Keeping snakes at bay
#1
06-06-07, 05:32 AM
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 112
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Keeping snakes at bay
I've been told that placing moth balls around the exterior perimeter of the home will keep snakes any critters away. Any truth to this? I just moved into a home in the woods and saw the first copperhead. (I'm pretty sure) it was dark as I let my dogs outside and it was sitting on the stepping stone right outside the door. My dogs were already in motion and I couldn't call them off and they ran right over it as they came inside. I don't need them getting bit so can anything be done to keep snakes away?
#3
06-06-07, 07:23 PM
Member
My brothers and I practically lived in the woods when growing up and travelled far beyond the sound of our mother's voice. We could be out of sight, but not out of the sound of her voice. We really took the heat when we returned home, of course. Never saw a snake. Snakes are just as scared of you as you are of them. Four noisy kids in the woods, and I am sure the snakes headed for the next ridge over.
Keep your grass mowed low, keep the wood pile at the perimeter of property and away from structure. Keep mulch levels low. Eliminate debris and hiding and nesting places in the landscape. Seal all possible entries into the home. Always make a lot of noise when entering outbuildings and barns. I always kick the door on my pump house and yell, "You'd better get out because I'm coming in."
Snakes like to feed on rodents and insects, so with rodent and insect control, you will keep snakes at a minimum. Do not leave pet food dishes outdoors as they attract rodents and other animal pests. Place birdfeeders at the perimeter of the property as well in order to keep pests away from the home. If you have nut or fruit bearing trees keep landscape clear of debris that attracts rodents and snake predators.
You can fence in property and line with 1/4" mesh to deter entry of snakes and other pests. Burrowing mesh several inches below bottom of fence line will keep out burrowing pests.
Mothballs are not for snake control! Moth balls control moths and should not be used in areas inhabited by humans because of toxic fumes. If walking in the woods or around your estate, walk with a walking stick. You can easily pick up a snake and toss it aside. If you want to be lethal, carry a hoe or shovel. But, keep in mind that most snake bites occur when trying to eliminate a snake.
Snakes are attracted to moist areas, so control moisture issues in landscape. If you live on a river or a pond or other source of water, expect to see snakes at they search for food or move from hibernation areas.
If you happen to encounter a snake and you are unarmed, simply back away. I once met a snake eye-to-eye as I was walking up a steep embankment from a fishing hole. I simply backed down to the creek and took a different path back to the top. Learn to be vigilant.
Keep your grass mowed low, keep the wood pile at the perimeter of property and away from structure. Keep mulch levels low. Eliminate debris and hiding and nesting places in the landscape. Seal all possible entries into the home. Always make a lot of noise when entering outbuildings and barns. I always kick the door on my pump house and yell, "You'd better get out because I'm coming in."
Snakes like to feed on rodents and insects, so with rodent and insect control, you will keep snakes at a minimum. Do not leave pet food dishes outdoors as they attract rodents and other animal pests. Place birdfeeders at the perimeter of the property as well in order to keep pests away from the home. If you have nut or fruit bearing trees keep landscape clear of debris that attracts rodents and snake predators.
You can fence in property and line with 1/4" mesh to deter entry of snakes and other pests. Burrowing mesh several inches below bottom of fence line will keep out burrowing pests.
Mothballs are not for snake control! Moth balls control moths and should not be used in areas inhabited by humans because of toxic fumes. If walking in the woods or around your estate, walk with a walking stick. You can easily pick up a snake and toss it aside. If you want to be lethal, carry a hoe or shovel. But, keep in mind that most snake bites occur when trying to eliminate a snake.
Snakes are attracted to moist areas, so control moisture issues in landscape. If you live on a river or a pond or other source of water, expect to see snakes at they search for food or move from hibernation areas.
If you happen to encounter a snake and you are unarmed, simply back away. I once met a snake eye-to-eye as I was walking up a steep embankment from a fishing hole. I simply backed down to the creek and took a different path back to the top. Learn to be vigilant.
#4
06-06-07, 08:28 PM
There is a product on the market called Dr T's Snake Away
It is basically a granular moth ball concoction that has been formulated to last longer, up to a year in some cases
Costs about $50, been used for years
We charge about $200 to apply it
It doesn't work on moccasins but from the reaction to your dog it sounds like this may not be a copperhead
Moccasins in general are very aggressive snakes and would have struck at your dogs if they ran over the top of it
It is basically a granular moth ball concoction that has been formulated to last longer, up to a year in some cases
Costs about $50, been used for years
We charge about $200 to apply it
It doesn't work on moccasins but from the reaction to your dog it sounds like this may not be a copperhead
Moccasins in general are very aggressive snakes and would have struck at your dogs if they ran over the top of it
