Whether poisonous or not, snakes play an important role in the natural world, but that doesn't mean that you want them slithering around your garden. Give them an inch, and they may wind their way into your house as well. Although some folks swear by simple deterrents like moth balls, sulfur powder, or lemon grass, the best way to keep snakes out of your yard is to make the space inhospitable to the slinking reptiles.

What a Snake Wants

Snakes look for snug, warm and secluded environments where they can live comfortably and lay their eggs. To keep your snake problem from multiplying quickly into a nightmare scenario, check around the foundation of your home for hiding-holes. Keep wood piles at least one foot off the ground. Snakes also follow their food source, which includes mice, frogs, and insects that hide in dense brush. Deter them by keeping hedges trimmed and by removing the lower limbs from trees.

Don't Use Your Yard for Storage

A yard buried in clutter is like a "Welcome Home" mat for snakes, and it's just as inviting for the insects and rodents that snakes love to dine on too. If you don't have space indoors for seasonal items like summer patio furniture or holiday décor, consider stashing them in a storage facility rather than in your yard.

A Snake in the Grass

Snakes on the hunt for a new home will choose overgrown grass over a freshly mowed lawn every time, but its ornamental grasses that attract them the most. To dissuade the reptiles, trim landscaping grasses faithfully or confine the plants to tall containers.

If a snake does find its way into your home or garden, call in a professional to remove it, and always seek immediate medical help for snakebite injuries. While most species are harmless, it's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to dealing with snakes.