SNAKE PREVENTION TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
It’s that time of year again. The desert critters are coming alive, and that includes snakes. To help with prevention and
deterrence of their intrusion into your yard or home, here are a few tips for you. Of course, nothing is a perfect
remedy but these tips will definitely help.
PREVENT SNAKE FOOD (rodents, birds, lizards)
- Bird feeders and bird baths are great places for a snake to set up an ambush
- Plants that drop a lot of seeds are an open buffet for rodents and birds
- Think about the food chain-bugs are food for critters that snakes eat
o Pest control, ask your REALTOR® for recommendations of providers
o Plants create microhabitats for bugs
DELIBERATE LANDSCAPING
- The following are all great hiding spots.
o Bushes, trees, shrubs, hedges (Lantanas are common culprits)
o Overgrown lawns
o Pots and decorations next to walls, in corners of patios, against doorways.
o Debris in yard
o Materials leaning against walls, sheds, or other items
o Vehicles not in use
- Branches overhanging walls provide access into yards
- Low maintenance and lightly landscaped with natural plants is best
- Maximizing land exposure creates less hiding places
CONSIDER WATER SOURCES FOR WILDLIFE
- Bird baths
- Leaky irrigation systems, over-spraying sprinklers, or leaky hoses
- Evaporative cooler and AC condensation runoff
EXTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE
- **Remember, the rule of thumb is if there is a crack or gap more than a quarter inch wide, a snake can use it for access.
- Common areas where cracks, crevices, and erosion can occur include exterior walls, concrete patios and sidewalks, decking, and perimeter walls (ground level – 36” above surface).
- Skirting on manufactured homes should be regularly maintained, monitored, and immediately repaired as
necessary.
GARAGE SECURITY
- Ideal conditions include:
o Proper seals of the garage door
o Elevated storage
o Garage door is closed when not in use
- Garage floor should not be used for long term storage.
INTERIOR OF HOME
- Optimal conditions to reduce access include
o Keeping doors closed
o Windows and doors have screens
o No gaps at the base of doors
o All doors and windows close tightly– no cracks or gaps
COMMON AREAS
- If you see unmaintained landscaping in your community, contact your HOA and remind them to get the
landscaper out there.
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PURCHASING A HOME
- The interior of a well-planned community will reduce the odds of unwanted creatures.
- Homes that back up to natural desert or are adjacent to large common areas that are not highly traversed/
regularly maintained (i.e. water drainage reservoirs) will increase the odds.
- Consult with an experienced professionals familiar with the desert and its inhabitants.
- Take into account the condition of neighboring yards.
- Snake fencing can be effective
SNAKE REPELLENTS DO NOT WORK ! ! !
If this is a consistent issue or you’re not sure where to start, request a property inspection
from a licensed and experienced professional (ask your REALTOR® for recommendations)..
I'm sure the last thing you want is to come home and find a snake in your kitchen sink! →
