Help! My yard is over run with garter snakes, under the pool deck, under the stairs, by the pond, by the garage, and even one in the basement (cat ate it). I'm really afraid of them.
Extension
Message
From:
Laura Kammin
Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention
Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program lkammin@illinois.edu
Many people are afraid of snakes. But Gartersnakes won't hurt you. They are not venomous and they would rather stay away from people if they can. In fact, they can be beneficial to have in your yard because they eat a lot of insects. If there is one in your way, an easy method to move it is to use a broom handle to gently push it out of the area. They are usually very quick to try and get away.
From: Gwen Blossom
City: Wilmette, IL
My daughter lives in Rogers Park, Chicago, and she has many garter snakes in her yard, Do you think it is ok for me to catch some and bring them to my yard in Wilmette? I have a yard that I have been planting native plants and I think some snakes would thrive here
