Maintaining a beautiful and healthy garden is a key priority for many gardeners out there.
As you know, mulch plays a big role in achieving this objective. It both enhances the visual appeal and provides practical benefits to your garden such as increased moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil temperature regulation.
But did you know some mulches can attract pests…namely snakes?
You may have heard about the benefits of using rubber mulch – it’s easy to maintain, has a low long-term cost, inhibits weeds, and insulates the soil. However; you may have also heard that it attracts snakes.
Well in this article we are going to debunk this idea.
Do Snakes Actually Like Rubber Mulch?
Snakes are cold-blooded creatures that regulate their temperature through the environment.
They tend to hide and search for prey in sheltered locations that are hidden from harsh weather conditions like strong winds or cold temperatures.
So the question is does rubber mulch provide this type of environment? The answer is no.
Snakes love grassy soft surfaces like tall grasses where they can hide easily and navigate around comfortably. Whilst rubber mulch is bouncy, it isn’t necessarily soft, so isn’t the most comfortable surface for a snake to move around.
When it comes to snakes searching for prey, we have to ask ourselves does rubber mulch attract such prey? A snake’s food sources include insects, rodents, worms, and so on. Because of the inorganic nature of rubber mulch, animals and insects are less attracted to it since it does not provide any nutrients, nor does it have the smell of rotting scraps and organic material.
While rubber mulch can absorb heat and potentially interest snakes seeking warmth, there is no indication that this factor alone attracts them more than other types of mulch.
So, the final answer to the question is that rubber mulch does not attract snakes.
Do Snakes Like Other Mulches?
Whilst we are on the subject, it is worth considering the relationship between snakes and other types of mulches.
Specifically, if you live in a snake-prone area, it’s worth understanding which type of mulch might attract snakes more or less than others. This way, you can make a more conscious decision on what mulch to get.
Wood Mulch
Wood chips or bark may potentially provide a better hiding place and insulation for snakes as compared with rubber mulch.
However, this does not mean that wood mulch is guaranteed to attract them. If for example, the wood mulch does not have any food source then chances are snakes will not be present.
Pine Straw Mulch
Pine straw can also provide a great hiding cover for snakes when used in thick layers. Pine straw is especially easy for snakes to burrow in and for prey to hide in.
If you live in an area that is known for snakes, avoid pine straw and other mulches that are soft and easy to hide in.
Cedar Mulch
On the other hand, cedarwood chips create an environment that repels snakes naturally by giving off aromatic phenols that can cause respiratory issues in reptiles.
Cypress Mulch
While cypress mulch may not be as effective at deterring snakes as cedar mulch, it generally won’t attract snakes as much as pine straw mulch.
Protecting Your Garden From Snakes
To keep snakes away from your garden there are several steps you can take beyond just choosing the right type of mulch.
1. Eliminate Food Sources
One key factor is to eliminate potential food sources such as rodents, amphibians, and insects.
You can do this by maintaining a clean and well-organized garden. Remove potential hiding spots for rodents and consider using traps or other methods to control rodent populations.
Additionally keeping insects at bay with repellents can also help reduce food sources for snakes.
2. Remove Hiding Spots
By keeping your garden well-maintained and neat, you can essentially minimize or remove the hiding spots for snakes.
Mowing the lawn, trimming tall grass and hedges, and removing dead leaves and other debris can go a long way in keeping snakes out. On top of this, it’ll also prevent prey like rodents from taking refuge.
3. Use Snake Repellents
You may consider using commercially available snake repellents made from ingredients like sulfur or naphthalene. While these products can have varying levels of effectiveness and require regular re-application to maintain their repellent properties they’re still an option to try if you’re unable to keep snakes away by other means.
4. Install a Snake-Proof Fence
If you live in a snake-infested area, you may choose to install a snake-proof fence as one way of keeping these reptiles away.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you encounter a snake in your garden and are unsure of how to handle the situation, it is best to contact a professional wildlife control service.
They will be able to identify the snake, determine if it is venomous or non-venomous, and safely remove it from your property.
FAQs
What’s The Most Effective Kind Of Mulch At Deterring Snakes?
Due to its aromatic properties that trigger respiratory issues particularly sensitive among reptiles, cedar mulch stands out as one solid option among many homeowners looking for snake deterrence.
Do keep in mind that no form of mulch can guarantee full protection against snake incursions.
Are There Any Disadvantages Linked With Using Rubber Mulch?
Whilst rubber mulch is great at lasting a very long time and has low upkeep, it is not organic, and so cannot enrich the soil with nutrients as it decomposes. Therefore; it is not that beneficial to be used for vegetable or fruit gardens that benefit from the nutrients that come from mulch.
Rubber mulch can also leach toxic chemicals into the soil as it degrades over time.
It’s best to stick with organic mulch for your garden. Rubber mulch should be primarily used for commercial use such as with playgrounds, where its bouncy and soft feel can be used to maximum effect.