Posted by B. Rodgers on May 4, 2006

Q: I live in the Houston area on a couple of heavy wooded acres surrounding my home. Within the last 3 weeks, I have killed 2 coral snakes (24-28"long) and 1 copperhead (27"long)that were in my grass lawn. This morning in my driveway (around 10:00 am), I found a small 9" (baby?) dark taupe brown snake w/cream color underbelly. It has a small lighter tan stripe down the length of its back w/small dark spots running the entire length on both sides of the tan stripe.

I must say I'm a little scared to walk in my yard these days or mow the grass weekly. Any ideals on what this little snake might be? Any info would be greatly appreciated and also, if you know of any good snake repellant remedies for the yard areas.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Texas

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I can understand your concern but both the Copperhead and Coral Snakes are really quite docile and will do all that they can to escape you. They won't attack! The third snake sounds like an Eastern Garter Snake. They have different colors and patterns so this species can be difficult to nail down but it sounds like what I've suggested. The garter snake is quite harmless so I hope you didn't feel a need to kill it. If you are really fearful about snakes in your yard, I'd get a long stick and when out in the yard, use it to push away any snakes you may come upon. Any of these snakes, if given a chance, will try to flee. Do keep in mind that those snakes will do a good job of keeping insects and rodents at bay too. Hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( May 4, 2006)