Introduction
Many homeowners with dogs worry about snakes entering their yards and interacting with their pets. This is an important concern because some snake species can be venomous and pose a danger to dogs. Additionally, snakes may take up residence in yards if they find areas to hide and hunt prey. Understanding snake behavior, preventive measures, and what to do in case of encounters can help homeowners coexist safely with these wild animals. This article provides an overview of the factors that draw snakes to properties with dogs and steps owners can take to discourage snakes while keeping their pets safe.
Snake Behavior
Although most snakes instinctively avoid yards with dogs, there are some exceptions. Snakes are by nature very afraid of dogs and will try to avoid them (https://www.derppets.com/will-dogs-keep-snakes-away/). Dogs are predators and are much larger and more dangerous to snakes than snakes are to dogs. The noise, movement, and scent of dogs in a yard form a strong deterrent for snakes who prefer to slither through quieter, calmer areas.
However, some snakes may occasionally enter yards with dogs if attracted by easy prey. While snakes prefer to avoid confrontation, they will brave a yard with dogs if rodents and other small animals drawn to dog food are present. Still, even when hunting, snakes will be very wary of dogs and look for ways to sneak by undetected (https://midogguide.com/diseases/are-snakes-attracted-to-dogs.html). Overall though, the presence of dogs makes a yard far less appealing to snakes compared to one without canine residents.
Snake Identification
When trying to identify a snake that may have entered your yard, the first priority is determining whether it is venomous or nonvenomous. In most parts of the United States, there are only a few venomous snake species to be aware of:
- Rattlesnakes
- Copperheads
- Cottonmouths/Water Moccasins
- Coral Snakes
These venomous snakes can be identified by their triangular-shaped heads, slit-like pupils, keeled scales, pits between the nostrils and eyes, and often a distinctive rattle on the tail (rattlesnakes). Nonvenomous species like garter snakes, rat snakes, and king snakes lack these features and have more rounded heads and round pupils.
Rattlesnakes such as the Western Diamondback are among the most dangerous and widespread venomous snakes. They have a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail and can reach over 7 feet in length. Their heads are wider than their bodies with a well-defined neck.
The key identifying feature of coral snakes is their vivid red, yellow, and black colored banding. Their venom is highly potent but they are not aggressive snakes. Corn snakes are often mistaken for coral snakes but lack the red and yellow banding.
Ultimately if you cannot confidently determine whether a snake is venomous, it’s best to keep your distance until the snake leaves the area or you can contact professional wildlife removal.
Preventing Snake Encounters
There are several steps you can take to make your yard less appealing to snakes and prevent unwanted snake encounters:
Remove any potential snake habitats like brush piles, leaf litter, and debris where snakes may hide. Keep your grass mowed short and prune any shrubs and bushes regularly.
Seal any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation, walls, or openings where pipes enter the home. This will prevent snakes from entering your living spaces.
Keep your yard free of rodents like mice and rats. Snakes are attracted to yards with ample prey. Making your yard less hospitable to rodents through sanitation and sealing any entry points will make it less attractive to snakes.
Placing physical barriers like gravel, mulch, or sand along the perimeter of your home can deter snakes from slithering close. The loose substrate makes it uncomfortable for snakes to cross.
Snake Repellents
There are several commercial snake repellent products available that claim to deter snakes from yards and gardens. Some popular options include Snake-A-Way (source), Ortho Snake B Gon Granules (source), and Dr. T’s Snake Repelling Granules (source). Most commercial repellents use natural ingredients like sulfur, naphthalene, and clove oil to deter snakes through scent and taste aversion. Granular products are sprinkled around the perimeter of the yard.
Homemade repellents often use ammonia, mothballs, vinegar, garlic, and other strong scents. However, research shows many DIY recipes are not effective against snakes. Proper application around the full perimeter is also critical for success (source).
Overall, research on repellents shows limited effectiveness, especially for highly motivated snakes like a hungry one seeking food. No chemical repellent will work 100% of the time. Proper yard maintenance by sealing cracks, clearing debris, and restricting access to shelters is critical. Repellents can provide an added layer of protection but should not be solely relied upon to keep snakes away long-term (source).
Behavior Modification
One of the best ways to prevent snake encounters is to modify your dog’s behavior when outside. Dogs have a natural instinct to chase snakes, so keeping them under control is important.
Keeping dogs on leashes when outside, especially in areas where snakes may live, can help owners restrain and redirect their dog’s attention if they spot a snake. Using a long lead rather than letting dogs run free gives owners more control.
According to the YouTube video “Leave it: Fake Snake” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ig2J2ynkKs, owners can train dogs to avoid snakes and not harass them using positive reinforcement techniques.
Dogs should also be supervised outside even in fenced yards, so owners can intervene if a snake is spotted. Keeping dogs from disturbing potential snake habitats like woodpiles, shrubbery and tall grasses can also help avoid encounters.
Emergency Preparation
Being prepared for snake bites is crucial when you have both snakes and pets sharing the same outdoor space. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (https://mary-catherinerd.com/what-to-do-if-dog-is-bitten-by-snake/), having first aid supplies on hand and knowing what to do can help save your pet’s life.
Keep a pet first aid kit ready with items like gauze, gloves, tweezers, antiseptic, and activated charcoal. Activated charcoal can help absorb venom when administered immediately after a bite. Also have the number for poison control and your vet’s emergency services saved where they are easy to access (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/what-to-do-if-dog-is-bitten-by-snake).
If your pet gets bitten, try to stay calm. Restrict movement of the affected area and carry them to the car. Do not try home remedies. Get them to a veterinarian immediately for anti-venom and supportive critical care. The faster you can get anti-venom administered, the better their chance of survival.
Being ready to act quickly can save your beloved pet’s life if the unfortunate happens.
Professional Removal
In some cases, it’s best to call in professional snake removal experts. According to todayshomeowner.com, you may want to seek professional help if:
- You have identified a venomous snake on your property
- You discover a large infestation or nest of snakes
- Snakes have taken up residence in hard-to-reach areas of your home
- Humane removal attempts have failed
Professional snake removal services use humane methods to catch and relocate snakes. This typically involves using snake tongs, hooks, and secure containers to capture snakes unharmed. According to fixr.com, pros have the proper tools and expertise to remove snakes safely and effectively.
The cost for professional snake removal averages $300-500 per visit, with minimum costs around $150 and maximum around $1,000 according to multiple sources (todayshomeowner.com, fixr.com, angi.com). The specific cost depends on the number of snakes, size of infestation, location accessibility, and your geographic area.
Coexisting with Snakes
While the presence of snakes can be startling, they play an important role in the ecosystem and can peacefully coexist with humans if given proper space and respect. Nonvenomous snakes that find their way into a yard are not a threat to people or pets if left alone. They actually provide a benefit by feeding on rodents, insects, and other pests that can damage landscaping and spread disease. Snakes want to avoid confrontation and will retreat if given the opportunity.
It’s important not to kill or harm nonvenomous snakes encountered in a yard. They are protected species in many regions and critical components of the food chain. With some awareness of snake behavior and preventative measures, homeowners can feel comfortable sharing outdoor spaces with these reptilian neighbors.
When snakes inevitably cross paths with dogs and humans, it’s best to give them ample space and let them quietly slither away. Trying to interact with or harm snakes often leads to defensive bites and other regrettable outcomes. Simply observing snakes from a distance and respecting their presence is the safest approach for coexistence.
Conclusion
If you live in an area prone to snake encounters, there are effective ways to discourage them from entering your yard while keeping your pets safe. To recap, familiarize yourself with native snake species and patterns to watch for. Remove potential hiding spots and food sources. Install fencing and clear yard boundaries. Use repellents and smells snakes dislike. Modify your dog’s behavior and supervise them when outdoors. Keep emergency numbers on hand if a bite occurs. While complete removal may seem ideal, coexisting with nature when possible has broader benefits. With proper education and preparation, you can have greater peace of mind about sharing outdoor space.
The key for homeowners is staying observant of signs of snakes, maintaining awareness of pets and kids outdoors, and taking proactive prevention measures. Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. But you can reclaim your yard by making it an inhospitable environment. With persistence and common sense precautions, you can reach a healthy balance where snakes move on in search of more suitable surroundings.
