How to Tell if There’s a Snake in Your Garden? 5 Signs

A peaceful garden can quickly turn unsettling if you suspect a snake may be hiding somewhere among the plants, rocks, or shaded corners. While most garden snakes are harmless and help control pests, some can be dangerous — and all of them deserve cautious awareness.

Snakes are quiet, secretive creatures. They rarely show themselves unless threatened, which means you’ll usually notice signs of their presence long before you see the snake itself. Whether you live in a suburban home, a rural area, or a place where snakes are common, understanding these signs can help keep your environment safer.

Here are five clear signs that may indicate a snake is hiding in your garden — and what you should do if you find any of them.

1. Shed Snake Skin — A Clear, Physical Warning Sign

One of the most obvious and direct signs of a snake’s presence is shed skin, also called a “slough.”

As snakes grow, they shed their outer layer of skin in long, thin, transparent strips.

Where you might find shed skin:

Along fences

Near rocks or wood piles

Under garden pots

Close to water sources

In tall grass

Near the edges of patios

Why this is a strong sign:

Snakes shed regularly, especially during warm seasons

A shed skin often indicates active movement nearby

It can reveal the size and species of the snake

What to do if you find one:

Do NOT search for the snake

Keep children and pets away

Remove clutter and check hiding spots

Consider calling a professional if venomous snakes are common in your area

Finding shed skin means a snake has been in your garden — and could still be nearby.

2. Unexplained Tracks or Trails in Dirt or Dust

Snakes leave distinct trails when they move across dusty soil, soft dirt, or sandy surfaces.

How snake trails look:

Wavy, S-shaped patterns

Smooth and continuous

No footprints (unlike lizards or small mammals)

Where these trails appear:

Garden pathways

Near plants and flower beds

Along walls or fences

Around stored tools, pots, or bags

Why this indicates a snake:

Snakes glide by contracting their muscles, leaving unique curved tracks that other animals cannot produce.

Important note:

Fresh trails mean the snake recently passed by — especially if they appear after rain or watering.

3. Sudden Increase in Rodents, Frogs, or Insects

Snakes follow their food.

If your garden suddenly has more pests than usual, a snake may be attracted to the area.

Common snake food sources:

Mice

Rats

Frogs

Grasshoppers

Lizards

Slugs

Small birds

Why this matters:

A garden with abundant food becomes a comfortable habitat for snakes — especially if there are places to hide.

Warning signs include:

Droppings from rodents

Burrows or tunnels

Noisy rustling in bushes at night

Dead frogs or small animals

If you notice this:

Reduce the food supply by:

Sealing garbage

Removing water sources

Trapping rodents

Keeping the garden clean

Without food, snakes are unlikely to settle in your garden.

4. Strange Noises in Bushes, Grass, or Storage Areas

Snakes are silent movers, but they can still create noise when passing through leaves, dry grass, or debris.

Sounds that indicate a snake:

Soft rustling

Sliding noises

A sudden quick movement in grass

Light tapping against pots or wood

Where these noises often occur:

Behind garden sheds

Near compost piles

Under wooden decks

Around stored firewood

Inside thick bushes or shrubs

Why you should pay attention:

Most snakes avoid humans, but their sudden movement can cause surprise — and danger if the snake is venomous.

If you hear suspicious movement:

Keep a safe distance

Use a long stick to gently move objects (never with your hands)

Avoid putting your face or hands into dark corners

Observe from afar rather than investigating directly

5. Hiding Spots That Look Recently Disturbed

Snakes love cool, dark, hidden areas.

If these areas appear disturbed, shifted, or hollowed, it may indicate that something has been hiding there.

Common hiding places:

Piles of wood

Stacked stones

Compost heaps

Thick flower beds

Gaps under patios

Storage boxes

Beneath garden equipment

Signs of recent disturbance:

Soil that looks freshly moved

Burrows or narrow tunnels

Unusual gaps between rocks

Piled objects slightly shifted

Leaf piles that appear collapsed

Why this is concerning:

Snakes choose places that protect them from heat, predators, and human activity.

A freshly disturbed hiding spot usually means it has been used recently.