{"id":15492,"date":"2019-09-13T16:33:26","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T19:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=15492"},"modified":"2023-08-25T12:07:26","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T15:07:26","slug":"garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/","title":{"rendered":"Snakes in the Garden: What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you see a snake in your garden, you <em>don\u2019t<\/em> want to panic. But you <em>do<\/em> want to decide what to do about it. \u201cMost snakes pose no danger,\u201d says Robert T. Mason, professor of integrative biology at Oregon State University. \u201cEven if you see a snake, you\u2019re very unlikely to get bitten.\u201d<\/p>    <p>But there are concerns. You might have to get rid of the snake, or at least make it slither away. On the other hand, you might want to change the way you use your garden or the way your garden is setup. We\u2019ll explain how to identify snakes and discourage snakes near your home, giving humans and reptiles the space each needs to thrive.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-7bae18a5-1ad7-44bc-a64d-daa53c77eb57\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#0-snakes-aren%E2%80%99t-killing-a-lot-of-people\" style=\"\">Snakes Aren\u2019t Killing a Lot of People<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#1-snakes-in-the-garden-both-predator-and-prey\" style=\"\">Snakes in the Garden: Both Predator and Prey<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#2-non-venomous-vs-venomous-snakes\" style=\"\">Non-Venomous vs. Venomous Snakes<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#5-what-to-do-if-you-see-a-snake-in-your-garden\" style=\"\">What To Do If You See a Snake in Your Garden<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#6-what-to-do-if-you-fear-seeing-a-snake-in-your-garden\" style=\"\">What To Do If You Fear Seeing a Snake in Your Garden<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#7-snakes-are-a-protected-species\" style=\"\">Snakes Are a Protected Species<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#8-if-you-don%E2%80%99t-want-snakes\" style=\"\">If You Don\u2019t Want Snakes<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#9-but-if-you-want-snakes-%E2%80%A6\" style=\"\">But If You Want Snakes \u2026<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#10-snake-bites-an-overview-\" style=\"\">Snake Bites: An Overview\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#14-if-you-find-a-snake-inside-your-house\" style=\"\">If You Find a Snake Inside Your House<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#15-when-to-call-in-a-professional\" style=\"\">When to Call In a Professional<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#16-fear-of-snakes-is-common\" style=\"\">Fear of Snakes Is Common<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/#17-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-snakes-aren%E2%80%99t-killing-a-lot-of-people\">Snakes Aren\u2019t Killing a Lot of People<\/h2>    <p>Death from poisonous snakes, called envenomation, is rare: An average of just <a href=\"http:\/\/ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu\/venomous_snake_faqs.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">six snake-bite fatalities<\/a> occur annually. More people die from lightning strikes and hornet, bee, or wasp stings.<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"72bca3b6-4367-402a-8920-ccd917bd8587\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <p>Source: UF Wildlife<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-snakes-in-the-garden-both-predator-and-prey\">Snakes in the Garden: Both Predator and Prey<\/h2>    <p>Even the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.army.mil\/article\/244488\/while_feared_among_many_snakes_important_to_environment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Army<\/a> recognizes the value of snakes in the garden.<\/p>    <p>Snakes are a food source for:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard\/\">Birds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Mammals<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Other reptiles<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Snakes feed on:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Frogs and other amphibians<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/earthworms-help-lawn-grass-soil\/\">Earthworms<\/a> (especially common garter snakes)<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Lizards<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-mice\/\">Mice<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-moles\/\">Moles<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-rats\/\">Rats<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Slugs<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/eliminate-conditions-attract-rodents\/\">Small rodents<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/vole-damage-lawns\/\">Voles<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>And other snakes<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Snakes offer other benefits:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>They do not eat your plants.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>They do not eat your crops.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>They do not transmit disease to humans.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-non-venomous-vs-venomous-snakes\">Non-Venomous vs. Venomous Snakes<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-non-venomous-snakes\">Non-Venomous Snakes<\/h3>    <p>Common garter snakes and other non-venomous snakes can be left to bask in the sunshine while you work in the garden or mow the grass, according to Adam Janke, an extension wildlife specialist at Iowa State University. Here are a few non-venomous snakes you should know:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001.jpeg\" alt=\"corn snake\" class=\"wp-image-67267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001-646x485.jpeg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/799px-Pantherophis_guttatus_001-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pantherophis_guttatus_001.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">H. Zell<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Corn snakes <\/strong>(<em>Pantherophis guttata<\/em>). Fairly large (30-48 inches). Orange, reddish brown, brown, or gray with a lot of squarish black-margined brown or reddish blotches. Often mistaken for venomous copperheads, which have blotches in the shape of hourglasses and are browner in color.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake.jpg\" alt=\"garter snake\" class=\"wp-image-67268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Thamnophis_sirtalis_Common_Garter_Snake-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Thamnophis_sirtalis_(Common_Garter_Snake).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Thamnophis_sirtalis_(Common_Garter_Snake).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brian Gratwicke<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Garter snakes <\/strong>(<em>Thamnophis sirtalis<\/em>). Thin, 2-4 feet in length. Commonly called \u201cgarden snakes.\u201d Most garter snakes have yellow stripes on a black, brown, or green background. <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/DEEP\/Wildlife\/Fact-Sheets\/Common-Gartersnake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garter snakes<\/a> are the most common snake to be found in a North American garden. They are harmless to people, and do not have venom.<br><br>Garter snakes eat mice, amphibians, earthworms, and a few unwanted garden pests such as slugs. For this reason, many believe garter snakes are good for gardens and good to have in your yard.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1.jpg\" alt=\"Gopher snake\" class=\"wp-image-67799\" style=\"width:800px;height:531px\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1-646x429.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/7194391090_596dc92fd9_k-1-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ddebold\/7194391090\/in\/photolist-apxcoY-nzQwXV-bXK8SU-bXK8PG-rnUCCH-8EH9um-2nh9qbX-2iFvjvS-2iFsxvC-9Krbsd-negyG8-sjLFkL-V5pVuL-9V3YfF-VLvPsj-77463b-76ZhmX-8z3hQY-dAXBdM-aHEhwD-s1owTt-7746aG-76ZatX-dAXB7T-Hau1sF-aHEqW6-6mZZJk-24DfU6f-GcMLDU-7AuM1r-4S5ZpW-2kQxomS-7CDU3o-QdP4s7-8FaHuu-sQS2vU-P3t5En-P3t52P-P3t5wB-Ki1jBL-sR3hGK-tvhVyw-N7G5p7-2iB9ho1-2iBaGjS-dAXAR8-8Ro2JA-8RjTGZ-KYXohj-8Ro2aA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ddebold\/7194391090\/in\/photolist-apxcoY-nzQwXV-bXK8SU-bXK8PG-rnUCCH-8EH9um-2nh9qbX-2iFvjvS-2iFsxvC-9Krbsd-negyG8-sjLFkL-V5pVuL-9V3YfF-VLvPsj-77463b-76ZhmX-8z3hQY-dAXBdM-aHEhwD-s1owTt-7746aG-76ZatX-dAXB7T-Hau1sF-aHEqW6-6mZZJk-24DfU6f-GcMLDU-7AuM1r-4S5ZpW-2kQxomS-7CDU3o-QdP4s7-8FaHuu-sQS2vU-P3t5En-P3t52P-P3t5wB-Ki1jBL-sR3hGK-tvhVyw-N7G5p7-2iB9ho1-2iBaGjS-dAXAR8-8Ro2JA-8RjTGZ-KYXohj-8Ro2aA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Don DeBold<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Gopher snakes<\/strong> (<em>Pituophis catenifer<\/em>). Can be 3-7 feet in length. Yellowish or light brown, box-shaped markings along its back with a yellowish underside. When threatened, it shakes its tail like a rattlesnake, and also curls up like one, then strikes (but without fangs, it only bumps its adversaries, trying to knock them away).<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1.jpg\" alt=\"kingnsnake\" class=\"wp-image-67273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1-646x490.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/49671281073_33dd2430cf_k-1-768x583.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jsjgeology\/49671281073\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jsjgeology\/49671281073\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James St. John<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Kingsnakes<\/strong> (<em>Lampropelis getula<\/em>). Large at 3-4 feet. Black with white or yellow bands that circle its body. Thrive in many habitats, from swamps to farmlands and suburban backyards. Feed on slugs. Secretive to the point of hiding under objects such as boards.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355.jpg\" alt=\"Red Milk Snake\" class=\"wp-image-67272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355-646x455.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Red_Milk_Snake_Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila_18274863355-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Red_Milk_Snake_(Lampropeltis_triangulum_syspila)_(18274863355).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Paplanus<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Milk snakes <\/strong>(<em>Lampropeltis triangulum<\/em>). Medium size at 2-3 feet.Slender. Bright, bold colors. Known for scarlet or orange blotches with block circles around them. Can also have gray blotches inside the black circles. Found under rocks and logs in fields, savannahs, farms, wetlands, and the suburbs.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k.jpg\" alt=\"black rat snake\" class=\"wp-image-67270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6936274620_acf828baf0_k-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/52450054@N04\/6936274620\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Judy Gallagher<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Rat snakes <\/strong>(<em>Pantherophis obsoleta<\/em>). Mostly 3-5 feet in length, with some reaching 6 feet or more. Different ones are black, gray, or a combination of green, yellow, and orange. The underside is checkered or mottled approaching the tail. Rat snakes can climb tree trunks and brick walls.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-venomous-snakes\">Venomous Snakes<\/h3>    <p>If you see one of these venomous snakes as you work in the lawn, keep your distance.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"712\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1.jpg\" alt=\"coral snake\" class=\"wp-image-67284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1-646x575.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1-150x134.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/674px-Coral_009-1-768x684.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Coral_009.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Coral_009.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Norman.benton<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Coral snakes<\/strong> (<em>Micrurus fulvius<\/em>). Usually 2 feet in length. Wide red and black bands with narrow yellow bands between. Found underground, in sandy soil. Similar in appearance to the non-venomous kingsnakes and scarlet snakes, which do not have the sharp yellow bands of the coral snake, leading to this saying: \u201cRed on yellow can kill a fellow.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1.jpg\" alt=\"eastern copperhead\" class=\"wp-image-67289\" style=\"width:800px;height:559px\" width=\"800\" height=\"559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1-646x451.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/51128269746_d3d5a9cc4d_k-1-768x537.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Coral_009.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/2ndpeter\/51128269746\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/2ndpeter\/51128269746\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Paplanus<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Copperhead <\/strong>(<em>Agkistrodon contortrix<\/em>). Usually 2-3 feet in length but can reach 4 feet. Thick body. Coloring is pink to coppery-tan with dark brown, hourglass-shaped bands. Head is copper in color, giving the snake its name. The coloration provides serious camouflaging; that and its venomous bite make it a major concern to people.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cottonmouth snake\" class=\"wp-image-67285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/800px-Snake_Cottonmouth_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Coral_009.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Snake_Cottonmouth,_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Snake_Cottonmouth,_Agkistrodon_piscivorus_by_Scott_Zona.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scott.zona<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Cottonmouth<\/strong> (<em>Agkistrodon piscivorus<\/em>). Large at 2 \u00bd-3 \u00bd feet. Thick body. Dark olive-brown to almost black with dark crossbands. Inside of mouth is white, leading to the name. Also known as \u201cwater moccasins\u201d for living in swamps and drainage ditches. Can be found by rivers and lakes. Can be seen swimming in the water.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1.jpg\" alt=\"rattlesnake\" class=\"wp-image-67288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/picryl.com\/media\/rattlesnake-crotalus-golden-spike-national-historic-site-2016-366046\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Picryl<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Rattlesnakes<\/strong> (<em>Genus Crotalus<\/em>). From 2-5 feet. Heavy bodies. Bodies can be gray, black, brown, olive, or yellow with banded, diamond, or spotted patterns. Add rattles as they grow. Will defend itself when cornered. Can strike up to a body-length away, though since it would be coiled, you wouldn\u2019t know how far that is.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-what-to-do-if-you-see-a-snake-in-your-garden\">What To Do If You See a Snake in Your Garden<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Give it space<\/strong> to move on.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Snakes have a natural fear of people<\/strong>. They will avoid you, if you let them.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Identify the snake<\/strong>. If it is venomous, it must be removed from your backyard. If it is a garter snake, it can be enjoyed. [Note: It\u2019s wise not to get too close. If it\u2019s safe to do so, maintain your distance and snap a photo. A local wildlife expert should be able to help you identify the snake.]<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Spray it with the garden hose<\/strong>. It is a nonlethal option to encourage it to go slithering away.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not bring out the guns, shovels, or other weapons.<\/strong> Many snakes are protected species. Also, discharging a firearm toward the ground can result in bullet ricochet.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-what-to-do-if-you-fear-seeing-a-snake-in-your-garden\">What To Do If You Fear Seeing a Snake in Your Garden<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Wear shoes<\/strong>, and ones that cover your toes.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Wear long pants, <\/strong>not shorts.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Garden gloves<\/strong> can be the gardener\u2019s best friend. \u201cSome venomous snakes, like copperheads, have short fangs, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-gardening-gloves\/\">garden gloves<\/a> could offer enough of a barrier to prevent envenomation,\u201d Mason says.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Careful where you walk.<\/strong> If you step on a snake, it will likely bite you.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Never reach<\/strong> into tall plants, a woodpile, or any place where you can\u2019t see what might be there.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-snakes-are-a-protected-species\">Snakes Are a Protected Species<\/h2>    <p>You would have to be careful about killing a snake because so many kinds are protected. Individual states protect snakes, in addition to the ones protected on the federal level by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.<\/p>    <p>The federally protected snakes include:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Alameda whip snake&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Atlantic salt marsh snake<\/li>    <li>Black pine snake<\/li>    <li>Copper-belly water snake&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Eastern indigo snake<\/li>    <li>Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake<\/li>    <li>Giant garter snake<\/li>    <li>Mona boa<\/li>    <li>Narrow-headed garter snake<\/li>    <li>New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake<\/li>    <li>Northern Mexican garter snake<\/li>    <li>Puerto Rican boa<\/li>    <li>San Francisco garter snake<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>As of this writing, all but the Puerto Rican boa and San Francisco garter snake are threatened, but these last two are endangered.<\/p>    <p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/ecos.fws.gov\/ecp\/report\/species-listings-by-tax-group?statusCategory=Listed&amp;groupName=Reptiles&amp;total=50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<\/a><\/p>    <p>The federal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gc.noaa.gov\/documents\/gces\/6-ESA\/esa_1208.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">penalties<\/a> for harming an endangered species of snake, such as the Puerto Rican boa and San Francisco garter snake, in your garden:<\/p>    <p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PENALTY SCHEDULE<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td>First offense<\/td><td>Second offense<\/td><td>Third offense<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kill<\/td><td>$3,500<\/td><td>$7,500<\/td><td>$13,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wound\/Injure\/Hunt\/Capture<\/td><td>$2,000<\/td><td>$4,500<\/td><td>$10,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Taking via Significant Habitat Modification or Degradation<\/td><td>Penalties to fit the facts and circumstances of a particular case up to the statutory maximum<\/td><td>Penalties to fit the facts and circumstances of a particular case up to the statutory maximum<\/td><td>Penalties to fit the facts and circumstances of a particular case up to the statutory maximum<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Harass<\/td><td>$1,000-$10,500<\/td><td>$2,000<\/td><td>$7,500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Collect Parts<\/td><td>$500-$2,000<\/td><td>$1,000-$5,500<\/td><td>$2,000-$10,500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>Every state has protected at least a few kinds of snakes. Rough rule of thumb: Don\u2019t kill them unless you are being attacked.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-if-you-don%E2%80%99t-want-snakes\">If You Don\u2019t Want Snakes<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1.jpg\" alt=\"snake in garden\" class=\"wp-image-67311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1-646x491.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/grass-lawn-meadow-wildlife-golden-reptile-960204-pxhere.com-1-768x584.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/960204\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Cut the grass.<\/strong> Snakes can hide in longer grass, not only from humans, but from such airborne predators as hawks. \u201cA manicured lawn leaves the snake exposed,\u201d Mason says.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Secure the foundation<\/strong>. Snakes will slither through the smallest of openings in the foundation of the house in order to hide. Make it a point to close cracks and crevices around porches and steps. Make sure that the area where the foundation and the siding meet is secure.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remove wood piles. <\/strong>Snakes routinely take cover in wood piles. If you must have a pile of wood (say, to store the logs you will burn in the fireplace), put it as far from the house or pathways as you can.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Be wary about cool, moist spots.<\/strong> Those areas under dense brush can be cool and moist, the kind of place that snakes like. If you <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/news_sections\/gardening\/12-ways-to-stop-snakes-from-slithering-into-yards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">don\u2019t want snakes<\/a>, you can trim the brush, or trim it up. If you want snakes but not near the house, make sure any bushes are moved to the fringes.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Be careful about water features<\/strong>. Snakes are attracted to ponds, streams, and other water features as small rodents and small fish are prime food sources.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Minimize hardscaping<\/strong>. Snakes are cold-blooded, so they warm themselves in the sun, and will turn up on stone patios, asphalt driveways, and similar places.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Keep bird feeders away. <\/strong>Birds spill seed on the ground, which attracts mice and voles and then snakes. Keep any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/north-carolina\/goldsboro-nc\/how-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-your-bird-feeder-in-goldsboro-nc\/\">bird feeder<\/a> away from your house, garage, or outbuilding.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Store bird seed<\/strong> <strong>and pet food<\/strong> in a metal can with a tight lid if you keep it outside.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Feed your pets inside.<\/strong> Their food will attract the small things that attract snakes. If you end up feeding pets outside, clean up right away.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Think before you landscape.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/mulch-types-tips-guide\/\">Mulch<\/a> and large rocks (small rocks are OK) will attract snakes and provide breeding places. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/water-gardens-everything-you-need-to-know\/\">Water gardens<\/a> and koi ponds are feeding spots for snakes.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-but-if-you-want-snakes-%E2%80%A6\">But If You <em>Want<\/em> Snakes \u2026<\/h2>    <p>Gardeners who want to attract garden snakes should:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Let the grass grow<\/strong>, especially around the fringes of the yard, to give garden snakes a safe spot to hide in your ecosystem.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Place flat rocks <\/strong>in places that get sun. Or stack rock piles.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Protect snakes from predators<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pets\/how-to-keep-cats-out-of-your-yard\/\">discouraging cats from your yard<\/a> and keeping any cat of yours indoors.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>&nbsp;<strong>Add small brush piles<\/strong> to serve as shelter and nesting sites.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-snake-bites-an-overview-\">Snake Bites: An Overview&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-if-you-are-bitten-by-a-snake\">If You Are Bitten by a Snake<\/h3>    <p>Things you should do:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remain calm. <\/strong>If your blood races, it <a href=\"https:\/\/bosque.agrilife.org\/2015\/07\/17\/snakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">drives<\/a> the venom through your body.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Keep still.<\/strong>&nbsp; Movement will send the venom through your body.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not eat or drink anything<\/strong>, especially alcohol or caffeine.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Cover the bite<\/strong> with a proper dressing. Don\u2019t improvise with a scarf; get a bandage.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>If bitten on an arm or leg, do not elevate above the heart.<\/strong> Keep the limb motionless and lower than the level of the heart.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Call 9-1-1 without hesitation. <\/strong>Get to an emergency medical facility. Do this even if you believe you have been bitten by a non-venomous snake such as a garter snake; they can spread tetanus.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remember what the snake looked like.<\/strong> The description of the snake\u2019s colors and markings will help the medical people determine which treatment to use. There are differences.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remove rings, watches, and constrictive clothing<\/strong>, in case of swelling.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Note the time when the bite occurred<\/strong>. It can matter to the medical care provider.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Draw a circle <\/strong>around the wound to help the people who will treat you. You could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/snake-bites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">write<\/a> the time by the circle, too.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-things-you-should-not-do-if-bitten\">Things You Should NOT Do If Bitten:<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>You should not wait <\/strong>to see what develops.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not suck the venom from a wound<\/strong>. It will just spread the poison.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not cut open the area of the bite<\/strong>. It does nothing to help.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not apply a tourniquet<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not put ice<\/strong> on the wound.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Do not put the wound in water<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-symptoms-of-a-snake-bite\">Symptoms of A Snake Bite<\/h3>    <p>You don\u2019t want to panic if you think that little sting you felt might have come from a snake, but you do want to be smart about it. From the U.S. Forest Service, here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/visit\/know-before-you-go\/snakes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">warning signs<\/a> that you have a serious snake bite:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Puncture marks <\/strong>at the wound. There are usually two of them, but realize that sometimes there is only one.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Redness, bruising, or swelling<\/strong> at the bite<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Noticeable pain<\/strong> at the bite<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Nausea and vomiting<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Trouble breathing&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Blurred vision&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Slurred speech<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Sweating and\/or drooling<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Numbness or tingling<\/strong> of your face (especially your mouth) or your limbs<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-if-you-find-a-snake-inside-your-house\">If You Find a Snake Inside Your House<\/h2>    <p>If a snake gets into your house, there is no need to kill it, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanesociety.org\/resources\/what-do-about-snakes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Humane Society<\/a> says. Instead:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remain calm<\/strong>. If you move too quickly, it might drive the snake into hiding.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Try to herd the snake out.<\/strong> You could use a broom to sweep the snake out the nearest door.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Place a pail, wastebasket, or bowl over the snake.<\/strong> Do it slowly. Put a weight on top.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Try to confine the snake<\/strong> with boards or boxes, then call for help. Perhaps a relative, a friend, a neighbor. Or a professional service.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-when-to-call-in-a-professional\">When to Call In a Professional<\/h2>    <p>If you find garter snakes inside your house or see rattlesnakes outside of it, you should seriously consider calling in a professional. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/exterminator-price\/#19-cost-to-remove-wildlife\">LawnStarter pricing guide<\/a> puts the cost of trapping and relocating wild animals at anywhere from <strong>$255 to $600<\/strong>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-fear-of-snakes-is-common\">Fear of Snakes Is Common<\/h2>    <p>More than half of all Americans are afraid of snakes, according to a <a href=\"https:\/\/today.yougov.com\/topics\/society\/articles-reports\/2014\/03\/27\/argh-snakes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouGov poll<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"f162a6cf-ab0f-4f20-9c42-076667ad35b3\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1667255467463\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are There Snake Repellents?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Commercial snake repellents have not been proven to be effective, Robert T. Mason, professor of integrative biology at Oregon State University, has found in his research.<br\/><br\/>\u25cf A report by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/wildlife_damage\/nwrc\/publications\/Tech_Notes\/TN_SnakeRepellents.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a> found that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol will drive off snakes. However, the snakes must be sprayed directly and, when the substance dries, there is nothing to keep the snake from returning.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\u25cf Although it may not be recommended by experts, there is an EPA-approved chemical repellent for snakes that is available in stores, a product called &#8220;Snake-A-Way.&#8221; It was found to be safe for humans, animals, and plant life.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>In general, repellents are not recommended for snakes. Removing habitat areas and food sources around your home is a more effective way to discourage them from coming around your landscape.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1667255492661\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are Dry Bites?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">\u201cDry bites\u201d are snake bites in which there is no venom in the fangs. They can happen when the snake fails to deploy the specific muscles that drive out the venom, or when the snake fires out the venom too soon (before breaking your skin). It is estimated that 25 percent of the bites from pit vipers and 50 percent of bites from coral snakes are dry.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1667255500953\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is a \u2018Snake In the Grass\u2019?\u00a0<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The phrase, \u201ca snake in the grass\u201d was first used by the Roman poet Virgil in the <a href=\"http:\/\/virgil.org\/texts\/virgil\/eclogues.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Third Eclogue<\/a> as a metaphor for treachery, or as Virgil wrote it in 37 BCE, \u201cLatet anguis in herba.\u201d\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1667255511238\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Does a Snake Den Look Like?<br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Snakes can\u2019t dig holes, so in North America they will take over the den created by another animal, including mice, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-groundhogs\/\">groundhogs<\/a>, or chipmunks. Once they have taken over a den, snakes from garter snakes to cottonmouths will spend most of their lives in it, emerging only for sun and food.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-conclusion-a-call-to-action\">Conclusion: A Call to Action<\/h2>    <p>Whether you are doing the planning for a garden or are doing the regular upkeep, you should make a decision about snakes. You can decide if you want to create a haven for them, to consider them the gardener\u2019s best friend in your ecosystem, or want to drive them away.<\/p>    <p>But make no mistake: It is your garden. Decide what you think best, then act. If you need help to keep the lawn trim, call a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">local LawnStarter pro<\/a>. If you\u2019ve got a problem in the lawn and need a specialist to help, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.networx.com\/pest-control?utm_source=10717&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local wildlife specialist<\/a>. But take action.<\/p>    <p><em>Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a wildlife or medical professional if you come across a snake in your yard or are bitten by one.<\/em><\/p>    <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/624231\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you see a snake in your garden, you don\u2019t want to panic. But you do want to decide what [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":67307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[669],"tags":[629],"class_list":["post-15492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pest-control","tag-pest-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nature-grass-outdoor-plant-lawn-meadow-624231-pxhere.com-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Ted Rodgers","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/ted-rodgers\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Snakes in the Garden: What to Do<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Snakes are feared by humans, but shouldn\u2019t be, and therefore shouldn\u2019t be driven away when they turn up in your garden.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Snakes in the Garden: What to Do\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Snakes are feared by humans, but shouldn\u2019t be, and therefore shouldn\u2019t be driven away when they turn up in your garden.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-09-13T19:33:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta 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His knowledge of lawns and gardens is hard-earned, as he battles funguses that kill his lawn, ants that want to make his kitchen their own, and woodpeckers who seem to enjoy waking him in the morning.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/ted-rodgers\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pest-control\\\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\\\/#faq-question-1667255467463\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pest-control\\\/garter-snake-in-the-garden-let-it-be\\\/#faq-question-1667255467463\",\"name\":\"Are There Snake Repellents?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Commercial snake repellents have not been proven to be effective, Robert T. Mason, professor of integrative biology at Oregon State University, has found in his research.<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u25cf A report by the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.aphis.usda.gov\\\/wildlife_damage\\\/nwrc\\\/publications\\\/Tech_Notes\\\/TN_SnakeRepellents.pdf\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noreferrer noopener\\\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\\\/a> found that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol will drive off snakes. However, the snakes must be sprayed directly and, when the substance dries, there is nothing to keep the snake from returning.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u25cf Although it may not be recommended by experts, there is an EPA-approved chemical repellent for snakes that is available in stores, a product called \\\"Snake-A-Way.\\\" It was found to be safe for humans, animals, and plant life.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>In general, repellents are not recommended for snakes. 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