FORSYTH, Ga. -- While many people don't like snakes, they are vital parts of the ecosystem.
President of Southeast Reptile Rescue Jason Clark said snakes keep rat, mice and insect populations under control.
However, that doesn't mean people have to welcome them into their yards.
Clark said tight, closed in spaces provide a habitat that's perfect for snakes.
"You have to understand, snakes don't like just being out in the middle of an open football field," Clark said. "They want to be around the edges where they can quickly dart to cover. So if you have ivy, if you have a lot of monkey grass, if you have juniper, a lot of these log growing shrubs, snakes love them! It's easy to hide in."
There are other ways to avoid snakes, too, according to Clark.
"Get rid of pine straw in your flowerbeds," Clark said. "Replace it with mulch. Replace it with bark. Mulch and bark doesn't repel snakes, but if makes it harder for them to burrow under it than it is pine straw."
If you do have a snake problem, don't try to fix it yourself.
Most snake bites occur when someone takes matters into their own hands. It's safest to call a licensed wildlife relocation service.
In Georgia, non-venomous snakes are even protected by law. Some penalties include jail time and hefty fines.
