What attracts snakes?

Venomous or not, ugly or small, long or short, once in a while, a snake will always be spotted around human settlement areas. What exactly veers them off from their wild natural habitats to residential homes?

• Snakes are warm blooded, meaning that their body temperature regulation is highly dependent on the surrounding environment. So they tend to seek warm shelter around human homes, especially during the cold season.
• Pest infested fields are a good source of food for snakes. Snakes make food out of pests including rats, mice among others.
• Some just come to eat your domestic animals such as chicken and birds and constrictors can take up to a whole bull. Such cases are common in areas that are close to forests hence human-wildlife conflict.
• Tree snakes will always appear in areas where there is at least a tree, hence their name. They depend on trees for survival.
• Ceilings are warm and secure, so is what a snake such as a carpet python may be looking for; warmth and security.
• You will see a gutter snake lying motionless on the grass in the garden or along the road. It means no harm; it is just basking on the sun. Since forests are mostly covered by shade, some snakes will come in the open to get heat from the sun.
• An old piece of plywood, a firewood pile, a metal roofing panel, a bolder or an old stump make excellent venues for snakes to hide in.
• A shallow pool of clean water is also an attractive feature for snakes.
• Just like other pests, snakes are vulnerable when it comes to herbicides and fertilizers. Chemical free farming practices not only attract snakes but also their food, rodents.
• Bushy areas that are dump also attract snakes. They will hide in a dump garage, along swampy and rocky streams, cracked walls or wooded areas among others.



How to get rid of snakes.

• Use moth balls to repel snakes. The smell of these repellents irritates snakes such that they can’t withstand them at all.
• Sulphur on the other will irritate the skin of the snake if it slithers through. This will effectively drive the snake away if applied along the path to its shelter.
• If you decide to go organic, it is advisable to plant marigold along with your crops. This plant is a natural snake repellent.
• Cinnamon and clove oil are also known to be great enemies of snakes.
• Clear out bushy areas and drain swampy areas to draw them out.

• Get rid of rodents, snakes will not come hunting where there is no prey.

However, in some cases, the best way to avoid snakes is to give them their space.

Read the How to get rid of snakes page for helpful information and to learn more about What attracts snakes?

What attracts snakes?

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