Garter Snake Facts
The garter snake can be found all across North America. They are not venomous nor aggressive. Mating occurs twice — once in early spring around mid-March, then again in the fall before hibernation. In the wild, they can live for up to two years, in captivity it is possible for them to live up to 20 years. Typically, garter snakes feed on a variety of different animals including worms, amphibians, insects, small fish, and even other snakes. They also will prey on small mammals, lizards, and birds. Garter snakes are able to detect their prey through their keen senses of sight and smell, ambushing an unsuspecting animal once they’ve found it. They then bite the animal, immobilizing it with their saliva, before swallowing it whole.
Garter Snake Infestation
The only damage these snakes can cause is damage to your nerves. They can frighten and annoy you and your family, but they’re harmless. If anything, they might emit a foul odor if you try to handle them, or they may leave a slight, usually painless bite that isn’t dangerous to your health. It’s also possible that they might be carrying salmonella, but this is very rare.
It’s difficult to tell if you’ve got a garter snake unless you actually see it. They move silently, eat their prey whole, and don’t cause any damage to buildings or crops. If you notice anything at all, you might notice elongated, cream-colored droppings or molten skin.
Garter Snake Bites
Garter snakes usually rely on stealth tactics like camouflage to protect themselves from larger prey like bullfrogs, snapping turtles, birds, raccoons, or squirrels. If they can’t flee, they will coil themselves up to appear larger and may bite, so it is possible for them to bite humans, though unlikely. Garter snake bites are harmless to humans. If a garter snake can flee rather than fight, it will.
Types of Garter Snakes
Garter Snake Identification
The garter snake can measure up to 4 1/2 feet long, but are usually much smaller. Their bodies are typically dark with three light stripes running down their backs that can be either yellow, blue, green, or brown.
Garter Snakes in the Garden & Home
If these snakes are around, you’ll find them slithering in forests, near swamps, or other bodies of water, overgrown lawns, and other grassy areas. They’re often found catching some rays on wood piles, stone walls, or rocks. When they begin to hunt for food, they will usually do so early in the morning or after dark.
There usually isn’t a need to control this snake, as it is harmless to humans and will ordinarily slither away if given some space. However, if one appears in your home, garage, or other places around your property, it can easily and safely be removed. Just wear a pair of gardening gloves and gingerly pick it up. Avoid squeezing the snake. Place it in a bag and release it into an area nearby.
If you want to discourage this snake from sneaking around your yard, remove its hiding places like rocks, debris, and shrubbery. Seal any openings around your home that may allow them inside in the first place. They cannot dig, so closing up these cracks should do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are garter snakes poisonous?
Garter snakes do actually contain venom in their hind teeth, but it is harmless to humans. Their venom is used to paralyze their prey. In most cases, the garter snake is the prey of larger predators and chooses to hide itself, or flee to avoid being eaten.
What are the benefits of professional snake pest control?
Any type of wildlife nuisance or pest can be risky to remove safely without the proper equipment or experience.
Professional pest control specialists have the technology, educational background, and skill to safely but effectively remove the animal while also protecting everyone on the property.
If you’re struggling with snakes on your property, contact us. Our technicians can remove them and help you regain control of your property and sanity.