The Woodlands Summer Snake Series: Got a snake in the grass?

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- While snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, that doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to hang a vacancy sign in your yard.

But if snakes are taking up residence, it's because they're doing what comes naturally.

"Snakes are carnivores," said Jason Pitman, vice president and co-owner at Bio-Tech Pest Control. "They're looking for stuff to eat, so they're going to show up where there are frogs, rats and mice."

That means a simple first step to snake-proofing your home is pest control.

"There's a reason there are snakes in your yard, and it might be because you have rodents," Pitman said.

To discourage rodents, and therefore snakes, Pitman said to avoid feeding wildlife or birds.

"Rats love seeds," he said. "They scavenge for it. They will also eat pet food and garbage. They love living near people because we tend to give them what they need."

Rodents can squeeze into amazingly small spaces, so it's best to have a professional come by and check for rodent activity in your house and attic.

You can also take steps to help snake-proof your yard.

"Snakes like to hide. Snakes need to hide," said Walt Crowder, owner of Lawn Ranger Company. "If you want to snake-proof your yard, remove the hiding places."

Crowder said common hiding places for snakes include:

• Ground cover (grass and mulch) more than 3-4 inches tall
• Shrubs and plants more than 6-inches tall
• Debris piles such as lumber, pallets and stacked boxes
• Empty flower pots and buckets
• Underneath decks that provide access to cool, damp conditions attractive to snakes and their prey (rodents)

"They like pools and water features as well," Crowder said. "That doesn't mean you have to get rid of any beautification landscapes just because of a fear of snakes. Take a few simple steps, be aware and be prepared. This is The Woodlands. We are in Southeast Texas. That means there are snakes."

Click here to learn more about snakes common to The Woodlands.

Check back later this week for the third and final story in The Woodlands Summer Snake Series, with information about what to do if you are bitten by one of these slithering creatures.

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