How to Get Rid of Snakes: Understanding and Managing Your Serpentine Neighbors

I've been dealing with snakes on properties for over two decades, and I'll tell you something that might surprise you: the first snake I ever encountered in my crawl space taught me more about patience than any meditation retreat ever could. There I was, flashlight trembling in one hand, wondering if I should call someone or handle it myself. That moment of uncertainty? It's exactly where most people find themselves when they discover they're sharing their space with these remarkable creatures.

The thing about snakes is that they're probably the most misunderstood animals we regularly encounter around our homes. Most folks immediately think "danger" when they spot one, but here's what years of experience have taught me: snakes are far more interested in avoiding you than you are in avoiding them. They're not plotting to terrorize your family or lying in wait to strike. They're simply trying to survive, often by helping control the very pest populations that drew them to your property in the first place.

Why Snakes Show Up (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Before we dive into removal methods, let's talk about why understanding snake behavior changes everything. I learned this lesson the hard way after spending an entire summer removing snakes from a client's property, only to have them return within weeks. The problem wasn't the snakes – it was what attracted them.

Snakes follow food and shelter. Period. If you've got mice, rats, frogs, or insects in abundance, you've essentially hung out a "vacancy" sign for snakes. That overgrown woodpile next to your foundation? It's basically a snake hotel with room service. The gap under your shed where field mice nest? That's prime real estate for a hungry snake.

Water sources play a huge role too. I once worked with a homeowner who couldn't figure out why garter snakes kept appearing near her patio. Turns out, her air conditioning unit was creating a small puddle that attracted frogs. The snakes were simply following the buffet line.

The Art of Snake-Proofing (Or: How I Learned to Think Like a Snake)

Snake-proofing isn't about creating an impenetrable fortress – it's about making your property less appealing than your neighbor's. Sorry, neighbors, but it's true. The most effective approach I've developed over the years involves what I call the "triple barrier method."

First, eliminate the gaps. Snakes can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, which still amazes me after all these years. Check around your foundation, under doors, around pipes entering your home, and anywhere else that connects inside to outside. Steel wool and caulk become your best friends here. I remember one house where we found seventeen potential entry points – the owners had no idea.

The physical barriers come next. Snake fencing works, but only if you do it right. We're talking about quarter-inch mesh hardware cloth, buried at least six inches deep and angled outward at the bottom. Yes, it's labor-intensive. Yes, it's worth it if you're serious about keeping snakes out of specific areas. I've seen too many people install beautiful fencing that snakes simply slide under because they didn't bury it properly.

But here's where most people stop, and it's why they fail: habitat modification. You can build all the fences you want, but if your yard screams "snake paradise," they'll find a way. This means regular mowing, removing brush piles, keeping firewood elevated and away from structures, and eliminating standing water. One client resisted getting rid of her decorative rock garden until I showed her the shed snakeskins underneath. Sometimes seeing is believing.

When You Find a Snake (And You Will)

Let's be honest – despite your best efforts, you'll probably encounter a snake at some point. How you handle that moment matters more than all the prevention in the world. I've seen grown adults injure themselves trying to kill harmless snakes out of panic. I've also seen calm, prepared homeowners safely relocate venomous species without incident.

The immediate response should always be distance and observation. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill or handle snakes. Back away slowly, keep visual contact if possible, and give the snake an escape route. Nine times out of ten, it'll take that escape route gladly.

For indoor snakes, the strategy changes slightly. Close off the room if possible, place towels under the doors to prevent escape to other areas, and open exterior doors or windows in that room. Many snakes will leave on their own if given the chance. If not, that's when you consider your removal options.

The Removal Toolkit That Actually Works

Over the years, I've tried every snake removal gadget on the market. Some work brilliantly, others belong in the trash. Here's what actually earns a place in my toolkit:

Snake tongs or hooks are invaluable for maintaining distance while maintaining control. The 40-inch versions give you plenty of room to work while keeping your hands well away from the business end of any snake. I learned to use these after a close call with a copperhead that was faster than I expected.

Glue traps deserve a mention, though they're controversial. They work for indoor situations, but you must be prepared to release the snake using vegetable oil. I've used them successfully in basements and garages, but I always monitor them closely. Leaving a snake stuck on a glue trap for days is inhumane and unnecessary.

The humble trash can and broom method remains one of my favorites for non-venomous snakes. Tip the can on its side, gently sweep the snake in, carefully right the can, and cover it. Simple, effective, and it keeps everyone calm.

Natural Deterrents: Separating Fact from Fiction

I need to address the elephant – or should I say snake – in the room: repellents. Everyone wants a magic spray or powder that'll keep snakes away forever. I've tested them all, from mothballs (don't use them – they're toxic and ineffective) to sulfur to essential oils.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most commercial snake repellents are about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. The only products I've seen show any consistent results are those containing naphthalene or sulfur, and even then, the effects are temporary and limited. Rain washes them away, and determined snakes often ignore them entirely.

That said, some natural approaches do help. Eliminating shelter and food sources remains the gold standard. Some plants, like marigolds and lemongrass, may provide minimal deterrent effects, though I suspect it's more about the habitat change than the plants themselves. The best "natural" deterrent I've found? A well-maintained yard that offers nothing a snake wants.

The Venomous Question

We need to talk about venomous snakes because pretending they don't exist helps no one. In my region, we deal primarily with rattlesnakes, copperheads, and the occasional cottonmouth. Your area might be different, but the principles remain the same.

Learning to identify venomous species in your area isn't optional – it's essential. But here's what frustrates me: people often kill harmless snakes because they "might be" venomous. I once responded to a call about a "huge rattlesnake" that turned out to be a harmless bull snake doing its job of eating rodents.

If you encounter a venomous snake, the rules change. Don't attempt removal yourself unless you have proper training and equipment. Call professionals. The cost of removal pales in comparison to the cost of antivenom treatment. I've seen too many hospital bills to argue otherwise.

Living With Snakes (Because Sometimes You Should)

Here's something that might ruffle some feathers: not every snake needs to go. I know, I know – you came here to learn how to get rid of them. But hear me out. A single black rat snake can eliminate dozens of rodents that would otherwise invade your home. A few garter snakes can decimate slug populations in your garden.

I've worked with numerous clients who initially wanted every snake gone but eventually came to appreciate their benefits. One elderly gentleman called me yearly to remove snakes until I showed him how the rat snake in his barn was the reason he hadn't seen mice in months. Now he calls that snake "Charlie" and checks on him regularly.

The key is boundaries. Snakes in your living space? They need to go. Snakes in your garden shed eating mice? Maybe they can stay. It's about finding a balance that works for your comfort level while recognizing the ecological role these animals play.

When to Call the Professionals (And When Not To)

After all these years, I still call for backup sometimes. There's no shame in recognizing when a situation exceeds your comfort or skill level. Venomous snakes, snakes in difficult-to-access locations, or situations involving multiple snakes often warrant professional intervention.

But – and this is important – not every snake sighting requires a professional. I've responded to calls for "snake removal" only to find a shed skin or a stick that looked suspicious in the twilight. Save your money and the professional's time by confirming you actually have a snake problem first.

When you do call, ask questions. How do they remove snakes? Where do they relocate them? Are they licensed and insured? A good professional will educate you during the process, not just solve the immediate problem.

The Long Game

Snake management isn't a one-and-done deal. It's an ongoing process of maintaining your property, staying vigilant, and responding appropriately when encounters occur. I check my own property monthly, looking for signs of snake activity and addressing potential attractants before they become problems.

The most successful clients I've worked with are those who shifted their mindset from "emergency response" to "preventive management." They maintain their yards, seal their homes, and educate their families. They rarely see snakes, and when they do, they handle the situation calmly and effectively.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Twenty years ago, I was terrified of snakes. Today, I respect them. That transformation didn't happen overnight, and it required facing my fears with knowledge and experience. You don't need to love snakes to coexist with them successfully – you just need to understand them.

Every property is different, every snake situation unique. What works on my rocky, desert property might not work in your humid, wooded lot. The principles remain constant, but the application requires thought and adaptation.

Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate every snake within a mile radius – it's to create an environment where snakes and humans can coexist with minimal conflict. Sometimes that means removal, sometimes deterrence, and sometimes simple acceptance. The wisdom lies in knowing which approach fits which situation.

The next time you encounter a snake, take a breath before you act. Consider what brought it there, what it's trying to do, and what response best serves your long-term goals. More often than not, you'll find that getting rid of snakes has less to do with the snakes themselves and more to do with creating an environment where they'd rather not be in the first place.

Stay safe, stay informed, and remember – that snake is probably more scared of you than you are of it. Even if it doesn't always feel that way when you're standing there with a flashlight at midnight, wondering what to do next.

Authoritative Sources:

Gibbons, Whit, and Mike Dorcas. Snakes of the Southeast. University of Georgia Press, 2015.

Ernst, Carl H., and Evelyn M. Ernst. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, 2003.

"Integrated Pest Management for Snakes." University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74119.html.

"Dealing with Snakes Around Homes." Clemson Cooperative Extension, clemson.edu/extension/publications/wildlife/dealing-with-snakes.html.

"Snake Control and Management." Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, icwdm.org/species/reptiles/snakes/.