The best way to permanently get rid of snakes in Phoenix is to seal off entry points, remove food sources, and install snake-proof fencing around your property. Long-term success comes from combining prevention, habitat cleanup, and professional snake removal when needed.
Snakes are part of everyday life in the Valley, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your patio with them. Phoenix’s desert heat, sprawling suburbs, and plentiful backyard rodents make the city a magnet for both harmless and venomous species, so knowing why they show up is the first step toward keeping them out for good. Below we dive into the specific factors that draw snakes into local neighborhoods and what you can do about it.
Why Are Snakes Common in Phoenix?
The Desert Climate and Urban Expansion
Phoenix offers the perfect blend of warm temperatures, rocky terrain, and shady hideouts, giving snakes everything they need to thrive year-round. Rapid development pushes these reptiles from their natural washes into freshly watered lawns and cool garage floors, making new neighborhoods a convenient refuge.
Ongoing construction leaves gaps under foundations, loose piles of lumber, and disturbed soil that invite snakes looking for a quick shelter. Without consistent cleanup and sealing, even a brand-new home can turn into prime real estate for rattlers and gopher snakes alike.
Common Snake Species in Phoenix
Homeowners most often spot Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Gopher Snakes, Kingsnakes, and the speedy Coachwhip around their yards. Each has a unique role in the local ecosystem, with Kingsnakes even helping by eating young rattlers and keeping rodent numbers down.
While non-venomous species pose little danger if left alone, the diamondback’s potent venom raises the stakes for pets, kids, and unsuspecting hikers. Learning to identify these common snakes helps you respond safely and decide when it’s time to call a professional.
What Attracts Snakes to Your Property?
Food Sources and Shelter
Snakes are opportunistic—they go where the food is. In Phoenix, that usually means yards or garages with rodent activity, bird nests, insects, or even leftover pet food that attracts prey animals like mice and lizards.
Cluttered yards, stacked firewood, rock piles, and overgrown bushes give snakes cool, hidden spots to rest during the hottest parts of the day. If your property offers both food and shade, it’s basically a welcome sign for wandering reptiles.
Water Access
Even in the desert, snakes seek out moisture. Dripping outdoor faucets, pet water bowls, birdbaths, and backyard irrigation systems can provide just enough hydration to draw them in—especially in the dry summer months.
Pools, ponds, and shaded AC condensate lines also offer both moisture and cover. Keeping water sources limited and well-managed makes your yard far less appealing to thirsty snakes looking to cool off or hunt.
How Do You Permanently Get Rid of Snakes?
Seal Entry Points and Eliminate Shelter
To keep snakes out for good, you need to close off every possible entry point around your home. That means sealing cracks in foundations, patching gaps around doors and vents, and securing crawlspaces, sheds, and garages with weather stripping or mesh.
Removing their hiding spots is just as important. Clear away woodpiles, leaf litter, overgrown vegetation, and any clutter that gives snakes a place to rest—especially around the foundation and fence line where they tend to sneak in unnoticed.
Remove Food Sources
No food means no snakes. If your property has a rodent issue, solving that first is non-negotiable—because where there are mice, snakes will follow.
This includes storing trash in sealed bins, keeping pet food indoors, trimming trees away from the roofline, and managing bird feeders that may drop excess seed. Eliminating prey reduces the snake’s reason for sticking around in the first place.
Use Snake-Proof Fencing
Installing snake-proof fencing is one of the most reliable long-term deterrents, especially for yards, gardens, or play areas. The fencing must be made of fine mesh, at least 36 inches high, and buried 4–6 inches underground with the top angled outward.
In Phoenix, it’s essential to use materials that can handle intense UV exposure and shifting soil. A professional install ensures that gaps and weak points are eliminated, giving snakes no way in no matter how determined they are.
Keep Up with Yard Maintenance
Regular landscaping plays a huge role in long-term snake prevention. Tall grass, untrimmed shrubs, and uncollected debris create cool, shaded spaces that attract both snakes and the rodents they hunt.
Mow your lawn regularly, trim back hedges, and avoid letting palm fronds or brush piles sit for weeks. Clean, open yards make it harder for snakes to hide and easier for you to spot any issues before they turn into infestations.
Do Snake Repellents Work?
Snake repellents—whether store-bought or DIY—tend to offer mixed results at best. Products made with sulfur, naphthalene, or essential oils like cinnamon and clove may temporarily irritate a snake’s senses, but they rarely work on all species or for long. In Phoenix, the intense heat and dry air cause these scents to break down quickly, making them unreliable in outdoor settings. While some people see short-term success, most find that snakes return once the smell fades or if food and shelter remain available.
Ultrasonic devices and other electronic repellents are also popular, but research shows they have limited impact on snake behavior. These gadgets often fail to cover enough ground and don’t penetrate the shaded or hidden areas where snakes tend to nest. Even so-called natural solutions like mothballs or vinegar sprays can be toxic to pets and ineffective against more persistent reptiles. In short, repellents might play a small role in a larger plan, but for permanent snake removal, physical barriers and professional support are far more dependable.
Is It Legal to Kill Snakes in Phoenix?
Arizona Wildlife Laws
In Arizona, many native snake species are protected by state wildlife regulations, making it illegal to kill or relocate them without a proper permit. The Arizona Game and Fish Department enforces these rules to preserve ecological balance, even for species that may seem like pests.
Killing a snake without justification could lead to fines or legal trouble, especially if it’s a non-venomous or protected species. That’s why it’s critical to understand what kind of snake you’re dealing with before taking any action.
Humane Removal Practices
Rather than resorting to lethal methods, humane snake removal focuses on capturing and relocating the animal safely and legally. Professionals use snake tongs, traps, and relocation strategies approved by Arizona wildlife guidelines.
Not only is humane removal safer for both you and the animal, but it also reduces the chance of harming a beneficial species. Many snakes, like kingsnakes and gopher snakes, actually help control rodent populations, making them valuable allies once relocated.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Phoenix for Safe, Permanent Snake Control
If snakes keep showing up around your home, it’s time to bring in the pros. At AAAC Wildlife Removal of Phoenix, we specialize in humane snake removal and long-term prevention strategies that work with Arizona’s unique climate and terrain.
From inspections and safe relocations to sealing entry points and installing snake-proof barriers, our licensed team has you covered. Don’t wait for a close encounter—call us today and reclaim your space with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Snakes are a part of desert life in Phoenix, but that doesn’t mean they have to be part of your backyard. The key to getting rid of them permanently is a mix of sealing off access, removing attractants, and making your property as uninviting as possible.
While repellents and DIY tricks may help short term, real results come from consistent prevention and professional support. With the right approach—and the right team—you can keep snakes out for good and enjoy your space without the stress.
