By Umar Nsubuga
For many gardeners, snakes can be an unwelcome presence in the garden.
While these creatures play a vital role in ecosystems by controlling pests, their sudden appearances can be unsettling or dangerous, especially if venomous species are involved.
Peter Mubiru, a veterinary doctor who owns a farm says fortunately, there are practical ways to keep snakes away from your garden without harming them or disrupting the natural balance.
According to Mubiru, a well-kept garden is the first line of defense against snakes.
Snakes seek out cool, hidden places to rest, and overgrown plants, piles of leaves, and long grass provide ideal hiding spots.
“Keeping your garden tidy is essential,” he advises.
Regularly mow your lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and clear away debris like piles of rocks, wood, or leaves. This reduces the areas where snakes can hide and makes your garden less inviting to them, he explains.
Remove food sources
“Snakes typically enter gardens in search of food, such as small rodents, frogs, and insects. One effective way to deter snakes is by eliminating their food supply,” he says.
Mubiru adds; “Ensure your garden is not attracting rodents by keeping compost bins tightly sealed, storing animal feed securely, and removing birdseed that may fall on the ground.”
Using natural pest control methods to reduce frog and insect populations can also help, making your garden less attractive to snakes.
Install snake fencing
He says if you live in an area prone to snake encounters, installing snake-proof fencing around your garden can provide peace of mind.
“Snake fences are usually made of fine mesh wire that’s buried at least six inches underground to prevent snakes from burrowing beneath,” Mubiru explains.
He says the fence should be angled outward and stand about three feet tall to effectively block snake entry.
Use natural snake repellents
Several natural snake repellents can help keep these creatures away without harming them or other animals. he says one common method is using sulfur, cinnamon oil, or clove oil, which snakes dislike due to their strong scent.
“Sprinkle sulfur or spray a mixture of essential oils around the perimeter of your garden,” suggests a farmer who has successfully kept snakes out for years.
He says garlic and onion plants are also natural snake repellents that can be incorporated into your garden to ward them off.
Create a snake-free barrier
Another useful technique is creating a barrier that snakes will avoid crossing. Snakes don’t like rough or sharp textures, so laying gravel, crushed stone, or pine cones along the edges of your garden can be effective, he explains.
“Snakes dislike slithering over rough surfaces, so adding a layer of coarse material can make your garden less attractive to them,” notes Isma Sempala a professional gardener.
Seal holes and entry points
“Snakes can enter gardens through small holes in fences, walls, or around the foundation of your home. Inspect the perimeter of your garden and close any gaps or openings that snakes could use to gain entry,” says Mubiru.
He advises farmers to repair broken fences, cover drainage pipes, and seal gaps around the base otheirur house.
“Sealing off potential entry points can stop snakes from sneaking in unnoticed,” Alex Kyobe, a fumigator in Kawempe advises.
