Approximately 10 per cent of the globe’s population have a fear of snakes. Admittedly no one would want to run into a Black Mamba or King Cobra in the wild. But there’s not much to fear here in Canada! Of the 25 different snake species we have here, only three are venomous: the Massasauga Rattlesnake, the Western Rattlesnake and the Prairie Rattlesnake, all of which are species at risk and only found in a few areas in southern Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. More importantly, snakes are actually incredibly beneficial for your garden. They help control insects and rodents, making them a sign of a healthy ecosystem. We’ve got three tips for you to attract them to your garden.

  • Give Them Something to Eat

Trying to grow strawberries this summer? The slugs will love that!! Ugh. Luckily, garter snakes, which can be found in most parts of Canada, are excellent at keeping slug populations in check. By encouraging snakes in your garden, you create a natural pest control system, avoiding harmful pesticides. It’s a win, win for your beloved strawberries and the planet!

  • Give Them a Spot to Bask in the Sun

Snakes need to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature, which is crucial for digestion and energy absorption. If you have a sunny rocky area or a knoll, protect it and remind people to avoid the area (you don’t want to scare away your new slithery friends!). Enhancing these spots with rocks of various sizes can create an ideal habitat for snakes.

  • Give Them a Spot to Hide From Predators

Plant hedges to create cozy travel corridors and hiding spots for snakes. Not only do hedges offer you a little more privacy in your backyard, it can also offer safe passage for our slithery friends. Plus, leaving rocks, brush piles, and fallen logs around gives snakes the perfect cover from predators like hawks, crows and raccoons.