10 mistakes that made our yard a snake haven

Snakes don’t just wander into a yard without reason — they’re drawn by shelter, food, and easy access. Looking back, there were a lot of things we did that basically rolled out the welcome mat for them. If you don’t want snakes hanging around your property, these are the mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Leaving Tall Grass

We let the grass grow taller than it should, and it turned into the perfect hiding spot. Snakes love tall grass because it keeps them hidden from predators and close to prey like mice or insects. Keeping grass cut short removes that easy cover.

Stacking Wood Close to the House

We kept our firewood pile tucked against the house for convenience. Big mistake. Snakes curl up inside wood piles to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Storing wood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground is safer.

Ignoring Rodents

Where there are mice, snakes won’t be far behind. We didn’t realize how many little rodent holes dotted our yard until snakes showed up. Taking care of the rodent problem is one of the fastest ways to cut down on snakes too.

Letting Brush Pile Up

Old branches, leaves, and overgrown bushes gave snakes plenty of places to hide. It was basically free real estate for them. Keeping the yard clear of debris and trimming back shrubs reduces the hiding spots that attract them.

Overwatering the Yard

Excess water made certain areas damp, which drew frogs and insects — and snakes followed. By adjusting watering habits and fixing drainage issues, you can make your yard less appealing to the food sources snakes chase.

Keeping Bird Feeders Too Close

It felt nice to have bird feeders near the house, but the spilled seed attracted rodents. And with rodents came snakes. Moving feeders farther out and cleaning the ground underneath helps avoid this chain reaction.

Leaving Gaps Under Structures

Snakes can squeeze into small spaces under sheds, decks, and porches. We left gaps unsealed, and they made themselves at home. Adding lattice, hardware cloth, or barriers underneath structures keeps them out.

Piling Rocks and Landscaping Materials

Decorative rock piles looked nice, but they doubled as snake shelters. Snakes love the cool, tight spaces between stones. Keeping piles tidy or avoiding them altogether makes the area less attractive.

Skipping Fence Maintenance

We thought our fence was enough, but gaps at the bottom made it useless. Snakes slipped right under. Installing tight-fitting mesh or keeping the ground sealed off can make fences much more effective at keeping snakes out.

Avoiding Regular Yard Checks

We rarely walked the property to look for signs of snakes until they were everywhere. Regular checks let you spot burrows, sheds, or nests early. Staying proactive is the best way to avoid a repeat of a snake haven.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.