Key Points
Signs of snakes include small rounded holes, shed skins, droppings, and trails winding in the soil.Watch for changes in pet behavior or a drop in wildlife, since snakes follow prey like mice and frogs.Spotting these signs early lets you make your garden less inviting before snakes settle in for good.
Keeping pests away comes with the territory of maintaining a garden, but you need to know what you’re up against before fighting them off. While nibbling deer and pesky rodents might require one approach, something else, like snakes, will require another.
In order to find out if snakes are the problem, you need to look for certain signs, but what are they? We checked in with a few experts to find out.
Meet the Expert
Jacob Cohn is an associate certified entomologist and the COO of Arrow Termite & Pest Control.
Trae Crocker is the plant protection manager for Monrovia.
Tammy Sons is the founder and CEO of TN Nursery.
Small Holes
Credit:
Getty Images / Ali Madjfar
One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
“They might be hard to distinguish from other critters’ holes, but tend to be a bit more rounded out,” says certified entomologist Jacob Cohn.
This is because in many cases, snakes don’t make their own holes. Instead, they’ll sliver into a pre-existing home created by another critter and sizing it to their liking. If you suspect you have snakes, it might be a good idea to check ideal habitat areas and make some changes.
“Unkempt areas are attractive to snakes because they are able to set up a nesting area where prey like mice like to hide as well,” says plant expert Trae Crocker. “Create an environment that is less welcoming to snakes.”
This includes maintaining areas of concern by removing piles of debris, keeping your grass short, and sealing small gaps under houses and decks.
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Changes in Animal Behavior
If you have any pets that spend time outdoors, Cohn says you might notice a sudden change in their behavior. This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
But even if you don’t have pets, other wildlife might give cues there’s something dangerous lurking in your garden.
“Snakes are predators, and gardens are outdoor buffets for their prey,” says Cohn. “A sudden lack of common wildlife or rodents is a definite sign that you may have an issue.”
If you’ve noticed your pets are particularly wary of certain areas, Cohn says this could be a spot to tackle first.
“The best method is prevention, which means making your garden difficult to access, and removing ideal areas,” he says. “Trim your grass, keep brush piles away, and make sure there’s no clutter.”
Shed Skins
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Debu Durlav / Getty Images
According to Cohn, the most straightforward sign you have snakes in your garden is the presence of shed skins.
“The skins will be mostly translucent, but may have some signs of color,” says Cohn.
Snakes shed their skin every few months, so if they’re feeding off your garden, they’re likely growing and shedding. Plant expert and nursery owner Tammy sons agrees.
“I usually find skins hidden in corners along fences, tucked behind woodpiles, or under shady borders,” she says.
Snake Droppings
Snake droppings aren’t easy to spot, but Cohn says these can be another sign.
“[They] tend to be a combo of black and white, similar to droppings from lizards,” he says. “These may be a bit harder to spot in soil.”
Or, as Sons points out, you might see droppings with feathers or fur in them—which is a reminder these are predators.
“If you have snakes, you probably have good access to food like mice, voles, frogs, or an abundance of insects,” she says.
Snake Trails
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BanyanRanchStudios / Getty Images
Depending on the design of your garden, it’s possible to see snake trails moving through the soil. These will be smooth, wavy lines, says Cohn.
Sons agrees, describing them as meandering—and they might lead you to your snake’s habitat.
“If you must have them removed, contact a local wildlife professional,” she says. “Don’t try this one on your own.”
Snake Eggs
While the other signs might indicate snakes passing through, Cohn says the presence of snake eggs in your garden is an indication this pest plans to stay.
“This tells you that they’ve found a safe and productive hunting ground, and it may be time to reach out to an expert, especially if it’s a venomous species,” he says.
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