Round Top, and I am worried about snakes in the area, mostly because of my dog who weighs about 25 lbs. What do you recommend we do to make sure we stay safe. (wussies from California..lol)

  • 9 years ago

    Geese

  • 9 years ago

    California has just as many snakes as Round Top, unless you were from far northern CA. Even there they have venomous snakes. If you weren't threatened by snakes there, you won't have any problem in Round Top. 99% of the snake stories you read/hear online or even from neighbors are exaggerations at best and often simply untrue.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for the great answers! Now, how to keep dog safe from geese! LOL

  • 9 years ago

    I do have a fear of them but my main fear is my toddler coming across one while my back is turned. We have added guineas, chickens and ducks to the property to help with snakes and every other nuisance. We do have a small dog that is always outside with us so I am hoping that between him and the birds the snakes will either be kept at bay or they will alert me to any snake they find.