Copperheads are back in SC again! Keep the venomous snakes out of your yard with these tips
Spring is in full force in South Carolina once more and so are its slithery copperheads.
The most common venomous snake in South Carolina, the copperhead, while it prefers to avoid human contact, can often be found in yards and gardens, which can cause problems for homeowners. However, there are steps you can take to keep the scaly creatures out of your yard and away from your home.
How to identify a copperhead
While keeping copperheads away is the goal, should one happen to slither into your yard, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before you, your pet, or your child have an unfortunate encounter.
The copperhead is a pit-viper, which refers to the heat-sensing pit found between the eye and nostrils on the snake’s head, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society. Copperheads play a pivotal role in rodent population control, the organization states.
The copperhead gets its name from the coppery-tan color on its head and on parts of its body, Clemson Cooperative Extension states. Copperheads have triangular-shaped heads, similar to an arrowhead, and can grow up to 4 feet long.
Copperheads also feature an hourglass-shaped pattern on their bodies — from the head down to the tail. When curled up, this camouflage can make them look like a pile of leaves. And like most other venomous snakes in South Carolina, copperheads have yellow eyes with black vertical and elliptical pupils.
Remove copperhead habitat
Copperheads mostly prefer to live in woody areas with tall grass for cover. They can also be found in garden areas or along exterior walls of homes. Clear up leaf litter, wood and mulch to remove hiding spots for copperheads and the rodents they’re hunting, Solutions Pest & Lawn states.
Seal off yard entry points
Snakes can enter your yard through small gaps and openings, like holes in your fence or gaps under your doors. Seal off any potential entry points to keep copperheads out of your yard.
Keep your yard tidy
Keep the grass in your yard well-maintained and trimmed short, since the snakes use the tall grass as cover, Nature Guard Pest & Lawn states.
Use snake repellents
There are different types of snake repellents available in the market. Some of these products emit a scent that snakes find unpleasant, while others use vibrations or sounds to scare them away.
Homeowners can also use vinegar and ammonia as a homemade repellent. However, you should never combine repellents. Instead, pick one and spray it around areas of your yard or house, Forest Wildlife states.
And according to Home & Gardens, you can deter snakes with certain snake-repellentg marigolds, allium, lemongrass, mother-in-law’s tongue, garlic, wormwood, basil and yellow alder.
Use physical barriers
Install barriers such as snake-proof fencing can help keep copperheads out of your yard. This type of fencing is specially designed to prevent snakes from entering a property.
Be mindful of copperhead food sources
Copperheads enjoy munching on rodents, frogs, lizards and insects, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources states. Take steps to reduce these food sources in your yard.
This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Copperheads are back in SC again! Keep the venomous snakes out of your yard with these tips."
