How to Scare Birmingham Snakes Away

Snakes dwell in places where they can find food and water. Though feared only a few species are poisonous. Alabama nakes are essential for the ecosystem and control the population of many of our pests like rats, mice or insects. Snakes love to sneak into garages, holes in walls, under the porch, pile of debris etc.



Snakes tend to avoid humans and are scared easily
• Snakes do not have ears and so they cannot be scared by sounds. Movements and vibrations scare them. Stomping the ground makes the snake sense the vibration and it moves away.
• If you have spotted a Birmingham snake in your yard, start the lawn mower or tiller. There is no need to run them over. The noise scares them and they move away.
• If you have a hose nearby spray water on the snake to drive it away.

Rather than encountering snakes preventing their entry is better. Precautionary steps can be taken.
1. Avoid hiding places for snakes: Snakes love to hide and keep away from humans. Keep your yard clutter free. Remove piles of leaves, wood mulch etc. Avoid having low bushy plants and tall grasses. If you have them, then regularly trim and clean beneath.
2. Keep away any food source: Snakes feed on mice, insects and rats. Use repellents and traps to keep them away. Lack of food will cause the snake to move elsewhere.
3. Keep your home snake proof: Regularly inspect walls and foundations. Repair any holes or gaps. Have snake proof fencing. Snake proof fencing used must be flush to the ground and angled outwards. This prevents the snake from slithering under the fence or climbing over.
4. Use snake repellents: There are many kinds of Alabama snake repellents available commercially and homemade. Some of them are discussed below.

• Moth balls can be used in areas where you expect snakes. Snakes are irritated by their smell. They can be mixed with cat litter and placed around the yard.
• Sulfur can be placed round the perimeter of the yard and near potential entryways. It can also be placed near a hole used by a Birmingham snake. When the snake slithers over sulfur, it irritates its skin and they never come again. However this may turn snakes aggressive sometimes.
• Commercial sprays and repellents can be bought. They must be kept out of reach of children and pets.
• A mixture of Cinnamon oil and clove oil can be mixed with water and sprayed.

When Trekking
• Wear protective clothing and high boots in Alabama snake territory. Carry trekking poles to clear the grasses in the path ahead.
• When walking in a snake territory stomp your feet. The vibrations will keep snakes away from you.
• Move the snake away with a stick if you have one. If you encounter a snake back off slowly and it goes away. Snakes do not strike unless cornered or attacked.
• Stand still if you see a snake slithering across ahead on your path.

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