Snakes

[Debbie & Gibbs]

We live in East Texas and within the past 10 days have had two snakes. One was on the front porch and last night one on the doggie door porch. I don't know if the one last night was poisonous or not, he's not with us any longer.

Does anyone know of safe products to put around the perimeter of the yard to keep snakes away?

We have the ALD and 3 Westie's, these little guys are the ones I'm most afraid will get bitten by a snake. They are way too curious and they don't back down.

Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I recall one DRC adoption application in which the applicant stated that she lost her last dog when he was bitten by a 4.5 ft rattlesnake on her back porch. After I stopped shaking, the application was filed in the "NOT Approved" folder, lol. 

I'd do whatever you have to do to prevent your dogs from using the dog door. I've never had one, so I don't know how they work, but I'm assuming they can be closed. I'm a firm believer that dogs need to be supervised when outdoors, especially when there are critters like this around. (One reason DRC also doesn;t approve homes with dog doors.)

There is also snake aversion training available in many parts of the country. Nancie (Gracie's mom) has discussed it here on DK, you might do a search. However, that's intended for teaching the dog to avoid snakes when they encounter them outdoors. When the snake is lying on the other side of the dog door, it wouldn't be much help. 

[Debbie & Gibbs]

This door is a heavy duty door and has a very heavy magnetic flap. It takes a pretty good push to open it, not worried about a snake getting in unless he is brought in by one of the dogs. Just need to figure out best snake repellant to treat the yard. This is the first time we have had a snake in the backyard in over 5 years, think it must be related to all of the rain that we have had here in East Texas. Going to check with our vet and see what their recommendation is. Will update everyone when we find out.

Thanks!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

They do sell a snake repellant at Home Depot...I am told it is worthless. Just yesterday, Enzo got her yearly Rattlesnake Vac. And is attending her first Rattlesnake Aversion class on Sat morning.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I did a search, and a couple of people here have posted detailed discussions about their doodles' Rattlesnake Aversion classes. Diane's Dakota also attended one. 
I've also heard that snake repellents sprays are worthless.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thank you, Spud.  You walk way around toads.

They really bother him. If an ant walks across the porch and starts approaching him, he gets up and moves away.

Good grief, this is  a tough situation for you all.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Now that I think about it, I'd be afraid that a snake would come in through the dog door. 

When I lived on the woods near a river, I had a neighbor who opened her clothes dryer one day to discover a snake; it had come in through the dryer vent. 

I personally think I'd have to be committed if that happened to me. I immediately had my vent moved, lol. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

OMG Karen, that was the first thing that came to my mind.  WAY too many things come in through the doggie doors. I would NEVER have one.  

Do a search: Look what came through my doggie door... Everyone will be cured and cement them off  LOL

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, I agree! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I will definitely not do that search. I love my doggie door. But usually anyone, including the dogs, has to be let out to the screen porch and let back in. Rarely is the door to the house from the porch left open. The only thing that ever got in was a rabbit Luca brought upstairs, thankfully to his bed not mine.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I've also had a neighbor that had a water snake come in through her dryer vent. Not to worry a snake cannot come through the doggie door, unless the dog brings it through. The flap is very heavy and is magnetically attached to the frame so it needs a really good push to get it to open.

Doggie door is only open when we are home, closed up at night and when we are gone. This is the first time in 5 years that we have seen a snake in the backyard and 1 snake is too many for me. I know there are good snakes and bad snakes, but anyone that we find is going to be a dead snake. Fortunately, we don't have rattle snakes in our neighborhood.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We had a raccoon and a possum come through a doggie door when living in Louisiana. Never again! No doggie doors here!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Well, that seals it....John is gonna have to do the laundry :)