The Pond Outlet Blog

Answer: I used to teach nature classes to kids in SC. Along with various infamous poisonous spiders, pit vipers can easily be misidentified- because of the fear factor involved with most people toward these creatures- our sense of judgment changes …under stress. It is hard to concentrate on the shape of the eye or the colorings of a snake when they’ve already defensively lunged at you. So don’t take a chance!

Employ an expert right after you introduce the new garden feature-they don’t necessarily have to exterminate the source of concern. Keep a Peterson’s guide within reach to KNOW the facts ie. where & when they are active, time of year, habits. Water Moccasins or Cottonmouths have always been particularly feisty and territorial towards me out in nature. DON”T MESS with them!! Excellent idea to move the owl around! Lucky you to have a water feature they are lovely little ecosystems for us to educate ourselves about & enjoy.

Answer: “was told here in Fla. by a real Floridian that if you get the chance to kill any type of snake and cut it up and place around the edge of the water the others will not cross over it into your property, along with moth balls.”

 

Answer: ” I placed a plastic owl (found in feed stores) near my pond and move it every 2 or 3 days, so far so good.”

 

Answer: “Got this from a friend about getting rid of Copperheads so not sure it applies to Water Moccasins but: “Hire an owl, King snake or human to exterminate them. Sulphur tablet perimeter around your pond-not in or near the water though. They live long- 18 years and are usually nocturnal during the summer.” Not sure if there is a “Rent-an-Owl” concession near you…”

 

Answer:If you have a pond, it is quite likely that at some point you will see a snake in it. Although a snake in a pond does not pose an immediate problem, it must be dealt with to prevent more serious issues. Snakes may breed …and create a larger population of snakes. They can also eat fish and other animals in the pond, or bite humans who inadvertently get near them. The best way to get rid of snakes in a pond is to make the area undesirable for habitation.
1. Cut the grass surrounding the pond with a lawn mower on a regular basis. Some people like to allow the grass around ponds to grow tall for a more natural appearance. Unfortunately, this provides ideal cover in which snakes live and hide. Keeping the grass cut low will make the snakes move elsewhere to live.
2. Use a weed trimmer to cut back tall shrubs and weeds. Snakes often hide in weeds, so cutting these back makes the area unattractive to them.
3. Move all wood piles, rock piles, compost piles, mulch and tarps far away from the pond area. These items provide a great place for snakes to nest, and removing comfortable nesting areas will drive them away.
4. Place enclosed mouse traps around the perimeter of the pond to kill off existing rodents, which are a food source for snakes. If you have snakes, there is a good chance you also have mice, even if you don’t see them. If you kill the mice, the snakes will move away. Use only enclosed mouse traps to prevent the snakes from eating the dead mice and to protect pets and children from the traps.
5. Install snake fencing around the pond area. This is specially designed smooth fencing that is slick and impossible for snakes to climb. Use a shovel to dig a 5-inch to 6-inch deep trench around the perimeter of the pond. Insert the bottom portion of the fence into the ground and then cover it up with dirt that is packed down firmly. Snake fencing is available at most home improvement stores