Why do I have garter snakes in my yard?

When not resting, these snakes prefer moist, grassy areas and are often found near water, such as streams and lakes. They also like areas that provide cover, so if your yard has piles of debris, such as rocks, logs, boards or dense vegetation, you are more likely to have a garter snake infestation.

What makes garter snakes go away?

Get some clove oil, add about five or six drops to a gallon of water, and spray it in areas where you've seen snakes. Clove oil has been shown to repel at least some kinds of snakes by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Just remember to reapply regularly.

What does it mean when you see a garter snake?

In some tribes, garter snakes (also known as garden snakes) are symbols of jealousy or dishonesty; to other tribes, they are a symbol of water. In the traditions of the Arapaho Indians, garter snakes are associated with the Sun Dance and are represented in the hoop of the tribe's sacred Medicine Wheel.

Should you remove garter snakes from your yard?

Because garter snakes can be helpful in our environment, we don't recommend killing them if you spot them in your yard. Here are some ways to safely remove them without killing: Trim your bushes – without overgrown bushes, they'll have nowhere to hide. Mow your lawn for the same reason.

What attracts snakes to your house?

Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.

Are garter snakes good to have in your yard?

What should I do if I see a snake in my yard?

Where do garter snakes nest?

Garter snakes don't create and burrow their own holes. They utilize the holes of other animals or natural cracks in the soil. Shed skins may be found in the spring or late summer. Most adult garter snakes shed two to three times per year.

Are garter snakes aggressive?

Garter snakes are non-venomous, but can be fairly aggressive and will readily strike and bite, sometimes causing an allergic reaction in humans. If handled or attacked, they will release a foul-smelling musk.

Are garter snakes harmless?

Garter snakes are not dangerous. They can bite, so you want to keep small children and pets away from them, but they are relatively harmless. So don't fear if you see them in your yard or garden!

What smell do garter snakes hate?

Cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood essential oils will all repel snakes. (Find them all here.) It's thought that snakes think the oils will melt the scales, so they stay away from them.

How do I keep snakes away from my property?

Do snakes go back to the same place?

With the warmer weather on the way, snakes spring into action, moving onto greener pastures where food, mates or a nice warm place to rest will often find them in close contact with humans. It is pretty rare for a snake to stay in the same spot for too long, unless the conditions are perfect.

What time of year do garter snakes mate?

Breeding may occur in spring or fall. Gestation is usually two to three months, although females can also store the sperm if the habitat is not right. Most females give birth to 10 to 40 live young between late July and October. Baby garter snakes are independent at birth and must find food on their own.

Can you pick up wild garter snakes?

Many garter snakes, particularly if they are captive bred, are gentle and do not mind being handled, and handling them is simply a matter of picking them up and letting them explore your hands. If you have experience handling other snakes, it's important to remember that garter snakes are not constrictors.

Will a garter snake hurt a dog?

A garter snake Bite is not likely to be dangerously toxic to your dog, some swelling will probably occur and if the swelling is too severe you should definitely take him to the vet to get treatment, but he should be fine otherwise.

Are garter snakes friendly to humans?

Garter snakes are among the most common snakes in North America, with a range spanning from Canada to Florida. Often kept as pets, they are relatively harmless, although some species do possess a mild neurotoxic venom. However, it is not dangerous to humans.

Do garter snakes live in groups?

The species of Garter snake that live in colder climates spend their winters in hibernation. They gather in large groups and hibernate together in hidden dens. These clusters of Garter snakes can number into the hundreds.

Do garter snakes come out at night?

Garters are highly active. You might see them both at night and during the day, but you may not know they are there, as they will slither away from you as quickly as they can. They eat all the pests that wreak havoc in your garden, subsisting on slugs, snails, insects, grasshoppers and small rodents.

What time of year do garter snakes have babies?

Common garter snakes are ovoviviparous (bearing live young). The young are incubated in the lower abdomen, about half way down from the snake's body. Gestation is usually two to three months. Most females in the northern parts of their range give birth to from 4 to 80 young between late July and October.

How do I get rid of snakes in my yard naturally?

Use natural repellents

Natural repellents including sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, and vinegar may help repel snakes. Pour these substances around the perimeter of your property, any place you have noticed snake activity.

How many garter snakes are in a den?

Dens contain from a few to over 10,000, but fewer than 5 dens are known to winter over 5,000 snakes.

What time of day are snakes most active?

Snakes are at their most active when it's cool out. They move around most in the early morning and around dusk. Snakes hunt in tall grass, weeds, and other sources of vegetation. Around your home, they'll seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down.

Can a snake come up your toilet?

According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too. However, this is not a very common occurrence, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Will a snake leave on its own?

However, like most pets, they can accidentally find their way into your home at any time. Because snakes rarely nest, getting rid of one in your yard or home can be as simple as waiting it out. Once the weather changes or the snake is in need of food, it will usually leave on its own.

Where do garter snakes hide?

Garter snakes prefer tall grass, marshland (near water), forested areas. While in these environments, snakes may seek shelter in tree hollows, under logs, leaf litter, underground holes, rock outcroppings and/or burrows that have been abandoned by other animals.