Three North American Snakes That Your Garden Will Thank You For

Snakes often get a bad rap due to myths that paint them as symbols of evil or deceit. The fear of snake bites and attacks only adds to their negative reputation. However, most snakes are harmless and only attack when threatened. In fact, many non-venomous and non-aggressive snakes play a beneficial role in gardens by controlling pest populations. Here, we’ll introduce you to three garden friendly snakes in the US that are particularly helpful and beneficial for a healthy and pest free garden.

Snake #1: The Garter Snake

Garter snakes are some of the most common and beneficial non-venomous snakes in North America. While they pose no threat to humans and most pets, it’s a good idea to keep small pets like frogs, lizards, and hamsters away from them. Garter snakes thrive in various environments and have a diverse diet that includes earthworms, amphibians, birds, fish, and small mammals. This adaptability makes them great at controlling garden pests and one of the most widespread snake species in North America.

Snake #2: The Gopher Snake

Gopher snakes are a farmer’s best friend, and among garden friendly snakes, they are known for their effectiveness in controlling rodent populations that can damage crops. These snakes eat gophers, rats, mice, small birds, and sometimes bats. They are often found in barns, greenhouses, and sheds, where they help manage pests attracted to stored animal feed and crops. Despite their resemblance to rattlesnakes, gopher snakes are harmless to humans and pets. They are constrictors, using their bodies to subdue prey.

Interesting Facts About Gopher Snakes:

• Expert Mimics: Gopher snakes can mimic rattlesnakes by hissing, coiling, and vibrating their tails to deter predators.
• Visual Distinction: They have a yellow to beige color with dark brown spots and lack the white bands around their tails seen in rattlesnakes.
• Impressive Size: They can grow up to five feet long but are completely harmless to humans.

Snake #3: The King Snake

King snakes are invaluable in areas with rattlesnakes, as they prey on these venomous snakes thanks to their immunity to venom. North America hosts five species of king snakes, each with unique color patterns, including the milk snake, which is often mistaken for the venomous coral snake.

A king snake is an excellent addition to a North American garden because it naturally controls pest populations, including rodents and other snakes, contributing to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem. As non-venomous and generally harmless to humans and pets, king snakes efficiently prey on garden pests without posing any threat. Adaptable to various environments, king snakes thrive in diverse garden settings, helping maintain biodiversity and the health of a garden.

Amazing Traits of King Snakes

• Venom Immunity: King snakes can eat venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and copperheads without harm.
• Powerful Constrictors: They subdue their prey by coiling around it and squeezing until it suffocates.
• Protective Mimicry: Some, like the milk snake, mimic the coloration of venomous snakes to avoid predators.

How To Attract Beneficial Snakes to Your Garden

To attract garter snakes, king snakes, and gopher snakes to your garden, create a habitat that meets their needs for shelter, food, and water. Start by incorporating diverse, native plants to provide cover and attract insects, small mammals, and amphibians, which serve as food sources. Add features like rock piles, logs, and brush piles to offer hiding spots and basking areas. Ensure there is a water source, such as a small pond or a shallow dish of water, to keep the environment inviting. Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides, as these can harm snakes and reduce their prey. Additionally, maintain a compost pile or mulch heap to attract insects and small animals, further enticing these beneficial snakes to take up residence in your garden.

These three garden friendly snake species showcase the vital role snakes play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and controlling pests in gardens and farms. Embracing their presence can lead to a more balanced and thriving environment.