What I Do Every Spring to Keep Snakes Out of the Yard

Snakes don’t bother me much when they stay out in the woods where they belong. But when they start showing up near the porch, under the shed, or too close to the kids’ play area, it’s a problem.

Over the years, I’ve figured out a few habits that actually make a difference. None of them are fancy, and they don’t require anything extreme, but they’ve worked. Every spring, I go through this routine to keep the yard less inviting to snakes—and it’s helped keep surprise run-ins to a minimum.

I Keep the Grass Cut Short

Tall grass is one of the first things I tackle once the weather starts warming up. Snakes love thick, overgrown areas where they can hide and hunt.

By mowing regularly and trimming around fence lines and outbuildings, I take away the cover they’re looking for. Keeping the lawn short makes it easier to spot them—and discourages them from sticking around.

I Clear Out Brush and Debris

Piles of sticks, leaves, or leftover lumber are basically snake hotels. I make a point to clean those up early in the season before anything has a chance to move in.

We keep firewood stacked off the ground and far from the house. Any old piles get broken down, bagged, or burned. The less clutter, the fewer hiding spots they have.

I Check Under and Around Structures

Snakes love quiet, undisturbed areas—especially under sheds, decks, and porches. Every spring, I walk the perimeter and look for signs of activity or gaps they could use to slip under.

If I see holes or access points, I block them with hardware cloth or rock. Keeping the area dry and clear of leaves also helps keep rodents away, which cuts down on what snakes are hunting.

I Keep Pet Food and Birdseed Off the Ground

It’s not about the snakes eating the food—it’s about the rodents that show up because of it. Mice and rats draw in snakes fast, especially when food is easy to find.

I feed our pets inside or clean up right after they eat outdoors. For bird feeders, I make sure seed isn’t constantly spilling onto the ground. Less rodent traffic means less reason for snakes to hang around.

I Use Gravel Around the Foundation

Snakes don’t like moving across open, rough surfaces. I’ve added a gravel barrier along the base of the house, especially near entry points and flower beds.

It’s not a guarantee, but it does help. It also keeps the area drier and less attractive to burrowing critters. Mulch holds moisture and offers cover, so we avoid using it right up against the house.

I Trim Back Overhanging Plants and Bushes

Bushes and shrubs that touch the ground or overhang walkways create perfect cover. In early spring, I cut them back so they’re lifted off the ground and easier to see through.

This opens up the yard visually and takes away the shaded, hidden paths snakes tend to follow. It also helps the yard feel cleaner and better kept overall.

I Keep an Eye Out After Rain or Mowing

Even with all the prep work, snakes might still pass through from time to time—especially after a storm or fresh mowing. Those are the times I pay extra attention.

After mowing or heavy rain, I do a quick check around the porch, shed, and garden beds. It helps me catch any early signs of activity and keeps me from getting surprised when I least expect it.

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