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