Unwanted Critters!!!

[lmam88]

In all the years we have lived here we have never had a big problem with snakes like we have had this year. Non posioious so far (THANK GOD)but to me the only good kind of snake is a dead snake:eek:.
Any advice on how to get rid of them? No cats allowed because of severe allergies which leads to my next question.
We are being over run with stray cats in our neighborhood again. When I went out a couple of mornings ago I was greeted with cat dukey all over the hood of my car! After washing it over and over it is still not all the way off:mad:. How can you get rid of them? You cannot get close to them as they are wild!
Suggestions would be most appreciated!

[Pure Texan]

you have the perfect food chain going.

the snakes eat the rats and mice, the cats eat the snakes even poison ones and the cats also eat the rats and mice. are you sure the cat stuff on your car is not racoon stuff. cats usually cover up thier stuff.

if you cant live with all that traps are the answer. call the animal guy at city hall

[lmam88]

you have the perfect food chain going.

the snakes eat the rats and mice, the cats eat the snakes even poison ones and the cats also eat the rats and mice. are you sure the cat stuff on your car is not racoon stuff. cats usually cover up thier stuff.

if you cant live with all that traps are the answer. call the animal guy at city hall
I never even thought of Racoons! Do we have an animal guy here in G.S.?

[lmam88]

Will Pampass Grass attract snakes?

[Wrangler]

I don't think the grass, itself, is what attracts snakes. Rather, its (as stated above) the "food" (mice, etc) that like to hide in the grass, etc that attracts the snakes. Think "food chain"!

[lmam88]

I don't think the grass, itself, is what attracts snakes. Rather, its (as stated above) the "food" (mice, etc) that like to hide in the grass, etc that attracts the snakes. Think "food chain"!
That's what I was wondering is if it was a safe haven. Our neighbor has it as a border around his property line and never cleans it out or prunes it back.

[Tgutr]

Pampas Grass, asian jasmine, and anything tall or dense.. attracts snakes. True, it attracts food, but the cover in and of itself is also what snakes like to take shelter in. The cat's aren't attracted to snakes as a food source. Although, they do share some prey items with the snakes (birds and rodents). There are snake repellents you can get as well as cat repellents. Re: the cats, you can try calling 830.598.SPAY (Pet Pals) and see who they may refer you to locally. Re: snakes.. you're really better off with the non venomous ones around. And I second the thought that it's probably racoons vs cats, cats don't normally defecate like that.
If you would any non venomous snakes removed feel free to contact me.

[luxgolfer]

Shame on Imam88's neighbor! Pampas grass, like crabgrass can quickly get out of control, and it is a great catcher of all sorts of unsightly debris.

As intimated in some of the comments, snakes do have an important place in the ecological ssystem. Cats do, too.

I don't think cats (even feral) are doing bad things to your can. It's probably a coon or possum, both of which are prevelant in this area. Why not borrow a live animal trap and see what shows up in it?

[JC70]

Call Hill Country Cats and they will rent you out traps to catch the wild kitties. They do a wonderful service to the area by taking these wild cats to the vet to have them spayed/neutered. The more spayed cats means no more unwanted kittens. You'll also have the benefit of the cat back in his area to hunt. Taking them to the shelter will pretty much be a death sentence for a wild cat. Anyhow...I don't "welcome" venemous snakes in my yard, but do like the others that eat the field mice and such. Scorpions on the other hand......????? Yuck!!!!!

Hill Country Cats- 830-598-9883

[fairlyoldguy]

careful about the traps. I set one out to try and catch a 'coon, and wound up catching a skunk. Catch up on your skunk trap and release procedures BEFORE you get one. I paid 60 bucks to the pest control people to get rid of the first one, saw how easy it was, and did the second one myself. (yes, I DID it again!) Just remember, skunks don't spray unless they feel danger. So, if you catch one, sloowwly cover it with a blanket or towel, then open the door and prop it open...the skunk will leave without spraying.....usually

[lmam88]

Thank you for all the suggestions and phone numbers! They are greatly appreciated!