Snakes have several different ways to kill prey. Snakes eat such animals as frogs, salamanders, insects, worms, small rodents, and birds. Venomous snakes have sharp, hollow fangs designed to pierce the skin and inject venom. They are located in the upper jaw with venom glands connected above. When not in use, the fangs fold back onto the mouth. Nonvenomous snakes use constriction to subdue their prey. They bite the prey and quickly wrap themselves around it. The snake applies pressure until the prey usually suffocates. Regardless the method of capture, the prey is consumed whole. The lower jaw is hinged and can open to surprising sizes, allowing the snake to consume prey larger than their mouth would otherwise accommodate.

Whether snakes already populate your land or there’s a worry they might, a couple of steps can help prevent a long-term stay. First, remove as much of their preferred habitat as possible. Snakes like something to hide in like wood piles, piles of debris, high grass and overgrown vegetation. If such harborage is removed, snakes will relocate. Second, seal any openings leading into structures (homes, outbuildings, garages, etc.).