BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 28, 2021
Snakes are among the most maligned species in popular culture. The roots of our aversion to the slithering critters may even be biblical — after all, it was a snake that ruined paradise for the first man and woman. But snakes don’t deserve their sinful reputation. They offer many benefits to homeowners. If there is a snake on your land, it is usually a sign that you are doing something right and your local ecosystem is healthy and thriving. If you see a snake, don’t try to move or kill it. Most likely, the snake is not poisonous, especially in Maine. Keep your distance and let it slither on its merry way. If you can’t get past your ophidiophobia, the best way to control snake populations is to take away their sources of food and shelter. Moth balls are common old-time home remedy to keep snakes away, but this old wives’ tale doesn’t stand the test of science.