Like most humans, you probably wish to avoid snakes at all costs. Having information about the things that attract snakes might come in handy. Is milk one of the snakes’ favorite things?
Snakes are not attracted to milk. They are not mammals and, therefore, don’t consume milk. They only drink water when thirsty and eat mice, rats, small birds, insects, frogs, and fish. It is a myth that snakes drink milk or milk cows.
Find out more about the origin of the myth that milk is the preferred drink of snakes. We will discuss what really attracts snakes and how to prevent these slithering creatures from settling in your home.
Disproving the Myth: Snakes Aren’t Attracted to Milk
In the past, farmers could not explain why their cows suddenly stopped producing milk. They could, however, often spot snakes creeping into barns. The most logical or simplest explanation was that the snakes were drinking the cow’s milk.
We now know that milk production depends on cows’ health and well-being. It has nothing to do with night creepers. Seeing snakes around barns at night doesn’t mean they are searching for a warm cup of milk before bed. They are hunting rodents.
This myth also led to the belief that a bowl of milk could be snake bait. People would poison the milk, hoping to get rid of unwanted snakes. However, all snakes are carnivorous and drink nothing but water because they can’t digest milk.
What Are Snakes Attracted To?
Like all animals, snakes are attracted to food and water. Pet foods and trash sitting outside your house at night might draw mice and rats. These small animals could, in turn, attract snakes. Therefore, leaving food out in the open could indirectly attract snakes.
Snakes like to stay under big rocks, logs, or other debris when not basking in the sun. Therefore, most of the time, they remain hidden in cold and dark places. If you want to snake-proof your garden, clear away any damp areas where snakes might creep in.
Snakes can easily sneak into openings no larger than a pencil. Placing wire meshes around tiny holes that might lead into your house is a good idea. Moreover, you should regularly trim your grass and bushes and mow the grass.
If you own a tool shed, ensure there is no room for the snakes to enter under the shed. Additionally, you should keep the firewood on a rack to keep it out of snakes’ reach.
Final Thoughts
Snakes are not attracted to milk. They will find your house and surroundings attractive only if rodents and other small animals roam around. Keep your garden neat to avoid having unpleasant encounters with these cold-blooded creatures.