Keep Snakes Away From Your Boat Dock Effectively

Snakes can be a nuisance for boat owners, especially those living in areas with large snake populations. While it is challenging to completely prevent snakes from approaching boats, there are several methods to reduce their presence. One common suggestion is to use snake repellents, such as fine mesh snake fences, or natural repellents like pine tar or Vaseline, which can be applied to mooring lines, swim ladders, and deck edges to make them slippery and unattractive to snakes. Another idea is to eliminate resting places for snakes near the dock, such as shrubbery and tall grass. Additionally, some people have suggested using multiple feral cats to hunt snakes, as their urine can deter snakes, but this method may not be practical or desirable for everyone. It's important to note that no known chemical repellents work against snakes, and physical barriers can be impractical, so learning to coexist peacefully with these creatures may be the most realistic approach.

Use a fine mesh snake fence along the dock and gangway

To keep snakes away from your boat dock, you can use a fine mesh snake fence along the dock and gangway. This is a non-toxic, affordable, and easy-to-install solution that won't harm the environment or the snakes themselves.

• Use aluminium or galvanised wire mesh. Aluminium is lightweight, flexible, strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Galvanised stainless steel hardware cloth is a more heavy-duty option that is highly stable and resilient.
• Select a small weave opening. The weave opening should be no larger than a quarter of an inch to effectively keep snakes out.
• Install the fence at the proper height and depth. It should be installed at least 30 inches from the ground, and it is recommended to position the mesh at a 30-degree angle to prevent snakes from climbing over. Bury the mesh at least 10 inches underground to prevent snakes from crawling underneath.
• Remove nearby plants and shrubbery. Snakes can use plants and shrubbery to climb over the fence, so ensure there is nothing for them to grip onto near the fence.
• Angle the fence outwards. Angling the fence slightly outwards (no more than 25 degrees) can make it harder for snakes to climb. However, this may require additional anchoring from inside the fence line.
• Choose the right materials. Avoid using chicken wire netting, as snakes can get trapped and cut themselves, potentially becoming more aggressive. Instead, opt for a fine mesh designed specifically for snake fencing.
• Combine with other methods. While a fine mesh snake fence can be effective, combining it with other methods such as snake repellents or introducing natural snake predators like cats to the area may further reduce the snake population.

Eliminate their resting places such as shrubbery and grass

To keep snakes away from your boat dock, it is important to eliminate their resting places, such as shrubbery and tall grass. Snakes are attracted to areas with tall grass and shrubbery as they provide shade, shelter, and a place to hide. By removing these potential hiding spots, you can make your dock less appealing to snakes.

• Cut back any overgrown shrubbery or bushes near the dock. Trim the vegetation to ground level if possible. This will remove potential hiding spots for snakes and make the area less attractive to them.
• Maintain the grass around the dock by mowing it regularly. Keep the grass short, especially within a few feet of the dock. This will reduce potential hiding places for snakes.
• Remove any debris or clutter near the dock that could provide shelter for snakes. This includes piles of leaves, branches, rocks, or other materials that snakes may use for cover. Ensure the area is clear and free of potential hiding spots.
• Consider using landscaping techniques to create a barrier between the dock and any remaining vegetation. For example, you could create a gravel or rock border around the dock, which snakes may be less likely to cross.
• If there are trees or large bushes near the dock that cannot be removed, try to trim the lower branches to create a gap between the ground and the foliage. This will reduce the likelihood of snakes using these plants for cover.

Remember, by eliminating their resting places, you can make the dock a less desirable habitat for snakes, reducing their presence in the area.

Try snake repellents with a mix of the urine of snake predators

Keeping snakes away from your boat dock can be a challenging task, as they are attracted to the food-rich marine environment. While physical barriers are often impractical, one possible solution is to use snake repellents with a mix of the urine of snake predators. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you effectively utilise this method:

Understanding Snake Behaviour

Snakes are motivated by the search for food and suitable places to nest. They have a highly sensitive sense of smell, which they use to find food and detect the presence of predators. Understanding this behaviour is crucial for developing effective repellent strategies.

Choosing the Right Urine

Snake predators vary depending on the type of snake and your geographic location. Common predators include large birds, wild boars, mongooses, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and even other snakes. When selecting a repellent, opt for a product that contains urine from these predators. For example, a mix of mongoose and mountain lion urine has been suggested as a potentially effective repellent.

Application Techniques

When applying urine-based repellents, focus on the perimeter of your property, including the boat dock and surrounding areas. You can also apply the repellent directly to areas where snakes have been spotted. For best results, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, as application techniques may vary depending on the specific product.

Combining Strategies

While urine-based repellents can be effective, combining them with other strategies may enhance their potency. Consider implementing the following additional measures:

• Eliminate food sources for snakes by controlling pest populations and removing standing water.
• Remove hiding spots by clearing dense brush, grass, and rock piles.
• Plant snake-repelling plants like marigolds, lemongrass, and garlic around your property.
• Encourage natural predators like cats, raccoons, and foxes to inhabit the area.
• Use other natural repellents such as cinnamon oil, clove oil, garlic, sulfur, or vinegar.

Product Availability

Urine-based snake repellents are available from various suppliers, such as PredatorPee® and Predator Guard. These companies offer a range of products containing urine from different snake predators. Be sure to research the specific options available in your region and choose a reputable supplier.

While using urine-based snake repellents can be a viable strategy, it's important to manage your expectations. Reviews for these products are mixed, and complete elimination of snakes from the dock area may not be achievable. However, by following the instructions and combining multiple strategies, you can effectively reduce the snake population in the area.

Use ground-up mothballs and sulfur

Mothballs and sulfur are commonly believed to be effective in keeping snakes away. However, it is important to note that while the strong smell of mothballs may irritate snakes, they are not a foolproof method of repelling them. Mothballs can also be toxic and harmful to children and pets if ingested, so caution is advised if using them.

To use ground-up mothballs and sulfur to deter snakes, create a mixture of crushed mothballs and sulfur powder. You can then spread this mixture in the areas around your boat dock where snakes may be a problem, such as holes, cracks, and crevices. The idea is that when snakes slither across the mixture, their skin will be irritated, discouraging them from returning.

It is important to wear a mask when applying the mixture as sulfur emits a strong odor. Additionally, be cautious when handling mothballs, as their active ingredient, naphthalene, can be harmful to humans and pets.

While this method may provide some level of snake repellent, it is worth noting that no known chemical repellents are fully effective against snakes. Combining this method with other deterrents, such as eliminating food and hiding places for snakes, may increase your chances of success.

Try a natural repellent like pine tar

Pine tar is a natural repellent that can be used to keep snakes away from your boat dock. It has a strong, long-lasting burnt-tar smell that snakes find repulsive. The tar works best when warmed to 75°F or higher before application. While it can stain surfaces black, it is an effective way to deter snakes from your boat dock area.

To use pine tar effectively as a snake repellent, consider the following steps:

• Warm the pine tar: For optimal results, warm the pine tar to a temperature of 75°F or higher. This will ensure the tar is more fluid and easier to apply.
• Dilute the pine tar: While pine tar is naturally potent, diluting it with water can help create a solution that can be more easily applied over a larger area.
• Apply the pine tar: Focus on areas around your boat dock, such as the perimeter, entry points, and any potential hiding spots for snakes. Ensure you cover these areas thoroughly, creating a strong-smelling barrier that snakes will be reluctant to cross.
• Maintain the application: The scent of pine tar may fade over time, especially outdoors. Regularly reapply the pine tar solution to maintain its effectiveness, especially after rain or frequent watering in the area.
• Combine with other methods: While pine tar can be a useful natural repellent, combining it with other snake prevention methods will increase your chances of success. Keep the area clean and free of clutter, remove potential hiding spots, and consider physical barriers or other natural repellents like marigolds, cinnamon, eucalyptus, or clove oils.

Remember, the effectiveness of pine tar as a snake repellent may vary depending on the species of snake in your area. Some snakes may be more sensitive to the smell and avoid it altogether, while others may simply adjust to the scent over time. Therefore, a diversified approach to snake prevention is always recommended.

Frequently asked questions