How to Get Rid of Black Snakes Safely and Effectively: Expert Tips

ByEric Wilson Updated

How to Get Rid of Black Snakes?

To get rid of black snakes, there are several methods you can try.

First, eliminate their food sources by controlling rodent populations.

Also, remove standing water and fill any snake burrows you find.

Additionally, remove or limit their shelter options by getting rid of dense brush, tall grass, and firewood piles.

Introducing natural predators, such as cats or guinea hens, can also help keep snakes away.

You can use natural repellents like sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, or vinegar to discourage snakes from entering your property.

If all else fails, consider calling a professional wildlife control company for snake removal.

Remember to take preventive measures like trimming bushes, installing snake-proof fencing, and removing bird feeders and birdbaths to keep snakes away from your home.

Key Points:

  • Control rodent populations to eliminate black snakes’ food sources
  • Remove standing water and fill snake burrows
  • Get rid of dense brush, tall grass, and firewood piles to limit shelter options
  • Introduce natural predators like cats or guinea hens
  • Use natural repellents like sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, or vinegar
  • Consider calling a professional wildlife control company for snake removal

Did You Know?

1. Black snakes, also known as black rat snakes, are not venomous and are actually beneficial to have around since they help control populations of rodents and other pests.

2. Despite their name, black snakes can actually come in a variety of colors, ranging from shades of gray to brown with patterns of black patches.

3. Black snakes are excellent climbers and are often found in trees or high in bushes, where they can easily catch their prey or seek refuge.

4. While black snakes are generally non-aggressive towards humans, they can become defensive and bite if they feel threatened or cornered. However, their bite is harmless and rarely causes any severe damage.

5. Black snakes are known for their impressive ability to camouflage themselves in their surroundings. Their dark coloration allows them to blend in with rocks, fallen logs, or even tree bark, making them difficult to spot.

Snake Species In The US and California

There is an incredible diversity of snake species in the United States, with around 50 different varieties roaming the country. In California alone, there are 33 different species of snakes. It’s important to note that only a small fraction of these species are actually venomous or pose any danger to humans. Out of the multitude of snake species, only 6 of them are considered dangerous.

Attractants For Snakes: Food and Shelter

Snakes, like any other animal, are attracted to areas that provide them with food and shelter. Their diet consists primarily of small animals and rodents such as rats, mice, moles, fish, frogs, and snails. Therefore, areas with an abundance of these food sources are more likely to attract snakes.

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Furthermore, snakes gravitate towards areas that offer them adequate shelter. Coiled hoses, firewood piles, tall grass, dense brush, and open spaces under sheds and outbuildings provide perfect hiding places for them. Additionally, moist areas are particularly enticing to snakes, as they are attracted to sources of water.

Methods To Get Rid Of Snakes

If you find yourself dealing with a snake problem, there are several methods you can employ to eliminate or deter them from your property. Here are some effective approaches:

  • Eliminate their food sources: Take measures to reduce the population of rodents and other small animals, as this makes your property less appealing to snakes.

  • Get rid of standing water: Eliminate any areas where water collects and remove sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes or faucets. This makes your property less attractive to snakes.

  • Fill snake burrows: Fill them with gravel or dirt to prevent snakes from using them as shelter. By eliminating potential hiding spots, you decrease the likelihood of snakes inhabiting your property.

  • Remove sources of shelter: Get rid of coiled hoses, firewood piles, tall grass, and dense brush. These provide shelter to snakes and making your property less hospitable to them.

  • Introduce natural predators: Consider having cats, foxes, raccoons, turkeys, pigs, and guinea hens in your area. These predators can help keep snake populations under control.

  • Use natural repellents: Try using substances like sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, vinegar, or other natural repellents. These may be effective in deterring snakes.

If all else fails, it is advisable to call a professional wildlife control company to safely and effectively handle your snake problem.

  • Eliminate food sources for snakes
  • Get rid of standing water
  • Fill snake burrows to prevent them from being used as shelter
  • Remove sources of shelter like coiled hoses, firewood piles, tall grass, and dense brush
  • Introduce natural predators like cats, foxes, raccoons, turkeys, pigs, and guinea hens
  • Use natural repellents such as sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, vinegar, etc.
  • If all else fails, call a professional wildlife control company

Tips To Keep Snakes Away From Your Home

Preventing snakes from entering your property in the first place is always the best course of action. Here are some practical tips to keep snakes away from your home:

  • Replace grass with mulch or gravel: Snakes find it easier to navigate and hide in grass. By replacing it with mulch or gravel, you make it more difficult for them to maneuver.

  • Get rid of bird feeders and bird baths: These attract small animals that snakes prey upon. By removing these sources of food, you make your property less appealing to snakes.

  • Keep pet food inside: Leaving pet food outside can attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Feeding pets indoors helps discourage both rodents and snakes.

  • Trim bushes and trees: Snakes can climb trees and bushes, so make sure to trim them away from your house. This removes potential pathways for snakes to access your property.

  • Install snake-proof fencing: A physical barrier is highly effective in keeping snakes out. Snake-proof fencing should be buried a few inches underground and should reach a height of at least 2 feet above the ground.

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Common Nonvenomous Snakes In Northern California

In Northern California, the gopher snake is the most common nonvenomous snake species. These snakes are harmless to humans and actually have an important role in controlling rodent populations. Gopher snakes are medium-sized and have patterns that resemble the more dangerous rattlesnake. This serves as a defense mechanism to fend off potential predators.

Another nonvenomous snake species commonly found across North America, including Northern California, is the garter snake. Garter snakes are recognized by the three stripes running the length of their bodies. They are known for eating small mammals, birds, and insects. Just like the gopher snake, they are harmless to humans and typically shy in nature.

A similar snake species to the garter snake is the rat snake. Rat snakes share many characteristics and behaviors with garter snakes.

Differentiating Between Venomous And Nonvenomous Snakes

Being able to differentiate between venomous and nonvenomous snakes is crucial for personal safety. One key characteristic of venomous snakes is their triangular-shaped heads, compared to the more rounded heads of nonvenomous snakes. Additionally, venomous snakes have thin vertical pupils, while nonvenomous snakes typically have round pupils.

If you come across a snake and are unsure of its venomous nature, it is essential to remain calm. Opening doors and windows can provide an exit route for the snake. Creating a barrier using boxes or boards can help capture the snake safely for removal.

Snakes can be found in various areas of the home, including:

  • Garages
  • Basements
  • Crawl spaces
  • Yards

Taking proactive measures to:

  • Remove shelter sources
  • Eliminate food and water sources
  • Install snake-proof fencing

can help prevent snakes from entering your living spaces.

If you encounter a snake inside your home and are unsure of how to handle the situation, it is recommended to call a professional wildlife control company for assistance. These experts have the experience and tools necessary to safely remove snakes from your property.

Remember, it is important to respect and appreciate the role snakes play in ecosystems while also taking necessary steps to ensure your safety and that of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you stop black snakes?

One effective way to deter black snakes is to spray them with a hose. The gentle force of the water can help motivate them to move away without causing harm. Another option is to trap them using a garbage can or similar container. By placing the container over the snake and sliding a stiff piece of cardboard underneath, you can safely capture and release them elsewhere. Additionally, employing snake repellents, removing standing water, eliminating shelter, filling in burrows, and keeping the grass short can all contribute to making your environment less appealing to black snakes.

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What scares a black snake?

Black snakes are often scared by the strong odor of clove and cinnamon oil. These oils have a powerful scent that can overwhelm and deter the snake. When confronted with the spray, the black snake can sense the potent aroma and instinctually recognize it as a threat, causing it to quickly retreat in the opposite direction. The combination of the clove and cinnamon oils creates an effective snake repellent that can be utilized to keep black snakes at bay.

What smells will keep snakes away?

One powerful smell that can deter snakes is peppermint oil. When mixed with water and sprayed around the area, the strong scent of peppermint can act as a natural snake repellent. Another option is garlic. By crushing garlic cloves and spreading them around the perimeter, you create a pungent odor that snakes find displeasing. Both of these natural remedies can help prevent snakes from encroaching on your property and provide a pleasant-smelling alternative to harsh chemicals or snake traps.

Why do black snakes come around your house?

Black snakes are often attracted to residential areas due to the presence of dark, moist, and cool areas, making houses an ideal hunting ground for them. These reptiles are known to seek shelter in buildings, including homes, in search of their next meal. They can infiltrate through various openings such as screens, small cracks, and spaces around the foundation, as well as open vents and pipes, exploiting any tiny entryway available. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find black snakes roaming around your house, driven by their instinctual hunt for food and the allure of suitable hiding spots.

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