wrote:
Perhaps you enjoyed �Snakes on a Plane� as an entertaining movie. But
it�s a whole less fun when it�s snakes in your home�s foundation, as
this reader discovered.

QUESTION: �How does one get rid of snakes without poisoning pets? The
snakes are around the house foundation and we believe they are
Racers.� � Teresa Finch

ANSWER: According to the Web site www.snakesandfrogs.com �Black Racers
are slender black snakes of adult size from 30 to 60 inches in length.
They are called �racers� because they are active, fast moving snakes.
Usually, these snakes quickly slither to the safety of thick grass or
brush when encountered. If cornered or grasped, they will bite
viciously in defense.� However, they are not venomous.

As you might guess, snakes generally go where there is a food source.
Chances are that they are eating rats, mice, frogs and large insects,
and the black racers also eat poisonous snakes.

When it comes to snakes, and most other unwanted critters for that
matter, prevention is the best cure. Limit the habitat and food source
for the snakes� prey and you reduce the likelihood that snakes will
take up residence once those tasty rodents and insects are scarce.

Here are some quick and simple ways to achieve this:

Keep the area around you house mowed. Tall grass invites small rodents
and insects.

Trim or prune excessively dense or overgrown shrubs for the same
reason.

Be sure that garbage containers are covered.

Remove all brush and stone piles that would attract rodents.

Patch all holes into the foundation or crawl space of your house,
including drain pipes.

Steve and I live way out in the country where most of the adjoining
property isn't cleared off, and outside cats and large dogs have
pretty much kept snakes away from the immediate area around the
house.

Here�s an idea you might want to consider. Water soluble granulated
sulfur can be spread over the yard and watered-in to keep fleas and
tick under control, but I have also read where it will keep snakes at
bay as well. Check your hardware store or farmers� co-op for a supply
source. If you do decide to use granulated sulfur, it�s essential to
read and follow the manufacturer�s instructions and avoid inhaling the
dust.

A snake deterrent I learned as a kid was to encircle the house with a
rope. Not some new polyethylene stuff, but an old fuzzy hemp rope.
Snakes won't cross it, as it tickles their belly.

cheers

oz.....and if some brave snake does cross it, you can hear him giggle
and run out there and shoot him.