I have always hated snakes. I cannot stand them, and I come by it honestly. My parents were also terrified of snakes. However, I do recognize their value and am not interested in a "seek and destroy" mission of any kind.

Last year, in early October and after some rainfall, I moved an old cooler that was on the patio. When I did, a rather large garter snake quickly slithered from underneath it and under the fence. I haven't seen another one in the yard since. Thankfully.

Snakes in the Winter

But I know garter snakes are perfectly harmless and very shy. I had nothing to worry about even IF I just froze there for a moment before going back inside. Again, that was early October. As it turns out, if you're afraid of snakes and don't want them in your home, you should still be vigilant during the winter months. Yes, they are cold-blooded, but that doesn't mean they disappear for four months every year. (That's what I used to think.)

How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Home This Winter

Your friendly (we hope) neighborhood serpent may make its way into your home in the winter seeking shelter--naturally--or food. So yeah, keep some mice handy. (Just kidding, sort of.) So, since they likely won't be coming through your front door, it's best to know HOW they get in:

Snakes will most likely choose a crawlspace, shed, or underneath a porch to take up residence. If a snake is in your home, it is for one of two reasons: It made a wrong turn and found its way into your home through a gap in the foundation door OR you have a rodent problem, and it smells food.

So seal the gaps, evict the rodents, and have a little peace of mind this winter.

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Gallery Credit: Dom DiFurio & Jacob Osborn