7 Practical Ways to Keep Snakes Far From Your House – Experts

The death of fast rising Abuja singer Ifunanya “Nanyah” Nwangene after a reported snakebite has triggered fresh anxiety across Nigeria, with many people asking the same urgent question, how do you stop snakes from entering your house and compound?

Dr Mark Ofua, a veterinarian and snake expert who has practised since 2014, says prevention starts with understanding snake behaviour. 

According to him, any snake you see around your environment is typically doing one of two things: hunting for food or looking for shelter. If you remove hiding spots and food sources, you reduce the chances of snakes coming close.

Here are some practical, straightforward steps he recommends.

1) Keep the environment clean and bush free

Dr Ofua says environmental sanitation is the first and most important step. Clear bushes and overgrown vegetation around your fence line and compound, especially areas that can hide snakes. Thick grass and shrubs give snakes cover and make it easy for them to move unnoticed.

2) Remove rubbish heaps and unused materials

Snakes love quiet, undisturbed hiding places. He warns that piles of rubbish, discarded items, and unused building materials can become perfect shelters. If you have blocks, planks, roofing sheets, or broken containers lying around, clear them out or store them properly.

3) Control rats because rats attract snakes

Where rats gather, snakes often follow. Dr Ofua explains that rubbish bins and dumpsites attract rats, and snakes hunt the rats. So if you keep waste poorly managed around the house, you may be indirectly feeding the snake problem.

Simple action: seal waste bins, dispose of refuse regularly, and block rodent entry points into your home.

4) Reduce lizards and frogs in the compound

Dr Ofua advises residents to avoid having an unnecessary population of lizards or frogs around the compound. These small animals can also attract snakes looking for easy prey. Standing water, damp corners, and cluttered areas often encourage frogs and lizards, so keep the compound dry and tidy.

5) Site chicken coops far from living areas

If you keep chickens, be strategic. Dr Ofua notes that chickens and eggs can attract certain snakes. In snake prone areas, he recommends placing chicken coops well away from living quarters, not close to bedrooms, kitchens, or doors where snakes can easily move from the coop area toward people.

6) Kill off rats inside the house, not just outside

Dr Ofua stresses this point clearly: get rid of rats inside the home itself. He warns that snakes can follow chemical cues left by rats, even days later. So if rats have been passing through your kitchen or store, you are increasing your risk.

Practical action: close up food storage, use rodent traps, and seal gaps where rats enter.

7) Block holes and secure toilets, soakaways, and septic routes

Snakes don’t only come in through open doors. Dr Ofua says holes, gaps, and openings around the house can serve as entry routes. He also highlights a less obvious risk: soakaways and septic tanks.

Rats often gather around soakaways, and snakes follow them. From there, snakes can use connected pipes and routes to enter toilets or water outlets in the home. 

His advice is simple: make sure building designs and maintenance work prevent access through those channels. Cover openings properly and fix broken vents, loose covers, and gaps.