Mothballs and snakes

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Although snakes incite fear in most people, for the most part, snakes prefer to avoid interaction and contact with humans. Most snake species are harmless and non-venomous. In fact, venomous snakebites are rare in the United States, and the number of deaths resulting from snake bites is very low.

Snakes make a huge contribution to a healthy environment. By keeping mice, rats and other rodent populations under control, they are very useful to humans.

Can we use mothballs as a Snake Repellent?

If you do want to keep snakes away, mothballs aren't an effective deterrent.

Mothballs don't work as an effective snake repellent, furthermore, they contain powerful chemicals, and release toxins that are dangerous to humans and animals, if we breathe the vapors or touch the mothballs with bear hands.

In addition, mothballs also contaminate the soil, and may seep into the water supply and pollute the air. While other natural or artificial repellents such as cayenne pepper, sulfur, artificial animal urine and cedar oil may be safer, they are also quite useless as snake deterrents.

What to do to deter snakes?

Snakes don't like places where they can't find protective cover and a steady food supply, they often move to other areas with more suitable and inviting conditions.

So you'll need to keep rodent populations around your property under control, as much as possible, because most snake's diet consists primarily of mice, rats, and other small mammals.

Storing your pet's food in sealed containers also helps deter snakes.

Eliminating those cool, damp and perfect hiding places for snakes, like yard debris, tall brushes or rock piles.

Mowing the lawn or other grassy areas regularly.

Store your lumber and firewood at a safe distance away from the house or buildings, and keep it at least 18 inches above the ground.

The only way to absolutely keep snakes away is building a fence.

A snake-proof fence can be made by modifying the normal chain link, picket, or split-rail type fences, simply by attaching a 24 inch high hardware cloth (1/4-inch weave) or aluminum flashing to the outside bottom of the fence.

Also, bury the bottom portion of the hardware cloth or flashing at least 2 to 4 inches into the soil. This fence needs to go all the way around the yard even gates must have the same snake-proofing and of course must be kept closed to be effective. This works because snakes tend to travel along fences rather than go over them.

Did You Know?

The Egyptian cobra was worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, it was known as the ‘Asp’