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.

QUESTION: “Our backyard has been a challenge since we bought our home.
We have always teetered on the fine line of lawn and weed infestation.
Well, last summer we let it do itself in and we have since been unable
to reverse the affects.

“The lawn was Bermuda with rye grass and many different weeds mixed in
from the neighboring vacant lots. The Bermuda was not well established
when we bought the house and I'm not sure there is even any Bermuda
left at this point. Our back yard is a smorgasbord of weeds, rye grass
and dirt spots and, newly added this summer, thorns (goat heads). What
can we do to fix our lawn?

“My husband seeded it but they were choked out at a delicate age (and
probably not done correctly, don't tell him I said that). We don't
have the money to do sod so what are our cheap options to fix a dying
lawn in a hot area? What can we do to conquer the weeds once and for
all and get rid of the goat heads which so conveniently came up around
our children's swing set? ANSWER : There are a multiple of things
going on in your yard. It sounds like everything from poor drainage
and compacted soil, to unhealthy soil. (Weeds do great in unhealthy
soil) But the good thing is you are coming into the fall that is a
great time to start over and you should be able to do it yourself.

Here is an online site I have used in the past for lawn questions. It
is a commercial site for Scott’s turf builder but does give great
advice. http://www.scotts.com/smg/brand/scot...ranPage=scotts

You can also click on the link when you find this column at my Web
site, www.landsteward.org The Plant Man is here to help. Send your
questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to
and for resources and additional information, or to subscribe to
Steve’s free e-mailed newsletter, visit www.landsteward.org

On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:43:40 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:


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.

So, why do you want to get rid of them? You want more "rats, mice,
frogs and large insects"? More poisonous snakes too?

Seems to me that you have a natural control for some troublesome
critters. Welcome Mr. black snake.

John

In article , John Bachman
wrote:

On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:43:40 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:


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.


So, why do you want to get rid of them? You want more "rats, mice,
frogs and large insects"? More poisonous snakes too?

Seems to me that you have a natural control for some troublesome
critters. Welcome Mr. black snake.

John

I wondered the same thing. How I wish a batch of racers would gather in my
garden! (Except they're not native 'round here; I'll have to settle for
innocent wee garter snakes.) Three or four species of the genus Coluber
and Elaphe get called "black snakes," but usually Coluber constrictor, and
either way harmless. They can even be tamed. Bigger ones eat rodents and
can take on a full grown rat; the smaller or mid-sized ones often prefer
snails, slugs, and small rodents, frequently entering nests to get baby
field mice or deermice. The baby black snakes are more colorful and look
like a different species, turning bacl when they're older; the babies
earthworms and grubs or frogs and baby mice.

Most snakes hunt at dusk but Coluber constrictor hunts in broad of day and
very swift on a hot day. Like garter snakes their first line of defense if
molested by dog or child is to fart a stinky mess all over the attacker.
They bite if they have to, but as they won't be able to hunt if they get
their fangs ripped out, they try never to have to bite. They can't cause
much harm even if they do bite. I've been bitten by colubrids and it's
difficult but I always tried not to flinch as hurting their fangs can lead
to infection for a captive snake, starvation for one in the wild. At
"worst," they're no threat to children or pets that a wash cloth or a dab
of iodine wouldn't repair.

One cool behavior is instead of instantly fleeing from a motion, they'll
raise up their heads and look left and right trying to see what's up, then
take off if it's a human being or a dog. (If it's an Elaphe species it's
apt to be less visible, but they get bigger and are great ratters, the
genus being quite varied in colors and collectively called "rat snakes"
because of their skill. These are what I used to breed many long years
ago).

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:
http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:
http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

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.

In article
,
MajorOz wrote:



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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?
It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:
http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:
http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

On Aug 20, 10:32 pm, (paghat) wrote:
In article
,

MajorOz wrote:
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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?
It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

Having been the victim of several snake escapes over the years, I can
attest that all those things really are urban/rural legend.

However, one trick that works in finding an escaped pet is to sprinkle
flour (or some similar substance) along your baseboards. The snake has
no compunctions about cruising over it, and more than once it led me
to its hiding spot (most often near the coils of my fridge, where it
is quite warm).

Chris
who really, really misses his pet snakes

True story: my kid was helping me feed the pets. She was about 5 years
old at the time. We had a baby King Snake who was eating baby mice.
The kid was holding the King Snake and her thumb must have looked like
a pinky mouse because it just opened its mouth and tried to swallow my
daughter's thumb. She didn't move at all, just looked up at me and
said, "What do I do now Daddy?" We gently disengaged the snake and
gave it a mouse

"paghat" wrote in message
...
In article
,
MajorOz wrote:



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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?

Another old wives tale is to use a line of Sulfur. They go right over it.

It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:
http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:
http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:26:38 -0500, "Marie Dodge"
wrote:


"paghat" wrote in message
...
In article
,
MajorOz wrote:



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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?

Another old wives tale is to use a line of Sulfur. They go right over it.

It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:
http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:
http://www.weirdwildrealm.com


We had a hawk family in the backyard this summer. Snake is their
favorite food.

On Aug 20, 9:32 pm, (paghat) wrote:
In article
,

MajorOz wrote:
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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?
It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

May I refer you to www.senseofhumorimplants.com

cheers

oz.........sheeesh.......

In article
,
MajorOz wrote:

On Aug 20, 9:32 pm, (paghat) wrote:
In article
,

MajorOz wrote:
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.

I wonder what the rationale is that might underlie this old wives' tale?
It has absolutely no truth to it of course. It goes on the pile with "try
to kill a snake, it won't die until sundown" "snakes can bite onto their
own tail and role downhill as a hoop-snake" "all snakes travel in pairs"
"snakes hypnotize their prey" "Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater"
"rattlesnakes add one rattle a year" "hognose snakes can poison you with
their breath" "pilot snakes lead other snakes to their winter dens" "all
venomous snakes have triangle patterns on their head" "milksnakes suck
milk from cows' tits" "hang a snake around your neck to cure a headache"
"snakes never go near ash trees and an ash twig in your pocket will keep
snakes from approaching you" and "sucking blood from the tail of a live
venomous snake is proof against aids."

-paghat the ratgirl
--
visit my temperate gardening website:http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:http://www.weirdwildrealm.com

May I refer you to www.senseofhumorimplants.com

cheers

oz.........sheeesh.......

There's a wee speck of a problem with people who get peevish the instant
they have a delusion that someone other than themselves lacks a sense of
humor. Nothing in my post denies you were TRYING to be funny, but the list
of similar popular beliefs is just naturally WAY funnier because people
really do believe such silliness & that's amusing. Don't try the implants,
though, kiddo; I've heard they'll make you laugh at Benny Hill.

-paggers
--
visit my temperate gardening website:
http://www.paghat.com
visit my film reviews website:
http://www.weirdwildrealm.com