Snakes in Compost Piles: Safety Tips

Snakes of all kinds may hibernate in compost, leaf, rock, or firewood piles. The bite risk is low. Use a pitchfork to turn the pile, keeping distance. To minimize encounters, turn compost only in warm months when snakes are active elsewhere. Alternatively, beat on the pile with a stick, wait for snakes to leave, then turn. Or simply stop turning—eventually the finished compost becomes too dense for snakes to inhabit.