How to Get Rid of Snakes? Natural, Herbal, and Chemical Treatment

SNAKE !!

The very word that people dread to hear. If one gets a bite, he is half-dead on the spot just with the feeling of bite. Not all snakes are venomous but for years, the fear of snakes is like that only.

Snakes are long, legless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder ‘Serpentes’. Like all other squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales. With their highly mobile jaws, snakes are capable to swallow prey bigger than their head as they have skulls with several joints.

Most snakes have only one functional lung and kidneys, one in front of the other instead of side by side. Snakes are seen everywhere in the world except Antarctica. More than 20 families are recognized as on date comprising 520 genera and around 3600 species. Their size ranges between 10.4 cm to 22.8 ft. Most species are non-venomous and they either swallow their prey or kill them by constriction. Venomous snakes use their venom to kill the prey rather than for self-defense and some of them even have the potential to cause painful injury or death to humans.

Here, we will discuss few types of snakes –

• Copperhead Snakes (Agkistrodon contortrix)
  • Adults are 24-36 inches long.
  • Newborn 7-8 inches long and will have a 1-inch bright yellow tip at the tail end.
  • Head and neck coppery colored.
  • Thick, heavy bodies.
  • Chestnut with dark brown/greenish bands.
  • Breed from spring to winter but not every year.
  • Give birth from late summer to early winter.
  • Produce typically 4-7 snakes but can be anything between 1 to 20.
  • Hibernates mid-winter and reappears early spring.
  • Feeds on rodents, birds, lizards, insects, etc.
  • Can be seen in rocky areas with underbrush, vegetation.

• Common Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)
  • Around 46-137 cm. long.
  • Can be olive, gray, black, or brown.
  • Often will have 3 light-colored stripes on the back.
  • The head will be wider than the neck.
  • Typically, females are larger than males.
  • Males have longer tails than females.
  • Immediately after hibernation, they start to reproduce.
  • Most female snakes give birth between August to October.
  • The gestation period is around 2-3 months.
  • The average garter snake lives 2 years.
  • Active during daylight.
  • Survives in different temperatures.

• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
  • This is the largest of rattlesnakes and heaviest venomous snake.
  • The average size is 91-183 cm. but reported to have 244 cm. too.
  • Body is brown/yellow with brown/black diamonds outlined by yellowish scales.
  • The tail is brownish or grey ending in a rattle.
  • The head has a dark stripe arranged diagonally through the eyes.
  • They mate in late summer and winter.
  • Females give birth to dozens on average.
  • They can live 20 years.
  • They prefer dry pine forests, sand pine scrub areas, and coastal barrier islands.
  • They are strong swimmers.
  • Feed on small mammals like mice, birds, and rabbits.

• Rattlesnakes (Genus – Crotalus and Sistrurus)
  • Two enlarged venom fangs fixed to the front of the mouth.
  • Solid teeth in both jaws.
  • Different species of rattlesnake vary significantly in size and markings.
  • Larger species can be as long as 8 ft.
  • Shed their skins several times a year and each time, a new segment is added to their rattle.
  • Rattlesnakes give birth rather than laying eggs.
  • New rattlesnakes get rattles only after their first skin shedding.
  • They live in dry savannah.
  • They attack humans only if they are concerned or provoked.
  • Feed on small animals like rabbits, rats, and mice.
  • They kill their prey by injecting venom and not constriction.
  • They can attack from quite a considerable distance, usually two-thirds of their length.

• Water Mocassin (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
  • They are approximately 2 feet 8” long.
  • The back is dark olive or black and the belly is paler.
  • The body has crossbands with peculiar borders extending around and across the stomach.
  • They have slit-shaped pupils and fangs on the triangular head.
  • They are called cotton mouth due to the white lining in the mouth.
  • Breeds in spring and winter.
  • The gestation period is 3-4 months.
  • Produce a litter of up to 12 young ones.
  • Hibernate over winter along hillsides.
  • They spend most of the time near permanent water sources and are semi-aquatic.
  • They like to hang over water on tree branches during the day but mostly are active at night.

They feed on lizards, birds, frogs, fish, and other snakes.

How to Get Rid of Indoor Snakes?

The favorable temperatures for snakes are during spring and winter when they set out during the day. They like to hunt in pleasant weather when most of their prey are feeling the same. During hot summer, you can see their activity in the early hours and at night. Most of the snakes are non-poisonous and they usually avoid coming into the surrounding where humans are active. If you observe their habitats and take some precautions, it is quite possible that you won’t come across them anytime anywhere.

Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indoor Snakes

Most importantly, if you can control rodents to enter your proximity, the snakes are going to stay away as rodents are the most favorite prey of snakes. We can here, however, discuss some natural home remedies to get rid of snakes indoors.

1. Prevent their food – First and foremost thing to do to keep the snakes away is to keep the rodents away from your house.
   
   Rodents are the favorite of snakes and they follow rodents wherever possible. Frogs are also what snakes like. Therefore, keep prey of snakes away and keep snakes away.
   
2. Close the gaps – Crevices allow snakes to enter inside. The smaller snakes can easily enter even from the gap between door and floor. Therefore, care has to be taken to put flip-seal and caulk all the cracks in the wall and floor.
   
3. Cover the toilets – It’s not easy to believe but true that snakes can enter your house through the toilets. Keeping the toilet closed is as essential as replacing the broken one. It is a gate for snakes to easily enter in both cases.
   
4. Keep drainage clean – As snakes can come from toilets, it is because they find the debris in the drainage that is a good place to get their prey. Apart from keeping them clean, it is essential to properly close the drain covers so that snakes or any other pest do not enter.
   
5. Remove clusters– Snakes hide in the clusters and if you have a lot of them in or around the house, then it is an open invitation to snakes. The crappy cluster is gathered in your house or surroundings and be sure that you will get a snake guest soon.
   
6. Use sulfur – You can use a very strong snake deterrent like sulfur which irritates the snakeskin and stops them from crawling. You need to just pour sulfur around the doors, windows, under beds, etc.
   
7. Use garlic and onions – You can use one of these or both as they are good snake repellents. It is a very easy and effective method.
   
   You can make a paste of onion or garlic or both and mix it with rock salt. Sprinkle the paste where you feel the snake can come. The snakes will keep away because of the strong smell of garlic and onions.
   
8. Natural predators – Mongoose and raccoons are natural snake predators. If you can get these as pets, then, you can see the decreasing number of snakes visit. Important thing is that even big snakes like python, cobras are scared of these natural predators. These animals have very sharp claws and teeth with which they can kill snakes.
   
9. Use sharp objects – Using sharp objects like broken glass, eggshells can be used to stop the snake’s movement. Not only do these objects slow their movements but they injure them too.
   
   Only you need to take care of your family members or pets, so, that they don’t get hurt because of this.
   
10. Use mothballs – The strong smell of mothballs acts as an effective snake repellent. You can place mothballs inside the bed, near doors, windows, and other places. The smell from mothballs is long-lasting and hence, sometimes, you will need to plan to stop this smell by looking for a proper place.
    
11. Use clove and cinnamon oil – This is the easiest and cheapest method of all. You can just apply clove or cinnamon oil on your doors and windows to stop the snakes from coming in. The cinnamon or clove oil work as a perfect repellent and you can even spray these directly on snakes to shove them away.
    
12. Use predator urine-The fox pee or mongoose pee will help to create a false presence of these natural snake predators. While in reality, these animals kill snakes, their pee, however, acts like a snake repellent because the snakes fear these animals.
    
13. Chickens – Believe it or not, chickens can kill snakes. Chicken and hen, in the process of protecting their eggs, attack snakes and can kill them too, irrespective of snake attacks eggs or not. Interestingly, chickens will constantly attack snake’s heads and kill them.
    
14. Use home-made traps – Simple home-made traps are easier to catch the snakes. The only thing you should understand is not to have anything with big holes otherwise, snakes can escape. A sack or automatic trap with a rodent that snakes like to eat will work effectively. Immediately after the snake enters, you need to seal the sack.
    
15. Tiles in the house – The more tiles you have in your home, the chances of snakes are less. They can’t slither properly and get scared. Once they are scared, they cannot run away in confusion. Thus, you can catch them in a trap, or even if they run, they won’t visit the place again.

How to Get Rid of Snakes With Pets in the House?

As the summer approaches, the major worry for pet owners becomes to safeguard their pets, especially from snakes. Usually, the snakes will keep themselves away from humans but it is likely that you may come across one.

However, dogs and cats have natural hunting instincts, so, they won’t avoid snakes but will go after them. The most effective thing to do is to prevent the snakes from coming to your place. This can be done by keeping the garden and surrounding clear of all rubbish.

Nature has given the shield to everyone and snakes are no exception. They cannot be traced sometimes until one gets bitten because they can mingle themselves with natural colors and it is difficult to identify snakes. Your pet may sense them and start doing something different but they can’t tell what it is and you keep guessing.

Chemical Treatment to Get Rid of Indoor Snakes

If the natural home remedies are not working since the snake is habitual and sustaining, then, you can call the professionals and get the chemical treatment done to shove away and to prevent entry.

We will see some of the snake repellents available in the market –

1. Snake Shield Herbal – It is 100% non-toxic and natural. It is a very easy-to-use spray and comes in a 250 ml bottle. Made from all-natural ingredients and safe for pets.
   
2. Snake Shield PS – It comes in a 500 ml. spray bottle and is fully safe to use indoors. Contains natural and herb ingredients with a unique pleasant smell.
   
3. Pestomatic Control – It is a powder form snake repellent available in a 1 kg pack. Can be used indoors and outdoors effectively. Non-soluble in water, non-explosive and non-toxic to humans and pets.
   
4. Snake Shield Home Secure –  It is made from natural ingredients and herbs. It is non-toxic and the easiest repellent to use. It is very economical and has a pleasant smell.
   
5. Ortho Snake B Gon – This is a granular scent-based snake repellent made with cinnamon, geraniol, caster, peppermint, and clove. It works quickly to repel snakes and preventing them from entering or nesting. Last for 30 days per application.
   
6. Enviro Pro 16003 Snake Scram – It is a powerful snake repellent granular form. The strong smell is not unpleasant and safe for humans and pets. It covers around 2100 square feet which remain under effect till two weeks.
   
7. Snake Defense Natural – It is a scent-based snake repellent liquid. The spray is quick-acting but one needs to be cautious as the spray may make snakes agitated and aggressive before leaving the place.
   
8. Strychnine in Eggs – Snakes get lured by eggs and they eat it fondly. These eggs are made by making a small hole in the fresh egg and placing 2-3 crystals of strychnine. It is a type of poisoning the snakes through eggs with strychnine making effect to kill the snakes when they eat these eggs.
   
9. Gassing of Dens – The place where snakes are hibernating or taking shelter is pumped with poison gas or maybe, even chlorine gas too. However, the effectiveness of this method is not measurable and quantitative.
   
10. Use of DDT – 50% DDT powder will be effective to kill or shove away the snakes. However, this is a toxic powder and care need to be taken to keep it in deep cracks or holes to keep humans and pets safe.

How to Get Rid of Outdoor Snakes?

The snakes are attracted to their prey and the preys are majorly rodents. So, if you can keep your surroundings very neat and clean daily, then, the chances of rodents at your place are less. However other prey such as rabbits, frogs can also attract snakes.

Therefore, in general, keeping the trash cleaning, removing the clutter, not leaving any food waste outdoor are the best things you can do to prevent pests and snakes. 

Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Outdoor Snakes

If by chance, you have observed snakes in the outdoors, then, you can adopt some natural home remedies to get rid of them and prevent them from coming to your place.

One can try the following remedies –

1. Use broken glass – It is better to engage the broken glass pieces on your compound wall. It is a better option for the pointed wires because there will not be any gap to slither within. The glass pieces will not allow snakes to enter.
   
2. Sulfur powder – One can spray the sulfur powder along the perimeter of the house. As the sulfur is a strong snake deterrent, they will keep away from that area.
   
   Care to be taken to keep the powder dry. Powder mixed with water will lose its strength to repel snakes.
   
3. Tiles at the perimeter – Putting slippery tiles along the perimeter of 1 foot or so will restrict the snake movement as they cannot slither on smooth tiles. They develop a sense of threat and won’t come again.
   
4. Use Phenyl – It’s real, snakes cannot tolerate phenyl. The smell and touch of phenyl make them very uncomfortable and they just look for a way to get away from that place. If you are applying phenyl near your entrance or gate, snakes even won’t think to get there.
   
5. Keep the trash and piles clean – The outdoor trash, bins, or piles must be properly cleaned or arranged. The clutter or trash attracts snakes because they feel rodents will surely come to that place. Food waste must be strictly taken care of and regular monitoring to be done.
   
6. Garlic – You can place the garlic cloves over the places which are a great snake repellent. The strong odor of garlic irritates the snakes and they prefer to keep away.
   
7. Onion is another option but it will have less effect outdoors. You can place the peeled garlic for quicker effect.
   
8. Snake repellent plants – Plants like marigold, garlic, and lemongrass are natural snake repellent. The bitter taste and strong odor act as a catalyst to keep the snakes away. Planting these in your garden is a good remedy as these plants take care of other insects and bugs also.
   
9. Cover the holes – Your garden is a source of fresh air and a good plantation will boost your kitchen ingredients too. However, it can be a ground that can be invaded by various unwanted guests from above as well as under it.
   
   Make sure you are inspecting holes where there could be burrows. These are places from where rodents or snakes can come in.
   
10. Use predator pee – A sense of the presence of their predators will keep the snakes away. Snakes fear their predators like fox or mongoose and they never come to such places.
    
    Nowadays, you don’t need a fox or mongoose to get their pee. It is commercially available in the market. You can use it to pour it outside and keep the snakes away.
    
11. Keep garden optimally irrigated – If you are overwatering your plants and lawns, then, there is a risk of attracting snakes. You are inviting them while they will also get prey as frogs, lizards, etc will also be visiting your place.
    
    Snakes also prefer moist, cool shelter in summer and water is best for them.
    
12. Own pets in your home – Cats and dogs are natural hunters, so, they are not afraid of snakes. Snakes get scared of them as they can attack and kill snakes. In the fight, it will be a win-win situation but until necessary, snakes won’t go that way.
    
13. Natural predator mongoose – Mongoose is immune to the snake’s poison. Because of its ability to be agile, fast, and clever, it plays with snakes in the process of killing them. The immunity against the poison makes the snakes scared of them and they are good to keep at home.
    
14. Mothballs –Mothballs emit strong waves of powerful smell which is not liked by snakes. Pouring the mothballs around the trees, lawn, and outer periphery helps to keep snakes away outdoors.
    
15. Clear off bushes – Widely grown and dense bushes give snakes a good hiding place and when it is appropriate, they will come out for food. The bushes must be trimmed in such a way that you should be able to locate any activity if taking place.
    
    Avoid placing bushes near trees.
    
16. Call a professional – Most people get scared by the sight of snakes. It is advisable to immediately call a professional because you will not know whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous.
    
    So, the first thing to do is not to disturb the snake and call professional help.

Chemical Treatment to Get Rid of Outdoor Snakes?

If the natural home remedies are not working on the snakes, then, one must opt for chemical treatment with the help of professionals.

You can use some of the following methods to treat snakes outdoor –

1. Repellent Chemical – A mixture of dieldrin, toxaphene, and heptachlor can be applied for outdoor treatment. Application of one pound of this chemical will be effective for 420 sq. ft area of the surroundings.
   
   On contact with this chemical, snakes will die after some duration.
   
2. Thio-Alcohol N-Butyl Mercaptan – This liquid is used in combination with charcoal. It is seen that the snakes fear the charcoal soaked in this liquid but the reasons are unknown yet.
   
3. Fogging – Fogging with pesticides is to be carried out by licensed professionals only. These chemicals come under regulation and are not available to all people. Fogging will be effective but the repeat invasion may occur.
   
4. Nicotine Sulphate – The chemical has to be used by mixing in water. One part of 40% nicotine sulfate is mixed with 250 parts of water. This water must be kept such that only snakes will have access to it. This mixture kills the snakes when they drink it like water.
   
5. Ammonia – Soaked rug in ammonia creates a good snake repellent. The strong odor deters them from coming to your place. Place the soaked cloth in the appropriate places close to the outer periphery.
   
6. Dr. T’s Snake Repellent – It repels both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes from the area. It contains 7% Naphthalene and 28% sulfur. It is in granular form and residues for 2-3 months.
   
7. Glue Traps – The glue traps for snakes are made of a special heavy-duty chemical that does not let the snake free. Size is bigger compared to normal ones. It’s 11x11x8 inches in size and will try to capture the maximum portion of the snake’s body.
   
8. Fumigation of Burrows – Snakes burrows can be fumigated using licensed chemicals and done by professionals. This will give quite longer extinction of the snakes from your premises.
   
9. Sulfur – Sulfur is also a proven chemical having the property of snake repellent. You just need to pour at the affected areas and potential areas and see the good results you get.
   
10. Naphthalene Balls – Naphthalene balls are the common substance we use in our house. The strong smell of naphthalene irritates the snakes and they prefer to keep away. You can spread some, around your area to keep the snakes away.

How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your Yard?

If you live in a part where snakes are common or likely to come, then it will not be a surprise if you come across one in your yard. If you are living in the concrete jungle, the chances are slim (not zero though). Most people might lose the power of thinking out of fear when they see a snake.

However, if you are alert and keep a cool head on your shoulder, you can at least take some preventive actions to keep them away. You can try the following things for sure –

• If you spot a snake, then whether it is venomous or not, ensure to call animal control immediately. If you are aware that it is not venomous, then, you can use hose spray to slither it away.

• You can keep the snake away with the help of ammonia. Snakes hate ammonia’s smell. You can place rugs soaked in ammonia in an open plastic bag where you saw the snake. They won’t come there again.
  
  
• Pour white vinegar around the perimeter. Liquids get absorbed through the snake’s skin so they won’t slither over the vinegar.
  
• Snakes don’t like humans like we don’t like snakes. This is a “believe it or not” method, but it works. Keep some hairs around the perimeter to make them know the humans live here. The smell of hair will keep them away.

How to Get Rid of Snakes From the Trees?

The snakes like to live in places where there is a lot of foliage that can serve as shelter while they sneak on the prey. They also prefer densely canopied areas due to the provision of cool shades suitable to their skin.

Grounds covered with a lot of trees are favored by snakes given that it provides them a good hiding place. If you have a garden with plenty of plants, and your location is favorable to snakes, you can expect their visit.

However, to prevent this, you can take some precautionary measures as mentioned below.  

How to Get Rid of Snakes From the Trees?

• Keep the surrounding clean – Mow and clean the surrounding area of the trees. Piles of woods, rocks would have crevices, the best place for snakes to hide. They won’t be able to slither on trees if the surrounding is clear.

• Keep bushes trimmed – If the bushes are long enough to allow mice to run to and fro in the house, the snakes are bound to approach the tree for prey. Clean dead leaves and maintain bushes and branches in shape.

• Check for gaps and holes – Inspect the area around the trees for any gaps or holes where snakes can reside. You can extend this inspection up to the entrance of your home.

• Chicken eggs – If you do have chicken at home, ensure that you are picking up the egg as soon as possible as it is a big thing that lures in the snakes.

• Non-toxic snake repellent – Sprinkle granular snake repellent all around the garden with more quantity near trees. The treat must be repeated every two or three weeks to effectively keep snakes away from trees.

How to Find Snakes Nests?

If you find some signs of the snake present in your yard, you must be cautious and take the help of professionals. It is not easy to detect their presence because they do not leave any damage behind them.  They can remain hidden in your home for months. However, you can look for some signs as below –

• Snake Skin – Many snakes shed their skin when they grow. You might find crumbled or whole sheets of skin near the wall.

• Slither Tracks – You might find some tracks on the path of a snake.

• Odor – Many snakes have distinctive smells. If you ever notice a strange smell that was not there before, be alert.

• Droppings – Snake dropping looks like bird faeces but sometimes include hair and bones (of prey).

 If you see any of the signs in your house or outside, take measures immediately. Check for any holes where the snake might have a nest. Note those observations and assist pest control thereafter for further action.

Meanwhile, you can cross-check the presence of snakes in your home by probing with a long stick. Once you confirm the absence, do the following preventive things –

• Remove piles of debris or wood around your house.
• Remove tall vegetation close to your home.

Clear trash and waste food regularly to avoid rodents, which are the favorite prey of snakes.

How to Treat Snake Bites?

Snakes are of two types, one is venomous and one is non-venomous. As far as snake bites are concerned, treat all bites as venomous bites because you won’t know what the type was. There is some typical identification of snake bites. Please note them carefully.

• Two punctured wounds
• Swelling and roundness around the wounds
• Pain at the bite site
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting and nausea
• Blurred vision
• Sweating and salivating
• Numbness in the face and limbs

Different venomous snakes will have little difference in symptoms but the common ones will be pain and skin color. Usually, people come under shock as soon as they get a snake bite. Most of them get heart attacks as they see a snake has bitten. The role of fear is very big.

So what is the treatment for snakebite?

• Get medical help as soon as possible.
• A doctor will evaluate and decide the course of treatment as in some cases bite is not life-threatening.
• If it is not life-threatening, the doctor will clean the wound and give the tetanus vaccine.
• If it is life-threatening, the doctor may administer anti-venom. It is injected into the victim. If the antivenom is given soon, it will be effective.

FAQ

Q. How to Get Rid of Snakes under Pavers?

• Make a mixture of lime and hot pepper and pout it around the paver and another area. The snakes don’t like the smell and fumes of the mixture and keep away.

Q. How to Get Rid of Snakes around Pool?

• Rags soaked in ammonia will keep the snake away from the pool. Place several rags around the pool to prevent the entry of snakes as they hate the ammonia’s smell.

Q. How to Get Rid of Giant Snakes?

• It is best to call professional help as the giant snakes cannot be controlled by a normal citizen anywhere. Get the snake catcher to your premises and he will take care of the rest.

Q. How to Identify Venomous Snakes?

• One can identify the venomous snake by elliptical pupils, rattling of tail, broad & triangular head, and colorful pattern. But note that, for this, you must have extensive knowledge and observations on snakes.

Q. What to Do if I Locate a Snake?

• The first thing you must do is remain calm with a minimum of no movements. Let the snake do what it wants and he may be trying to find a way out. Most of the snakes keep away from humans.