Facility and Risk Management Tips presented by www.solidrockfacilitymanagers.com
How to control snake invasion at your homes and commercial facilities
Controlling snake invasions in residential homes and commercial facilities requires a multi-layered, year-round approach focused on habitat modification, exclusion (sealing), and removing food sources. Snakes are typically attracted to areas providing shelter, moisture, and prey (rodents, frogs).
The best way to discourage snakes around a home is to make the area unattractive to them.
A snakes biggest enemies are often other animals that hunt them, with the mongoose, various birds of prey and honey badgers
At Solid Rock, we have developed tested and proven comprehensive guides to preventing and controlling snake infestations:
1. Habitat Modification (Making Your Property Unappealing)
Maintain Landscaping: Keep grass mowed short, trim bushes, and prune tree branches at least 6 inches off the ground to eliminate shaded, damp hiding spots.
Remove Clutter: Clear away piles of wood, rocks, bricks, and general debris where snakes and their prey hide.
Manage Water Sources: Fix leaking pipes, drains, and faucets. Empty birdbaths, as standing water attracts frogs, which in turn attract snakes.
Use Proper Mulch: Avoid thick mulch; instead, use materials like gravel or stone that are uncomfortable for snakes to traverse.
Store Items Securely: Elevate firewood at least 12 inches off the ground, ideally on a rack, and move it away from the building.
2. Exclusion (Sealing Entry Points)
Seal Foundations: Inspect and fill any cracks, crevices, or holes in the foundation, walls, or brickwork with mortar, caulk, or steel mesh.
Secure Doors and Windows: Install tight-fitting doors, use door sweeps, and repair window screens (1/4-inch mesh is best) to keep snakes out.
Block Pipe Access: Cover vents, drainpipes, and utility entry points with 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth.
Install Fencing: Install a dedicated snake-proof fence made of 1/4-inch mesh, 24–36 inches high, buried 2–4 inches into the ground, and angled outward at 30 degrees.
3. Eliminating Food Sources (Rodent Control)
Snakes are attracted to homes looking for food. If you have mice or rats, you will likely have snakes.
Control Rodents: Use traps or professional pest control to eliminate rodents inside and outside the building.
Secure Trash: Use tightly sealed, covered garbage cans.
Manage Bird/Pet Food: Store pet food in rodent-proof metal containers and clean up scattered birdseed, which attracts rodents.
4. Repellents and Natural Deterrents
Natural Remedies: Pungent scents can deter snakes. Effective options include using Sulphur powder, Ammonia-soaked rags placed in safe containers, vinegar, or mixtures of clove and cinnamon oil around the perimeter.
Repellent Plants: Plant repellent plants, garlic, onions, or Marigolds around your garden, as snakes dislike their strong scent.
Snakes hate strong scents like garlic, cinnamon, clove, and citrus, which irritate their sensory system and make them avoid treated areas.
Commercial Repellents: Use commercial products labeled for snake control, which often contain sulfur or natural oils, applying them around the perimeter.
Research also shows that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with these oils and will exit cargo or other confined spaces when these oils are introduced to the area.
Calcium cyanide is a good chemical for killing snakes taking refuge in burrows, while there are several gases that sometimes work in fumigating dens.
Vibrations: Use motion-activated, noise-making devices to create vibrations, which can discourage snakes.
What to Do If a Snake is Found
Stay Calm: Do not try to catch or kill it, especially if you cannot identify it, as it may be venomous.
Observe and Isolate: Watch the snake from a distance and try to contain it in a room by closing doors, using towels to seal the gap underneath.
Call Professionals: Contact local wildlife control or professional snake catchers to safely remove the animal.
At Solid Rock, we can assist you manage and tackle all issues relating to dangerous reptiles at your homes and commercial facilities through both our proven and tested orthodox and unorthodox methodologies.
