The Overlooked Solution That Helps Keep Snakes Out Of Your Yard Naturally

Spotting a snake is enough to make some people's skin crawl, especially when it's in their very own backyard. Granted, not every snake is poisonous and they can be beneficial for pest control. That doesn't always matter to those who despise snakes, though. If you have ophidiophobia (an extreme fear of snakes), or you just don't want to step on one while gardening, there are natural ways to stop them from inhabiting your yard. One solution is to create a perch pole out of simple building materials. It's essentially an invitation for predatory birds to drop by for a visit and handle the snake problem themselves.

Owls, falcons, and hawks are all carnivores that feed on rodents and snakes. This is helpful for homeowners who prefer not to spray dangerous chemicals or use traps, although it does still lead to the creatures' demise. To deter snakes from your yard, you can start by making it less attractive to them. Eliminate standing water, ward off food sources like pests, and don't give them sneaky places to hide. Creating a perch pole likely won't stop the problem on its own, but many experts recommend it as a solution in addition to other prevention methods. Although it might not be something you've considered before, it's an excellent way to solve the issue naturally, especially if you live in a rural area.

Birds of prey oftentimes use manmade structures to hunt their next victims. A perch pole is a large pole with a horizontal bar on top, giving them a place to rest with a good view. These types of birds are known for their strong eyesight, allowing them to track down snakes in your yard if you erect one in it. The typical pole is between 12 and 20 feet tall and is made of wood or galvanized steel. A crossbar is attached to the top so it ultimately looks like a giant "T." Set it up in an open area, and if you want the birds to get the best lighting, make sure the crossbar points east and west.

There are other proactive ways to keep these creatures at bay, such as incorporating plants that can keep snakes out of your yard into your space. By installing a perch pole, you will heighten your chances that it won't become too big of an issue. This is important since there are indeed certain snakes you don't want to see in your yard. Be aware that some of these predatory birds will go after small pets like chicks, kittens, and ducklings. While it's rare, even a tiny dog can become a target. But if you do have the space and are able to keep an eye on your pets, a perch pole could help you reduce the amount of snakes in your yard while helping predatory birds stay full.