Home » Poems » Caren Krutsinger » My Garage Is a Snake-Magnet

My Garage Is a Snake-Magnet

My garage is a snake-magnet. We have lived in a variety of places, And I have never encountered any attracting dwelling like this before. The garage we built eleven years ago has attracted too many serpents to count. This has confused, bewildered and amazed me. We have woods and meadows. Why would they not rather be out there, in the wild, slithering around our red mushrooms? We have a pest man who uses sticky traps. I do not like these horrible slow-death-traps because they have caught so many snakes, And it hurts me to see them hanging out both ends, bewildered, and sad. Something free and happy, suddenly not. In the last month we have caught two inside the garage addition which is my Art studio, office, bathroom. My place, my haven, my snake-magnet facility. It feels horrible catching these innocents. It makes me want to dispose of these horrible sticky-slow-death-traps, as I Imagine the pain they have caused. But what then? Do I want to paint out there, trying to relax, waiting to be slithered upon and bitten on the ankle? Painting used to relax me. Now I do an uneasy serpentine hunt before I can sit down and pick up a brush. The soft sound of the heater blower has me jumping out of my chair. Does anyone know a good way to catch and release snakes? All ideas welcome except bigger sticky traps.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rhona Mcferran

Date: 9/30/2018 5:20:00 PM

Cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood essential oils are all supposed to repel snakes... garlic, too- although garlic might repel certain people as well! ;) My father-in-law always used sulphur powder in and around his shed to discourage snakes (& he claimed it worked great). So sorry you're having this invasion of your art-space!

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/1/2018 5:30:00 AM

I don't blame you! You've made me pause & reflect on the gaps and cracks in this old house, as I found a HUGE snakeskin by my backdoor the other day. Everyone says it's too cold for poisonous snakes here, but if we have garden snakes, and what I'm guessing (by the skin) was a large rat snake... there could be other kinds, too! ;( Good luck, my friend!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/30/2018 9:48:00 PM

I truly need to get rid of them before winter. I do not relish sharing a couch or a bed with them.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/30/2018 3:01:00 PM

i shudder to think of even one snake coming near to me, so i can't imagine how this must be for you. unfortunately, i have no suggestions for you, caren. sorry!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/30/2018 4:12:00 PM

Ilene, I wish that you did. It feels so uncomfortable seeing them INSIDE!

M. L. Kiser

Date: 9/30/2018 2:11:00 PM

Other than a good box trap, that doesn't kill them and allows you to release them into the wild; you might try repelling them by sprinkling some strong peppermint oil around the perimeter of the garage, as needed or do like I do and keep peppermint and spearmint growing around it. You'll have plenty of mint for baking and using in Tea, as well as, the snakes going in the opposite direction. Lemon grass, wormwood, garlic and even Marigolds will work, too. Love the piece.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/30/2018 4:13:00 PM

I will try this. Maybe the problem is that I have marigold on the other side of the yard.

Mahtab Bangalee

Date: 9/30/2018 4:02:00 AM

All ideas welcome except bigger sticky traps.- Yes- nicely penned

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/30/2018 4:24:00 PM

I wanted to thwart the person who would say this, as I know many who would have.