Snakes - Ask Extension
We’ve been experiencing snake activity at one of our sites and are looking into deterrent options. Do you have any recommendations for effective pro...
Knowledgebase
Snakes #935713
Asked June 16, 2026, 11:41 AM EDT
We’ve been experiencing snake activity at one of our sites and are looking into deterrent options. Do you have any recommendations for effective products or methods that could help reduce or eliminate the issue?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Morrow County Oregon
Expert Response
I won't be able to help without some basic information. What species of snakes are you observing? What is the conflict/what types of "sites" or types of damages are at risk?
Here's an ODFW guide that might help narrow down species ID: https://myodfw.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/LivingWSnakes.pdf
Finally, the animals are occupying an area because it is habitat, meaning that their species-specific needs of food and cover are being supplied there. "Deterrence" from an area that suits requirements isn't possible, but either removing the resources such as food (depending on snake species that could be anything from slugs to large rodent species) and/or (better) creating exclusion (i.e., a snake fence) from the area where snake presence cannot be tolerated. Happy to connect you with more information once we can narrow down answers to the basics above.
Here's an ODFW guide that might help narrow down species ID: https://myodfw.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/LivingWSnakes.pdf
Finally, the animals are occupying an area because it is habitat, meaning that their species-specific needs of food and cover are being supplied there. "Deterrence" from an area that suits requirements isn't possible, but either removing the resources such as food (depending on snake species that could be anything from slugs to large rodent species) and/or (better) creating exclusion (i.e., a snake fence) from the area where snake presence cannot be tolerated. Happy to connect you with more information once we can narrow down answers to the basics above.
