Are snakes a friend or foe?

For many of us, snakes are often regarded with a mixture of fear and fascination. They have a reputation for being dangerous, and when encountered in the garden or yard, can cause alarm. However, many species of snakes are harmless and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment. They maintain pest populations, protect plants and promote biodiversity in Middle Georgia.

Snakes serve as natural pest control agents by regulating populations of rodents, insects, and other small creatures. They are skilled hunters and prey on small mammals, such as mice, rats and voles. These creatures can wreak havoc in your garden by consuming or damaging fruit, vegetables and seeds. Some smaller snake species have been known to consume snails, slugs, and beetles, which are infamous for the defoliation of seedlings and mature plants. By naturally reducing these unfavorable species, snakes lower the need for pesticides and the spread of pest-related diseases.

There is no direct relationship between snakes and soil health, but their presence lowers the likelihood of tunneling and burrowing by rodents. These activities disturb the roots of the plants, which can lead to root damage and overall compromised plant health. Snakes utilize existing burrows and do not damage or dig holes in the landscape. In many ways, snakes are often a sign of a functioning garden or landscape, with healthy soil and a thriving ecosystem.

Despite their benefits, snakes often face harm due to misunderstanding and misinformation. Many people react instinctively and believe snakes are an imminent danger to themselves, their pets or their family. In reality, the vast majority of Georgia snake species are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. The most common species are rat snakes (typically black with a lighter-colored belly) or water snakes (often brown or reddish-brown with darker blotches or bands), which are often found in dense vegetation, brush piles and log piles. Even venomous species, such as rattlesnakes or copperheads, typically avoid human interaction and will only retaliate when they feel threatened.

Non-venomous snake species in Georgia are protected by law, making it illegal to kill them. It is recommended to either alter the habitat (mow and remove brush piles) or contact a wildlife removal specialist if they pose a threat. Federal or state wildlife agencies, such as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, can also advise on applying control methods — should snake populations become unmanageable. 

Several snake resources are available online at UGA’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Online you’ll find information on properly identifying snakes as well as information on how to stay safe around snakes.

If you have any gardening or landscape questions, contact us at 478-310-5350 or email us at bibb.extension@uga.edu.