To deter snakes from an area, what maintenance should be performed?

Mowing pond bank vegetation is an effective strategy for deterring snakes because it reduces cover and hiding spots that snakes may use for shelter and hunting. By keeping the vegetation short and well-maintained, one minimizes areas that provide camouflage for snakes, thereby encouraging them to move to other locations where they can find more suitable habitats. This practice can also help in monitoring the area for any snake activity since shorter grass and vegetation make it easier to spot snakes.

In contrast, installing a fence may provide a physical barrier, but snakes can often find ways to climb or burrow under fences, making this option less effective. Adding more rocks and logs can inadvertently create additional hiding spots for snakes, potentially attracting them rather than deterring them. Similarly, creating artificial habitats is likely to encourage the presence of snakes, providing additional shelter rather than reducing their numbers in the area. Therefore, maintaining the land through mowing is the most direct and effective method for keeping snakes at bay.