Hate Snakes? Better Not Plant These In El Paso, Texas

Have a green thumb, love fruits and hate snakes? Don't plant any of these in El Paso. If you do, better take this advice ...

All over the world experts have noticed certain plants and trees attract snakes like crazy. Thanks to thick root systems, shade, moisture from watering and the presence of prey; many plants and trees are "snake friendly".

Whether there's a ton or just 1 or 2 in pots on the patio; snakes are crazy about 'em. Olive trees are a big hit. They're rare in the 915 but we have other plants and trees snakes love just as much.

El Chuco has only one, venomous, species of snake - rattlesnakes - and they're very reclusive. Unless you're out in the desert or a rural area, encounters are rare. Fatal bites are even rarer but, if you have something they like, the odds of both go up.

Why Do Snakes Like These Plants?

Snakes are cold blooded which means, when it's cool out, they want warmth and when it's hot; they want cool. Conditions certain plants and trees provide along with fringe benefits like moisture, water and prey.

It's not just olive trees either ... Cedar, Cypress, Juniper and Oak trees attract snakes like crazy as do plants like Clover, Hostas, Jasmine and others. Mostly because they all provide a perfect environment for predator and prey. Which may bring human contact.

What Do Snakes Eat?

Most snakes eat small rodents and lizards and those critters love the same things about these plants. Environments that are cool, moist, somewhat isolated from human activity and loaded with food.  Lizards and rodents want either the fruit or the bugs attracted to it and snakes want the rodents and lizards.

Voila, instant snake pit. Don't worry though, there are some things you can do to enjoy your plants in a snake free environment.

How Can I Keep Snakes Away?

• Keep the yard neat - Get rid of piles of wood, debris, rocks, etc. Don't keep anything around that gives snakes or rodents shelter.
• Mow and prune - Keep the grass short and your heavy shrubs or low limbs trimmed back so you can see what's happening under/within.
• Control the rodents - Traps, poison, cats, dogs, whatever; don't let them hang around. No prey, no snakes.
• Minimize available water - Get rid of things that can hold water, don't overwater your plants, be sure faucets are off/not leaking and be careful around the pool.