How do I permanently get rid of snakes?

Snakes are a common problem for homeowners in Dallas, TX, especially during the warmer months when they’re most active. With the region’s mix of wooded greenbelts, creeks, and sprawling neighborhoods, it’s no surprise that snakes often slither into backyards, garages, and even under porches in search of food and shelter. While most local snakes are harmless, the presence of venomous species like copperheads and water moccasins makes it essential to take the issue seriously.

The real challenge isn’t just getting rid of a snake once you spot one—it’s keeping them from coming back. Temporary fixes won’t cut it in a place like Dallas, where the environment naturally attracts these reptiles. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, long-term strategies to permanently get rid of snakes around your property, prevent future invasions, and know when it’s time to call in the pros at AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas.

Why Snakes Are a Problem in Dallas

Dallas provides the perfect environment for snakes to thrive. With its warm climate, plentiful water sources, and expanding suburbs that border natural areas, snakes often find themselves in close contact with people. Many residential neighborhoods are built near creeks, greenbelts, or open fields, which makes it easy for snakes to slither into yards unnoticed.

Food availability also plays a big role. If you’ve got rodents, frogs, or even bird nests nearby, chances are high that snakes will follow. And when yards are cluttered with woodpiles, tall grass, or thick bushes, it creates a cozy hiding spot that keeps them coming back. This mix of food, shelter, and access makes the Dallas area a hotspot for recurring snake encounters.

Common Signs of a Snake Problem in Dallas

Most snakes won’t make a dramatic entrance, but they leave subtle clues around your home. If you spot any of the following signs, there’s a good chance a snake has already made its way onto your property:

• Shed snake skins – Often found along fences, garden beds, crawl spaces, or under decks. These dried, papery skins are a clear indicator a snake has recently passed through.
• Slithering tracks or trails – Look for smooth, winding impressions in dusty areas, soil, or soft mulch, especially around foundations and sheds.
• Snake droppings – Resembling bird droppings, but with visible bits of hair or bone from undigested prey like rodents or frogs.
• Unexplained drop in rodents – If you used to see rats or mice and now they’re suddenly gone, you may have a natural predator hanging around.
• Hissing sounds or actual sightings – Hearing a hiss near your HVAC system, garden rocks, or woodpile? That’s a direct sign you’ve got a live visitor.

These signs are especially common during the spring and summer in Dallas when snakes are most active. If any of these look familiar, it’s time to act before the situation worsens.

How to Permanently Get Rid of Snakes: Proven Strategies

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Snakes won’t stick around unless there’s something worth hunting. In most Dallas neighborhoods, rodents, frogs, and insects are the main attractions. To cut off the food supply, start by sealing trash cans tightly, storing pet food indoors, and keeping bird seed off the ground. Also, reduce clutter like compost piles and overgrown bushes where rodents might hide.

Moisture is another draw. Leaky outdoor faucets, garden ponds, and standing water in low spots can attract frogs and bugs—aka snake bait. Drain excess water, fix plumbing leaks, and run your sprinklers early in the day to keep your lawn dry by evening. If you eliminate the food, you make your yard way less appealing to slithery visitors.

2. Remove Shelter and Hiding Spots

Snakes are shy creatures that love a good hiding place. In Dallas, that often means brush piles, unkempt gardens, rock landscaping, or the dark corners under sheds and decks. Trim back heavy vegetation, clear yard debris regularly, and mow your lawn short to remove overhead cover that snakes and their prey both rely on.

Structural gaps are another big problem. Inspect your garage, foundation, crawlspace vents, and exterior walls for holes or cracks bigger than a quarter-inch. Seal them with caulk, hardware cloth, or steel wool. A well-maintained property gives snakes fewer opportunities to hide, nest, or sneak indoors.

3. Install Snake-Proof Fencing

Snake fencing is one of the best long-term deterrents available, especially for homes near creeks, wooded areas, or open fields. Use quarter-inch mesh or hardware cloth at least 30 inches tall, and angle it outward at a 30-degree slant to stop climbing. Bury the bottom edge about 6 inches underground to prevent snakes from slipping underneath.

This fencing approach creates a strong physical barrier while still allowing for visibility and airflow in your yard. It’s especially useful for garden areas, chicken coops, or homes along the Dallas floodplain where snake activity is higher in the spring and fall. While not cheap, it’s a solid investment in peace of mind.

4. Use Natural and Commercial Repellents

Repellents work best as part of a larger prevention plan. Natural options like sulfur powder, clove oil, and cinnamon oil irritate a snake’s senses and can be applied along fences, patios, or under decks. Just be aware that these must be reapplied often, especially after rain or irrigation.

For more staying power, granular or liquid commercial repellents are available at most hardware stores and can help keep curious snakes at bay. Apply them around the perimeter of your home or in high-risk areas like woodpiles and shed foundations. They won’t work alone, but when combined with cleanup and repairs, they help break the snake’s trail.

5. Set Non-Lethal Traps (for Non-Venomous Snakes Only)

If you’ve already spotted a snake and need it removed safely, funnel traps or glue boards can be an option. These are best for catching non-venomous snakes and should always be placed away from kids, pets, and direct sun. Bait with a scent-based lure and check the traps frequently to ensure humane handling.

However, Dallas residents should know that Texas law restricts how wild animals are handled and relocated. It’s risky—and sometimes illegal—to trap and release snakes without proper permits. If you do catch one, it’s safest to call in licensed pros who know how to identify species, manage the capture, and transport the animal legally.

6. Maintain a Dry, Open Yard

Snakes thrive in damp, shaded environments, so keeping your yard dry can make a big difference. Start by clearing clogged gutters and fixing any broken irrigation systems. Drainage is especially important after heavy North Texas rains, which can drive snakes to seek higher, drier ground—sometimes inside your home.

Also, avoid overwatering the lawn or letting thick vegetation grow too close to the house. Keep the yard open, sunny, and free of hiding places. Snakes are less likely to travel across exposed areas, especially when they can’t find cover or moisture to support their prey.

Why Professional Snake Removal Is Essential in Dallas

While DIY methods might help in the short term, they don’t always solve the root of the problem. Dallas is home to a variety of snake species, including venomous ones like copperheads and cottonmouths, which pose a serious safety risk if handled incorrectly. Misidentifying a snake can lead to dangerous bites or legal issues if the species is protected or improperly relocated.

Professional wildlife experts are trained to identify, capture, and remove snakes safely and legally. They also assess your property for vulnerabilities, find entry points, and help you set up long-term exclusion measures. Instead of guessing or risking injury, Dallas homeowners can rely on licensed pros who know the terrain, the species, and the city’s removal protocols inside and out.

How AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas Can Help

Expert Snake Identification and Safe Removal

Our licensed specialists know exactly how to identify both venomous and non-venomous snakes common to the Dallas area. From copperheads to rat snakes, we handle each situation with care and precision. Using humane and effective methods, we safely capture and remove snakes without putting your family or pets at risk.

Customized Property Inspections

Every home is different, which is why we start with a thorough inspection. Our team will assess your yard, foundation, landscaping, and nearby water sources to locate where snakes are entering and hiding. This step is key to understanding the problem and building a strategy that works long-term.

Long-Term Prevention and Exclusion

We don’t stop at removal. Our service includes sealing entry points, installing snake-proof fencing if needed, and advising you on landscaping adjustments to reduce attractants. We also apply eco-friendly repellents and offer routine follow-ups to keep your home secure.

Fast Response with Local Experience

As a Dallas-based wildlife control provider, we know the seasonal patterns and behaviors of local snake species. That means faster response, smarter prevention, and a deep understanding of how to protect North Texas homes year-round. If you’ve spotted a snake—or signs of one—we’re ready to help right away.

Final Tips for Snake Prevention

Keeping snakes away long-term isn’t just about reacting—it’s about staying proactive year-round. One of the simplest things you can do is maintain your yard regularly. Trim grass short, clean up debris, and keep woodpiles elevated and away from the home. The more open and tidy your outdoor space is, the less likely snakes will stick around.

You should also take time to educate your family and neighbors, especially if you live near a creek, greenbelt, or heavily wooded area in Dallas. Avoid using poison—it’s ineffective on snakes and can harm other wildlife or pets. Instead, schedule seasonal inspections with a professional wildlife expert who can identify risks early and help you stay ahead of any snake activity.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about getting rid of snakes for good, it takes more than a quick fix. You need a mix of environmental control, preventative barriers, and expert guidance to stop snakes from coming back. In Dallas, where snakes are part of the natural landscape, a long-term strategy is your best line of defense.

Don’t wait until you find one in your garage or garden bed. By removing attractants, sealing up entry points, and working with professionals like AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas, you can protect your home and family year-round. Permanent snake removal is absolutely possible—you just need the right plan and the right team on your side.

Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas for Permanent Snake Solutions

Tired of dealing with snakes slithering around your property? Let the pros at AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas take care of it—safely, legally, and permanently. Our expert team will inspect your home, remove any active threats, and set up custom prevention strategies that actually work for North Texas yards.

We proudly serve Dallas and surrounding areas like Garland, Mesquite, Plano, and Irving. Whether you need a one-time removal or year-round protection, we’ve got your back. Call us today or book your inspection online and take the first step toward a snake-free home—without the stress.