Keep Snakes Away: Concrete Patio Protection Tips

how to get rid of snakes under concrete patio

Snakes can be unwelcome visitors, especially if they decide to make their home under your concrete patio. These uninvited guests can be difficult to remove, but there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Firstly, you could try using a snake trap, baited with their favourite foods such as mice, insects, frogs, or other small rodents. Alternatively, you can try using a snake repellent spray, although these are not always effective at keeping snakes away permanently. Sealing any cracks or gaps in the concrete is another way to prevent snakes from entering, but this must be done before they arrive, as sealing them in could be dangerous. Removing their food source by getting rid of mice and rats is another option, as is fencing off your patio area with a fine mesh. Finally, if all else fails, you could call in the professionals and hire a pest removal service to take care of the problem for you.

Characteristics Values
Best way to get rid of snakes Hiring a pest removal service
Other ways to get rid of snakes Trap the snake, use snake repellents, seal the cracks in the concrete, or leave the snakes alone
Last resort Destroy the concrete slab
Snake repellent products Varying effectiveness
Snake traps Glue trap, maze trap, minnow trap
Bait for snake traps Mice, insects, frogs, small rodents
Sealants Should be applied to both sides of the concrete slab
Copper wire Can be used to run across the length of your yard to discourage snakes

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Use snake traps

Using snake traps is one of the ways to get rid of snakes under a concrete patio. Snake traps can be purchased at garden shops or online stores. You can also ask your local animal or pest control government office if you can borrow or rent one.

Before setting the trap, make sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any human scent. Snakes tend to avoid traps with the smell of humans on them. When setting the trap, wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent to the trap.

There are several types of traps available:

  • Glue trap: This trap uses an adhesive surface to hold the snake in place. To release the snake, pour vegetable oil over the adhesive. However, this method can be difficult, and caution is advised as snakes may bite when they feel threatened.
  • Maze trap: Usually made of wood, this trap has a narrow channel that guides the snake in but makes it difficult for them to escape. Bait, such as mice, insects, frogs, or small rodents, is used to attract the snake. Once caught, you can remove the lid to release it.
  • Minnow trap: Shaped like a funnel, this trap allows the snake to enter but makes it challenging for them to exit. Fresh eggs can be used as bait.

When placing the trap, select a spot where the snake is likely to be drawn in, and try to camouflage it with its natural surroundings. Check the trap daily, as snakes can be exposed to the elements and may die if left in the trap for too long.

Once you have caught the snake, relocate it at least 15 miles from your home to prevent it from returning. Consult with local environmental and law enforcement officers to ensure that relocating snakes is legal in your area. Always wear protective gloves and gear when handling the snake and trap to avoid any potential strikes or bites.

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Employ snake repellents

Employing snake repellents is a good way to get rid of snakes under your concrete patio. There are several commercial snake repellents available in the market, each claiming to repel snakes with their strong smell. Many of these are made with mothballs, although some users have reported that they are ineffective.

However, scientific studies have shown that snake repellents can work differently depending on the species of snake. Some natural snake repellents include:

  • Oils: Essential oils such as peppermint and cinnamon oil can help keep snakes away.
  • Cedarwood: Cedar chips or sawdust sprinkled around the perimeter of your home can help repel snakes due to their strong smell.
  • Garlic Spray: A natural repellent, garlic blended with water and sprayed around your property can deter snakes.
  • Lime: Sprinkling lime around the perimeter of your property is an effective snake-repellent solution.
  • Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that snakes dislike.
  • Solar-Powered Snake Repellents: Devices such as the Pestaway Mole, Mouse, and Snake Repeller, powered by the sun, release a combination of light and sound vibrations to repel snakes.

It is important to note that while these repellents can help deter snakes, they may not be effective in keeping them away permanently. Thus, it is crucial to secure the area where the snake is gaining entry and take preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

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Seal all cracks and gaps in the concrete

Snakes can be unwelcome visitors to your home and garden, and they can be particularly difficult to remove if they take up residence under a concrete patio. One of the best ways to prevent snakes from entering this space is to seal all cracks and gaps in the concrete. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:

First, locate all possible entry points for snakes under your concrete patio. Check for any gaps or cracks in the concrete, especially in the area between your home and the patio. Snakes can fit through very small spaces, so be thorough in your inspection. If you are unsure or unable to locate all the cracks, consider contacting an energy auditing company or a pest control expert, as they have specialised equipment to detect these openings.

Once you have identified the entry points, it is important to time your sealing efforts correctly. Wait until summer or spring to fill in the cracks, as you don't want to accidentally trap any snakes inside. Snakes typically start seeking winter hiding spots as the weather cools, so filling the cracks before this will help prevent them from entering.

When it's time to seal the cracks, use an expandable caulking or tuck-pointing compound to fill them in. Make sure that no snakes are inside when you seal the openings. This is crucial, as you don't want to trap snakes under your concrete, which can lead to unpleasant odours and other issues.

After sealing the cracks, consider applying a snake repellent or similar product to the area. This will provide an additional layer of protection and help deter snakes from approaching your patio. You can also use anti-venom products, but be cautious if you have children or pets, as these can be harmful to them.

Additionally, maintain the area around your concrete patio by keeping vegetation trimmed and removing potential snake hiding spots, such as dense brush, shrubbery, and wood piles. This will make the area less appealing to snakes and reduce their desire to seek shelter under your concrete patio.

Remember, snakes are excellent at squeezing through small spaces, so be vigilant in your efforts to seal all cracks and gaps. Regularly inspect the area for any new openings that may develop over time. By following these instructions, you can effectively deter snakes from entering the space under your concrete patio.

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Remove their food source

Snakes are attracted to areas where their food is easily available. They love to eat rodents such as mice and rats. Therefore, to remove their food source, you should do the following:

Trap and Poison Rodents

Trapping and poisoning rodents will help to eliminate them and make the area less attractive to snakes. By getting rid of the rodents near your home, the snakes will not have a food source and will be forced to look for another place to live.

Store Food in Sealed Containers

Bird feeders, dog food, and birdseed can all attract rodents. Fallen birdseed, nuts, or fruits in your yard can also draw rodents. To prevent this, store food in sealed metal containers. If you have a bird feeder, keep it away from your house and clean up any droppings.

Remove Hiding Places

Snakes and rodents are attracted to hiding places such as dense vegetation, wood piles, and bushes. Keep your grass and plants well-trimmed and cut back bushes to remove potential hiding spots. Keep any wood piles at least two feet above the ground, as snakes will struggle to access an elevated stack of firewood or timber.

Customise Your Landscaping

Snakes are attracted to certain types of landscapes. They like areas with large rocks or damp mulch, so replace these with smaller pebbles or gravel. They also love walls made with loose stones, so consider building a solid wall to eliminate crevices between rocks. Keep your grass short, as snakes tend to avoid areas where they are exposed.

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Clean up your yard

Snakes are attracted to yards that offer food and shelter. To prevent snakes from taking up residence in your yard, it's important to deny them these two things.

First, remove their food sources. Snakes eat insects and rodents, so eliminate these from your yard by using rat repellent, removing bird feeders, and storing food in sealed containers inaccessible to pests.

Next, deny snakes hiding places. Snakes rarely spend time out in the open, so they rely on dense vegetation, piles of wood, and rocks for cover. Keep your grass and vegetation well-trimmed and your yard free of debris and clutter. Pick up a firewood rack to keep your wood piles at least two feet off the ground, and get rid of any large piles of rocks.

In addition to these general yard maintenance tips, you can also install a fence around your yard. The fence should be made of fine mesh wire with openings small enough that snakes cannot squeeze through, and it should be buried beneath the ground to prevent snakes from burrowing underneath.

Frequently asked questions

The best way to get rid of snakes under a concrete slab is to hire a pest removal service. You can also try to trap the snake, use snake repellents, seal the cracks in the concrete, or leave the snakes alone.

You can use glue traps, maze traps, or minnow traps. The best bait includes mice, insects, frogs, and other small rodents that they eat.

You can buy commercial snake repellents, or you can use moth balls or other scents that snakes don’t like, such as a mixture of clove oil and cinnamon oil.

You can seal any possible openings in the concrete slab. You should seal any area between your home and the patio, and fill any holes in your foundation.

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