Garden Snakes: A Guide for Young Gardeners
Snakes are a common sight in gardens, and while they can be startling, most garden snakes are harmless to humans. In fact, they can even be helpful, as they eat pests that can damage plants.
Identifying Garden Snakes
Garden snakes are small, non-venomous snakes that are typically no more than two to three feet long. They have lengthwise markings in yellow, red, or white, and a checkerboard pattern near the stripes.
There are many different types of garden snakes, and their appearance can vary depending on where you live. For example, garter snakes in Florida are often blue, while checkered garter snakes in Texas are mostly active at night. In California and some northwestern states, there are 10 or more types of red garter snakes.
Are Garden Snakes Harmful?
No, garden snakes are not harmful to humans. They are non-venomous, and they do not typically bite unless they are provoked. In fact, garden snakes can be beneficial to gardens, as they eat pests like mice and slugs.
Coexisting with Garden Snakes
If you can tolerate the idea of snakes in your garden, it is best to coexist with them. They can help to keep your garden free of pests, and they are not a threat to humans.
Here are a few tips for coexisting with garden snakes:
- Be aware of their presence and avoid disturbing them.
- Provide them with hiding places, such as rocks or logs.
- Keep your garden free of debris and clutter, which can attract pests that snakes prey on.
- If you see a snake in your garden, do not try to catch or kill it. Instead, calmly leave the area and allow the snake to go its way.
Keeping Snakes Out of Your Garden
If you are not comfortable with the idea of snakes in your garden, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.
- Habitat modification: This is the most effective way to keep snakes out of your garden. Remove any hiding places, such as rocks or logs. Keep your garden free of debris and clutter, and trim back any overgrown vegetation.
- Snake repellents: There are a number of snake repellents on the market, but their effectiveness is questionable. Some people have success using mothballs or sulfur, but these products can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Fencing: You can install a fence around your garden to keep snakes out. The fence should be at least two feet high and buried at least six inches underground.
If You See a Snake in Your Garden
If you see a snake in your garden, do not panic. Most garden snakes are harmless, and they will not attack unless they are provoked.
Here are a few tips for dealing with a snake in your garden:
- Stay calm and do not approach the snake.
- Give the snake plenty of space to escape.
- If the snake is in a location where it could be a danger to you or your pets, call your local animal control or wildlife removal service.
Conclusion
Garden snakes are a common sight in gardens, and while they can be startling, they are typically harmless to humans. In fact, they can even be helpful, as they eat pests that can damage plants. If you can tolerate the idea of snakes in your garden, it is best to coexist with them. However, if you are not comfortable with snakes, there are a few things you can do to keep them out of your garden.