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Snake Treatment and Control
Garter
Snakes
 
Common garter snake (L), San Francisco garter snake (R)
Description
Garter Snakes are found worldwide expect Antarctica. There are many different
species of garter snakes. They vary in size and colour depending on the areas they are
found in. Brown, black, green and sometimes grey, garter snakes usually have a prominent
stripe or two, red or yellow, on their sides. They are not poisonous but will bite you if
they feel threatened. They range in length from two to three feet. If you pick them up
they leave an awful nasty odour on your skin and clothes.
 
Eastern black garter snake (L), Checkered garter snake (R)
Habitat
They usually live near ponds, creeks and streams or any other sources of water. They are
found in long grass around fences and houses. Be careful if you are trimming these grasses
as the sting from the weed whacker can kill snakes. Having one of these guys in your
garden is a bonus. Especially if you are a west coast gardener and have a problem with
slugs. They love slugs and snails. They are active most of the day but rarely seen in the
heat of the day and find somewhere to hide for this period. Although they eat worms, they
are still a gardeners friend. Mating occurs in early spring or fall depending on species.
Females have up to 40 live babies at one time. Most garter snakes hibernate during the
winter. The hibernators band together in large groups and emerge again in the spring.
Two striped garter snake (L)-photo san Diego Natural History Museum
Diet
All of these snakes eat slugs, snails, small insects, small frogs, toads, worms, leeches,
mosquito larvae and small fishes. The snakes in turn are eaten by birds, wild dogs, cats
and occasionally rodents.
Treatment and control
Apply Snake Away
according to label directions to repel snakes in areas where snakes frequent.Clean up all
debreis and seal up all holes that snakes are able use for shelter in the affected
area.
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Iowa -Illinois Termite & Pest Control Inc.
3909 Marquette St.
Davenport Iowa 52806
(877)-472-2345 Phone
(319)-386-0598 Fax
email info@iailtermite.com
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