Many homeowners, whether they live in the suburbs or in rural areas, find themselves wondering how to get rid of snakes around their homes. Snakes are beneficial creatures, but most people have no desire to have one living near them.

A problem with snakes is most common for those living in rural areas. These homeowners tend to live near places that are natural snake habitats, so it is inevitable that one will cross their property lines occasionally. One of the best ways to get rid of snakes in rural areas is prevention. The homeowner should clear out areas that are attractive to snakes. These include old buildings, woodpiles, refuse piles -- anywhere isolated and quiet. Snakes avoid humans when possible, so these sites where they can stay hidden are naturally attractive.

Prevention also is crucial for city or suburb dwellers. If they have a woodpile or other quiet corner of the yard, they should move anything that would be attractive to snakes. Rural and city dwellers alike also need to make sure they don't have mice or rat infestations, since predators follow the food supply.

What should a homeowner do if he sees a snake on his property? First rule: do not touch it or get very close to it. Obviously, a slender, bright green snake in the U.S. is probably a harmless garter snake, but some venomous and non-venomous varieties look like each other at a distance, and by the time the person is close enough to determine the species, he may be bitten.

The homeowner should keep an eye on the snake and see if any others show up. Some people are fooled by snakes. They think they are seeing several, when in reality, it is the same snake, just hunting on their property.

If a city dweller sees a snake or snakes for more than a couple of days running, he should contact animal control. They are trained to deal with reptiles, and can safely remove the animal from the property. Rural homeowners have the option of ignoring the snake and hoping it leaves on its own, especially if they have a large yard. However, if someone finds a den of snakes, or sees more than one or two at a time, it is probably time to call the county agent to see if there is anyone in the area who specializes in catching wild animals. The snake den needs to be removed from near a human dwelling.

A county agent may also be able to recommend "snake repellent." Some companies make substances specifically designed to repel snakes. They may be chemicals that emit a repellent odor, or a type of substrate that is uncomfortable for the snake to crawl over. The homeowner should make certain these repellents are safe for use around children and outdoor pets.

Snakes in the yard are one thing. Snakes in the house are something else again. This is a situation that needs immediate attention -- particularly if the snakes are venomous.

Most snakebites occur when the animal is stepped on or otherwise harassed, and a family member or pet could be bitten. In any case, the homeowner should make sure all family pets are safe, either in crates or with the local veterinarian. Then, the homeowner should call animal control and apprise them of the situation. For venomous snakes, the family may want to consider staying with friends or in a motel until the animals are removed. If possible, the homeowner should also insist that the snakes are released in an appropriate area, rather than killed.

In general, snakes are as anxious to avoid humans as humans are to avoid snakes. Prevention will help keep them from setting up housekeeping close by, and keeping one's distance will help avoid accidents. Leave snake removal to the professionals.