Walls and floors should be inspected for crevices. Spaces around pipes that go through outside walls should be plugged. Galvanized screen can be fastened over drains or ventilators or even over larger areas of loose construction which would be difficult to snake proof in any other way. Snakes can be discouraged from staying around grounds and buildings by eliminating food and cover that is attractive to them. Closely mowed lawns and fields are less attractive to snakes than areas of tall grass, weeds or brush.
Snakes seek food and cover under boards, flat rocks, trash piles, and similar materials.
Eliminate such shelter and the premises will be much less inviting to them. This approach may not be practical on farms, but it is of real value around suburban dwellings, summer homes, and resorts. They hide under driftwood, rocks, and boats and are seldom seen on clear, open beaches where they are exposed to direct sunlight and predators. The Maryland Poison Control Center states that from 2-6 people receive venomous snake bites in Maryland annually and that people rarely die from snake bites, even without medical treatment. Copperhead bites are not fatal and with proper field treatment, the mortality from rattlesnake bites could be virtually eliminated.