Do fires keep snakes away?

Snakes are often seen as unwelcome guests in backyards and outdoor spaces. Their stealthy movements and potential danger have led many homeowners to seek ways to keep snakes away from their property. One long-standing home remedy for repelling snakes is the intentional setting of small fires, under the belief that snakes dislike smoke and will avoid areas where fires are burned. But does scientific evidence support the notion that fires effectively deter snakes?

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Why people believe fires repel snakes

There are a few reasons why the idea of using fires as a snake repellent has endured over time:

Snakes are known to heavily rely on their senses of smell and vibration to perceive their environment. Smoke and heat from fires can mask scents and make the ground less hospitable for snakes.
Anecdotes and stories passed down over generations have suggested that routine burning keeps snake populations at bay.
Some observational evidence exists of fewer snakes sighted in areas frequently exposed to controlled burns or wildfires.

Burning dried leaves, brush, and wood creates smoke that may mimic the scent of a predator in the area, deterring snakes.

With snakes strongly driven by sensory information to assess their surroundings, it’s understandable why smoke and fire could theoretically serve as deterrents in snake behavior and habitat selection.

Studies on fire’s effects on snakes

While the logic behind using fire as a DIY snake repellent makes intuitive sense, what does published research actually indicate about this method? Herpetologists (scientists who study reptiles and amphibians) have investigated this question directly in a few studies:

A study in the southeastern United States observed an abundant snake population in a burned longleaf pine habitat the very next year after a significant wildfire. This suggests fire alone does not lead to long-term decreases in local snake numbers.
Another study found no major differences in snake capture rates between frequently burned and unburned sites in the Florida everglades. Both habitats sustained healthy snake populations.
Experiments with prescribed burns in the Midwest and Southeast found mixed results, with some burned areas showing modest short-term reductions in snake sightings immediately after fire, but reptile populations recovering to normal levels within 1-2 years.

Overall, research indicates that routine fires, whether planned burns or wildfires, do not reliably keep snakes away for the long term across different habitats. After an initial potential dip in activity, snake populations are likely to rebound over time as vegetation regrows and food sources return.

Why fires fall short as reliable snake deterrents

There are a few reasons why fires often fail to repel snakes over the long run:

Snake mobility – Unlike addressing a localized rodent infestation, deterring snakes is complicated by their large ranges. Snakes disturbed by fires may simply retreat temporarily then return once conditions improve.

Habitat recovery – Burned areas see fresh new plant growth within weeks or months, restoring food and shelter needed by snakes.
Prey return – Rodents and other snake prey animals also recolonize burned areas along with vegetation regrowth.
Hibernation – Fires set during snake hibernation season will have little effect on deterrence.

Smoke dissipation – Lingering smoke and scent markers from fires are short-lived once flames die down.

For these reasons, there is little empirical support behind relying solely on fire to purge snakes from an environment. Any reductions in snake activity from fire are often ephemeral.

More effective snake deterrent strategies

While using fire indiscriminately is not recommended, some more strategic ways to incorporate burning into an integrated snake management plan include:

Conducting controlled burns of brush piles or debris where snakes may directly shelter.
Burning vegetation early in spring or late fall when snakes are already less active.
Pairing burning with removing other habitat attractions for snakes, such as piles of wood or rock walls.

Using smoke as an added supplement to physical barriers like fencing with tight mesh.

Beyond strategic use of fire, some other science-backed methods to deter snakes from an area include:

Clearing tall vegetation and brush around the home.

Mowing lawns frequently to disrupt ground cover.
Removing woodpiles, compost heaps, and other potential refuge spots.
Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations that could serve as snake access points.

Installing fencing with very small diameter mesh that excludes snakes.
Using vibration deterrents that mimic predators.
Applying sulfur or cedar mulch that produces natural snake-repelling scents.

Key considerations for snake deterrence

When attempting to reduce snakes on a property, some key tips to remember include:

Focus on proactive exclusion and habitat modification rather than attempting to drive away snakes that already reside nearby.
Be aware of laws and regulations regarding certain deterrent tactics, managed burns, and treatment of venomous snake species.

Accept that eradication of all snakes is unrealistic. Mild reduction of suitable habitat and blocking access points are more prudent goals.
Monitor and experiment to find the right combination of deterrents that work for the specific property and snake species in the region.
Be vigilant and persistent, as snakes may recolonize an area if any gaps exist in exclusion or if habitat remains suitable.

The pros of living with some snakes

While extremely venomous snakes may warrant control measures, many harmless and moderately venomous snake species provide valuable ecological services. Some benefits of snakes include:

Rodent control – Snakes help suppress destructive rodent populations that damage crops and spread disease.
Insect regulation – Snakes consume crop pests like locusts, caterpillars, and beetles.

Scavenging – Scavenging snakes dispose of carrion and decaying animals.
Disease prevention – Venomous snakes help check rodent and arthropod numbers that spread illnesses like Hantavirus, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus to humans.

Allowing non-dangerous snakes to inhabit outbuildings and the outer perimeters of a property, while excluding them from living areas, can enable a mutually beneficial coexistence with these reptiles in many cases.

Conclusion

The notion that lighting fires will magically solve a snake problem turns out to be more folklore than fact. While smoke and heat may temporarily affect snake behavior and numbers, lasting reductions via fire alone are unlikely. Strategic burning can supplement other more impactful deterrents like physical exclusion and habitat modification to humanely and legally minimize unwanted snake encounters around homes. Ultimately, a nuanced approach that balances control of potentially dangerous snakes near living spaces with appreciation for snakes’ ecosystem services will yield the best outcome for both homeowners and nature.