Garter Snake
Slender, striped non-venomous snakes that are entirely harmless to humans and a genuine garden ally. They feed on slugs, frogs, insects, and small rodents.
Why you want them
Garter snakes are one of the most beneficial vertebrates a garden can host. They feed on slugs, snails, insects, frogs, and occasionally small rodents - covering a broad range of garden pests. They are active hunters and patrol the soil surface, mulch, and dense vegetation where many pests hide. They are completely harmless to humans and will flee rather than confront. Welcoming them means tolerating their presence, which requires no effort beyond not disturbing them.
Helps control
How to attract them
- Rock piles and flat stones for basking
- Log piles for shelter
- Dense ground cover
- A garden pond or water source
- Undisturbed areas
Preferred habitat
Dense vegetation, log piles, compost heaps, and south-facing rock piles for basking. They overwinter communally underground or in frost-free shelter. They need both warm basking sites and cool sheltered retreats.
What harms them
Direct persecution, loss of overwintering sites, pesticide use that reduces their prey base, netting that traps them, and intensive cultivation that destroys cover.
Things to know
Garter snakes are entirely non-venomous and harmless. If encountered, simply leave them in peace - they will move away when ready. They are protected in many regions.
Related pest guides
Garden, by Willowbottom works with nature, not against it. Support your garden allies and they will do most of the hard work for you.