How to Make Your Backyard Less Attractive to Snakes

Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but that doesn’t mean you want them turning up in your backyard. Most snakes are shy and avoid humans — however, they’re always on the lookout for food, shelter, and water. If your garden provides any of these, it can quickly become an inviting home for reptiles.

Thankfully, there are a number of simple steps you can take to make your property a less appealing place for snakes to hide or hunt.

1. Keep Grass Cut Short and Gardens Tidy

Snakes prefer thick vegetation and long grass because it gives them cover from predators and the elements. When lawns are regularly mowed and garden beds kept neat:

• Snakes have fewer places to hide
• You’re more likely to notice wildlife before they become a problem
• Rodents and frogs are less likely to take up residence

Removing excess leaf litter, trimming back bushes, and keeping pathways clear all help discourage snakes from moving through your yard.

2. Store Timber, Roof Sheets & Garden Materials Off the Ground

Loose piles of timber, rock heaps, and stacked roofing sheets make perfect hiding spots — they create cool, dark spaces snakes love.

If you need to store building materials:

• Lift everything at least 30cm off the ground
• Use racks or pallets instead of stacking directly on soil
• Avoid creating cluttered corners of the yard

Good airflow beneath items prevents them from becoming snake hotels — and also reduces moisture and pests.

3. Seal Gaps Under Sheds, Decks & Steps

Snakes frequently enter yards looking for a safe place to rest. Popular shelter sites include:

• Under garden sheds
• Beneath steps and decks
• Between retaining walls and fencing
• Under stored equipment

Use fine snake-proof mesh or sealable barriers to close large gaps and remove the temptation. If there’s no access, there’s no problem.

4. Keep Pet Food Areas Clean to Prevent Rodents

Snakes aren’t visiting your yard to find you — they’re hunting rats, mice, and sometimes frogs.

Outdoor pet food bowls can attract rodents if not managed properly.

Bad habits to avoid:

• Leaving leftover food outside overnight
• Letting seed from bird feeders spill onto the ground
• Storing rubbish bags against the house

Keep outdoor food sealed and feeding areas tidy, and you remove one of the main reasons snakes show up.

5. Reduce Standing Water That Attracts Frogs

Water sources naturally draw frogs, which in turn attract snakes that love to feed on them.

Look for and remove:

• Buckets or containers that collect rainwater
• Leaking taps or outdoor plumbing
• Shallow ponds without covers or netting

If you want a garden water feature, ensure it’s well maintained and placed away from doors and pet areas.