Florida’s lush landscapes and warm climate make it a haven for wildlife. While some creatures are welcome sights, others—like garter snakes—can become unwanted guests. If you’ve spotted one slithering around your yard or home, don’t panic. Garter snakes are common across Florida, and removing them safely and effectively is possible with the right knowledge and professional help.
This guide covers everything you need to know about garter snake removal services in Florida, including why it’s necessary, how it works, costs, legal concerns, and how to prevent future snake encounters.
What Are Garter Snakes?
Garter snakes (genus: Thamnophis) are non-venomous reptiles found throughout North America. In Florida, the most common species is the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), which is harmless to humans and pets.
You can identify garter snakes by:
- Length- Typically 18–26 inches long.
- Pattern- Slim body with three light-colored stripes running the length of the body (usually yellow, green, or blue).
- Color- Color varies from olive to brown and black.
- Location- Often found near water sources like ponds, lakes, or marshy areas.
While garter snakes are not aggressive and even beneficial to gardens (they eat pests like insects and small rodents), their presence near homes can be unsettling and sometimes indicative of larger pest issues.
Are Garter Snakes Dangerous?
In short: no. Garter snakes are not dangerous or venomous. They may bite if provoked, but their bite is harmless. Still, their presence in or near your home may signal:
- Overgrown vegetation
- High rodent populations
- Nearby water features attract prey
Although they pose little direct risk, snake phobia (ophidiophobia) is real, and unwanted encounters can cause distress, especially for families with children or pets.
Why Professional Removal Services Matter
DIY snake removal is not recommended, even for harmless species. Here’s why:
- Misidentification – Many snakes look similar. Mistaking a garter snake for a venomous species (like a pygmy rattlesnake or coral snake) is common.
- Legal Protections – Some native snakes in Florida are protected under state law. Improper handling or killing can lead to legal consequences.
- Safe and Humane Methods – Professionals use non-lethal, ethical methods of relocation.
- Comprehensive Solutions – Professionals don’t just remove the snake; they identify and address the reason it was there in the first place.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), it is illegal to kill or capture native snakes without a permit unless they pose a direct threat.[1] In other words, it is best to leave snake removal up to the professionals. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we can humanely trap and remove snakes from your yard without harming them.
What to Expect from Garter Snake Removal Services
1. Inspection & Identification
Experts begin with a site visit to assess:
- Where the snake is hiding or entering from
- Possible food sources (e.g., rodents)
- Nesting or breeding signs
This information helps them plan the trapping and removal process.
2. Safe Capture
Professionals use:
- Snake tongs or traps
- Ventilated snake bags
- Avoidance of chemicals or lethal methods
Using these methods allows professional snake removal to occur without any harm coming to the animals.
3. Relocation
The snake is relocated to a suitable, legal habitat away from human dwellings, often coordinated with local wildlife officials.
4. Exclusion & Prevention
Post-removal services often include:
- Sealing entry points (vents, pipes, crawl spaces)
- Yard cleanup (removing debris, trimming vegetation)
- Recommendations for rodent or insect control
The exclusion and prevention process is important because it helps you make your yard or home a less likely place for snakes to join.
Florida Laws Around Snake Removal
Florida wildlife regulations are strict for a reason. Here’s what to know:
- Native species protection: Most snakes, including garter snakes, are protected.
- No permit for removal: You do not need a permit to remove a non-venomous snake from your private property as long as you do so humanely and without harm.
- Killing snakes is discouraged: Even non-protected snakes play a role in the ecosystem and should not be killed unless necessary for safety.
Always hire licensed wildlife removal experts familiar with Florida’s environmental laws.
Cost of Garter Snake Removal in Florida
The average cost of snake removal is between $150 and $350.
Pricing can vary depending on:
- Number of snakes
- Accessibility of the location
- Whether exclusion/prevention services are included
- Emergency or weekend service calls
If multiple visits or repairs (like sealing holes or screens) are required, expect higher costs—$400 or more in some cases. Some companies bundle snake removal with rodent control or wildlife exclusion packages for better value.
Choosing the Right Wildlife Removal Service
When hiring a garter snake removal expert in Florida, look for:
- State licensing and insurance
- Experience with native Florida species
- Humane, non-lethal removal methods
- Positive reviews and transparent pricing
- Follow-up services to prevent recurrence
Always get a quote first and ask about guarantees or warranties on exclusion work.
How to Prevent Garter Snakes on Your Property
Once removed, you want to keep snakes from coming back. Here’s how:
- Seal cracks, vents, and entry points
- Keep grass trimmed and vegetation clear
- Store firewood and mulch away from home
- Use tight-fitting lids on trash bins
- Address rodent or insect infestations
When trying to prevent garter snakes, you should avoid:
- Using glue traps (inhumane and often illegal)
- Relying on snake repellents (mostly ineffective)
- Leaving pet food outside
- Panicking or attempting to kill snakes
Prevention is always cheaper than repeated removals.
Get Connected to Professional Garter Snake Removal in Florida
Seeing a garter snake in Florida may not be cause for alarm—but it is a signal to evaluate your property. Whether you’re dealing with a single slithery guest or suspect a larger issue, professional removal is the safest and most effective route.
With the right service, you can ensure your home stays snake-free, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible.
Contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today for more information on how we can help you remove garter snakes from your property once and for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will garter snakes attract more snakes to my property?
Not directly. Garter snakes are solitary and don’t typically “invite” others. However, the conditions that attract one snake—such as ample food, water, or shelter—can attract others of different species. If one has found your yard hospitable, others may too. This is why addressing the underlying attractants is crucial.
2. Can garter snakes reproduce on my property?
Yes. Garter snakes give birth to live young (rather than laying eggs), and a single female can produce 10 to 40 baby snakes in one litter, usually in late summer. Overgrown yards, debris piles, and dense vegetation create ideal birthing spots, making prevention and cleanup essential.
3. Are garter snakes dangerous to pets?
In most cases, no. Garter snakes are harmless to dogs and cats, and they typically avoid confrontations. However, a startled pet may get bitten in self-defense. The bite isn’t venomous, but it could cause minor swelling or infection. Always monitor pets around snakes and consult a vet if bitten.
4. What should I do if I see a garter snake but can’t locate it later?
If the snake disappears before professionals arrive, avoid moving anything in the area—doing so can cause it to relocate further. Take note of the time, location, and conditions (e.g., near water, under decking) and share this with your removal expert. They can often locate it based on behavioral patterns.
5. Do garter snakes come indoors?
Occasionally. Garter snakes may enter homes through small foundation cracks, open garage doors, or vents—especially during extreme weather or to chase prey. If your home has insect or rodent issues, it increases the chances. Sealing entry points and keeping your interior clean are the best defenses.
6. Are there any natural repellents that work for garter snakes?
Most over-the-counter snake repellents are ineffective against garter snakes. However, natural deterrents like clove oil or cinnamon oil may temporarily irritate them. These are not long-term solutions and should be paired with habitat modification and exclusion practices for true prevention.
References:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife: Regulations for Prohibited Snakes and Lizards
