• Abundant food sources: residential neighborhoods often have large populations of small rodents that snakes prey on, like mice, rats, and chipmunks. Outdoor bird feeders can also attract these rodents to residential areas.       
• Shelter and hiding spots: snakes have plenty of places to hide and rest in residential areas, including wood piles, rock crevices, overgrown gardens, crawl spaces, sheds, garages, and gaps underneath decks or porches. 
• Moisture and water: residential areas provide sources of water and moisture like bird baths, ponds, leaky garden hoses, and shady, damp areas in mulch beds. 
• Yards with minimal activity: yards without pets, yards that aren’t mowed frequently, and yards with low foot traffic offer an undisturbed area where snakes feel safe.                 

You can make your home less inviting to snakes by taking the proper precautions, including: 

• Seal all entry points, including gaps and cracks in the foundation and siding. Install weatherstripping around doors and windows. 
• Keep the yard clean by removing dead logs, leaf litter, woodpiles, etc. Trimming grass and shrubs near the home can also keep snakes out. 
• Limit accumulation of water with proper drainage systems 
• Contact a professional like Westchester Wildlife for rodent control services to limit the snake’s food population.