Discussions

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of and keep garter snakes out of my basement?

I know of Poulin’s in Brandon, there may be others

Burn the house down lol I hate snaked

This made me laugh! Thank you, I needed a laugh. Feeling terrible since I discovered the snakes in my laundry room.

Yeah I laughed too. If you want a DIY solution, they are not dangerous. You can trap them under an upside down bucket, and slide something like sturdy cardboard or thin plywood underneath. Then you can transport them outside and let them go.  
 
You'll have to find where they are coming in and seal it off. They don't need much space. Stick some spray foam or something in there.  
 
I saw a couple of dead snakes on my walk today, so they are on the move (they tend to get run over by cars).

only snakes I had in my house are the ones my sons would carry into the kitchen to show me.  
 
Mothers have to stay calm and say "that's nice but I think it would be happier outside"  
 
lol

I could never be calm when being near a snake. I know they are harmless but I still scream at the top of my lungs and run away as soon as I see them. Lmao

Trap them…… yeah that would be the day. I agree burn the house down. Lol

Paulins came after I found 2, looked around but could not find evidence of any more. Then I found another one Friday. I thought they would be long gone by now.  
 
Edited by Blueberry, 2025-11-03 21:27:21

How do you know that they are just in your basement? My concern would be maybe elsewhere as well.

I wonder what they are eating ?  
Are they there for warmth or what is the attraction ?

I have a fear that they are not contained to the basement. I haven’t seen anything to suspect otherwise but you never know.

They are likely getting in through your dryer vent, they like and need heat. Put a screen on the outside of your dryer vent.

My dryer vent is higher up, do they climb siding?

Yes they can climb vertical surfaces, they use their scales on the bottom of them to grip and maneuver up surfaces

Snakes are a protected species in manitoba so all pest control will do is take them out and then they return again later... I would suggest looking for cracks or could be crack and using mouse effect foam in those areas... its has mouse in the name but it detracts other critters too

Paulins did not see any at the time of inspection. He looked around the basement and exterior of the house to see where they could possibly come in. He said they might have snuck in through through the sump pump but couldn’t say for sure. I will look for the foam you mentioned. Thank you for the suggestion.  
 
Edited by Blueberry, 2025-11-04 21:31:38

I’m not sure what they are eating. Exterminator says he had seen some crickets in the crawl space, says they might be surviving on those. He also said there was absolutely no sign of mice. And he also said they have a water source from the sump.  
 
Edited by Blueberry, 2025-11-04 21:35:58

Snakes will avoid them at all costs

I will try it, thanks.

Be very careful with them they are Very toxic and gross smelling

also very toxic to pets .if you place them outside animals get hold of them can get very sick  
just a thought the westman reptile garden at Shilo 204 763 4030 check out website maybe they have info that could help you out snake wrangler  
 
Edited by rubyred, 2025-11-10 09:11:21

I would not put them outside. I was thinking of just putting them in the crawlspace. I have an indoor dog and wouldn’t want it to get near the mothballs but I will definitely do some research before using any products.  
 
Edited by Blueberry , 2025-11-10 12:00:29

they will reek for a long time horrible smell

I am in a condo development in the south end and we had more than usual garter snakes this past summer. I phoned Animal Control with the City (out of the police station 204-729-2345 (ask for animal control). Although they don't actually help, the officer had great suggestions (as he said he lives in the country and has the same problem). I know it isn't a direct solution from me, but he shared some good information.

Could you please also share that information or advice because other people would also like to know. Thanks

Yes I have seen an unusual amount of snakes this past summer for sure so I shouldn’t be suprised that they made their way inside. I havent seen any lately but one got trapped on my sticky lint roller a few weeks ago. I had some one take it outside as I couldn’t go near it.

What area do you live in?

they don't care about laws protecting snakes and they eat snakes like spagetti. Unlike a snake, if you leave a door open it'll leave when the snakes are gone.......unless it smells mice .  
see photo proof

Get some old S & P shakers or spice containers with holes and put some cinnamon and a moth ball in each one and lay them around the house with the openings aimed down a little to prevent rain from getting in. That might stop more from coming in.  
 
It's too late for the writer: but may work for others.  
 
In the meantime, if you're a golfer, wear golf shoes in your basement -accidents happen.