What Do Garden Snakes Eat

Noticed a few garden snakes slithering around your lawn? Don't fear them. Let me tell you all you need to know about their diet. 

Last week, I was enjoying a relaxing afternoon weeding my garden when I noticed something thin and long creeping through the weeds. Imagine my surprise when I realized it was a snake. My first reaction, like most other people's, was of fear. 

Uncontrollably, I let out a little shriek, which immediately alerted my neighbor next door. She ran over to my yard, and I explained to her what I saw. Surprisingly, she burst out laughing and told me I had no reason to fear - they were just garden snakes. 

We spent the afternoon discussing them, and she told me everything about how they look, what they eat, and whether they are dangerous or not. 

Hi! I'm Stacy, and in today's guide, I will be telling you everything you need to know about garden snakes. I will also address the most commonly asked question, "what do garden snakes eat?"

Keep reading to find out all about them.

All About Garden Snakes

What Are They?

Garden snakes, also known by the name "Garter snake" and "Gardeners snake," are a commonly found genus of reptiles in North America. These snakes belong to the genus - Thamnophis and are found in gardens, parks, and other places where there is plentiful grass. 

It may be interesting to know that this species of snakes are also found in Alaska and Nicaragua. 

What Do They Look Like?

One of the first things you need to know is how to identify a garden snake. I should mention that garden snakes are not necessarily dangerous to human beings and pets unless provoked. However, mistaking some other dangerous species of snakes for them may be risky and even fatal.  

Most garden snakes are 2 to 3 feet long and have stripes along their body. Their bodies might be plain green or brown or may have a checkered or textured design. They have jet black, round, beady eyes and generally don't disturb humans or pets.

What Do Garden Snakes Eat?

This is one of the most important questions, and thankfully, my neighbor spent a lot of time telling me all about it. She also gave me a couple of magazines and websites that told me everything else I needed to know about garden or Garter snakes. 

So like me, if you're wondering what these snakes eat, let me tell you everything I know. 

Unlike many other dangerous snake species, garden snakes are a gardener's friend. These snakes are known to thrive on pests, insects, and other creatures found around the garden, which can be annoying to deal with. By consuming these pests, they prevent them from wreaking havoc on your vegetables and flowers, thus saving your garden. 

Let's talk about everything they eat. 

1. Snails

Although these slimy creatures look innocuous, they can be very threatening to your garden. They are notorious for nibbling on plants, leaves, and even flowers. Snails are a major cause of concern for most gardeners. 

Fortunately, garden snakes love consuming these delicious snails. They take care of the problem for you, which is why many gardeners encourage garden snakes on their property. 

2. Eggs

If you have live poultry in your garden, beware. Garden snakes love eating eggs and will find ingenious ways to slither into chicken coops and eat their eggs. If you need to protect your chicken and their eggs, it is imperative to build devices that will prevent snakes from entering the coop. 

While using chicken wire is an inexpensive and common solution, it may not be enough. These thin, slimy creatures are very smart and will find a way to enter the chicken coop even with wires around. 

3. Live Animals

If you are protecting chicken eggs, you need to consider protecting the chicken as well. Although garden snakes are not known to eat medium or large live animals, they may attempt to do so nonetheless. 

Furthermore, even if they don't manage to gobble a live chicken, they may try to attack it. It is best to protect a chicken coop, if you have one, from garden snakes. 

4. Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are another common menace in the garden. They love taking little bites out of your plants and vegetables and can leave them looking unappetizing for you and others. 

Fortunately, garden snakes will take care of them for you. Most garden snakes love eating grasshoppers as a snack and will chomp on them any chance they get. Of course, this isn't a filling meal for them, so they will look around for more substantial food. 

5. Rodents

The next best meal for a garden snake would be small rodents, such as rats, mice, hamsters, etc. Many homeowners enjoy keeping mice and hamsters as pets. However, it is best to keep them at a safe distance from garden snakes as they see them as a potential meal.

6. Slugs And Worms

Slugs and worms not only look gross but can be tricky to deal with for many gardeners. However, if you spot a couple of garden snakes on your lawn - let them be. They will take care of these pests for you in no time. 

7. Frogs And Toads

Wondering if the friendly garden snake will eat the frogs and toads in your garden? As long as they can overpower them, they will. 

Final Words