How Can I Get Rid Of Snakes

I live in Bryan, TX right near Texas A&M in College Station.  I am so looking forward to constructing a vegetable/fruit garden for next season.  We have a well-fenced backyard that is perfect.  BUT there is a matter of concern and safety.  Copper Head, Coral and Rattlesnakes are common in this county.  Just the other day for the VERY FIRST TIME EVER, since moving to Texas and even living previously in Houston…we were informed by a neighbor that they had observed a snake going up our fence and into our backyard.

Because it was about dusk, it was not known the type of snake…and now I am REALLY concerned not only for our dog’s safety, but our very own, as we grill in the backyard, as well.

We don’t have a deck or any kind of crawl spaces. It’s a solid brick foundation.  I do however have a wildflower/butterfly garden on each side of the interior fence and against the back of the house.  The foliage is rather thick and flowers are in full bloom…so pretty, but now this.

We were planning to construct raised gardening along the back of the fence within each corner, planting an Elderberry, Black Beauty and a Goji Berry to enjoy not only the blooms but also the fruit–then various vegetables along the left and right sides.  Now I am wondering how we can, with having to contend with snakes?

I don’t want to kill them…BUT I WANT THEM NOT TO LIKE COMING NEAR OR IN OUR YARD.

Can ANYONE help with remedies they have used?

Thanks so much…

Julia R.

Answer: Julia, we appreciate your question. The product you need is called cedar oil. You will have to spray this in the  areas of grass and fence you want to keep the snakes out of. Since they may already be in your backyard, I would spray a section each day, starting at the back of the house and working all the way to the outer edges of the yard. A couple of days after all the backyard is sprayed I would spray both sides of the fence and then the grass on the outside of the fence. I would spray the entire area once per month to ensure the snakes stay away.

Sincerely, Karen