“Garden snake” is not a formal scientific classification but a collective term for the small, non-venomous, terrestrial snakes found in backyard habitats. These reptiles are generally harmless and are often a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem, where they act as natural pest controllers. Understanding the common species and their habits can transform a startling encounter into an appreciation for a beneficial neighbor.
Identifying Common Garden Snakes
Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.) are the most widely recognized species and can be identified by their slender build and the distinct pattern of three light-colored stripes—typically yellow, green, or blue—that run longitudinally down their dark body. Their scales have a raised ridge down the center, known as keeled scales, giving them a rough appearance, and adults commonly reach lengths between 2 and 3 feet. Garter snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they are often found basking on warm rocks or pavement near water sources.
Another common small species is the DeKay’s Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi), which rarely exceeds 12 inches in length. This snake is typically gray or light brown with two rows of small dark spots that often border a faint, lighter stripe down the center of its back. Brown snakes are highly tolerant of urban areas and spend much of their time concealed beneath logs, leaf litter, or stones, only occasionally emerging to forage for soft-bodied prey.
Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus) are also small, slender, and secretive, distinguished by their smooth, glossy scales and a prominent yellow or orange ring encircling their neck. Their bodies are uniformly dark gray or black, with a brightly colored yellow or orange belly that is often displayed as a defensive mechanism. Measuring around 10 to 15 inches long, these nocturnal snakes prefer moist habitats and are frequently found under cover objects like rocks or boards in search of food.
Are Garden Snakes Dangerous
Garden snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans or pets. Their primary defense mechanism is to flee and hide, and they are not aggressive toward people. If handled or cornered, a snake may release a foul-smelling musk from its cloaca, a defensive behavior designed to make it unappetizing to predators.
While some species, like Garter Snakes and Ring-necked Snakes, possess a mild, rear-fanged venom used to subdue their small prey, it is ineffective and harmless to humans. A defensive bite from a garden snake is rare and usually results in nothing more than a superficial scratch that does not break the skin.
The Role of Garden Snakes in the Ecosystem
Garden snakes are beneficial to the immediate environment, acting as natural pest control agents. Their diet is primarily composed of invertebrates and small animals that are often considered garden pests. DeKay’s Brown Snakes and Ring-necked Snakes specialize in consuming soft-bodied prey, including slugs, snails, and earthworms, which helps protect garden plants from damage.
Garter Snakes have a broader diet that includes slugs, leeches, insects, and occasionally small amphibians. By regulating populations of these common pests and small rodents, these snakes contribute to the health of the garden ecosystem. Their presence is a strong indicator that the garden is relatively free of harmful pesticides, which would otherwise eliminate their food sources and poison the snakes themselves.
Living Alongside Garden Snakes
If you wish to encourage these beneficial reptiles, you can create a habitat that provides the shelter, sun, and moisture they require. Snakes need safe places to hide from predators and to regulate their body temperature, so constructing a simple rock pile or a brush pile offers excellent retreats. Placing flat stones in sunny spots provides basking areas, allowing them to absorb the solar energy needed for digestion and movement.
For those who prefer to discourage snakes humanely, the strategy involves eliminating their preferred hiding spots and food sources. This means regularly mowing the lawn to keep the grass short and removing dense ground cover like ivy or thick mulch beds. Stacks of firewood, lumber, or rock piles near the house should be relocated to an open area or raised at least a foot off the ground to eliminate sheltered spaces.
Managing moisture is another effective deterrent since many garden snakes are drawn to damp environments where their prey, such as slugs and earthworms, thrives. If a snake is found in an unwanted location, the safest method for relocation is to gently sweep it into a bucket or trash can and release it into a wooded or brushy area. Using natural repellents like clove or cinnamon oil around the perimeter may also help encourage them to move elsewhere.