OP, how do you keep the snakes out of the green house and pond? I live in the south and we have more than our share of the poison ones.
Next, the electricity around these parts is off more than on most of the time, don't ask me why, but everyday for at least an hour. How would one operate this system without electricity, or is it not possible, ( I don't live near any running water like streams or rivers)
Thanks
Quoting: Loup Garou I have to build a snake fence too, but haven't decided on the materials to use yet. (also to keep out the deer and other critters)
As to the pump, I have been thinking about that one ever since I first read this thread.
I plan on going with a 12 volt water pump hooked up to both an ac to dc converter from the house power, and a car battery hooked up to 12 volt solar panel/charger in case the power goes out for long periods of time. (about $200 for the pump, converter, battery, and solar panel)
Thanks wolf, that gives me a starting point , I really had no ideas.
You raise a good question, thank you for calling attention to it. I don't have a solution that I'm content with.
I've battled snakes some. I've never found a venomous snake in my tunnels, but I've had a number of garter snakes, western ribbon snakes, and king snakes. Usually those are all 'good guys' in the garden, but not if you hold fry/fingerlings in shallow pools in the gravel or in other accessible tanks; in that case, the snakes go after the easy meal and eat the fish.
I've only seen a couple of snakes out there in the past year. The sound/vibrations of the blower fan help a little, and my almost constant presence probably deters them, too. When I find a king snake, I let it stay, since I've never seen them in the water going after the fish (unlike the garter and western ribbon snakes), and since they scare off and/or eat other snakes.
I also try to always close up shop each night so that the wildlife can't wander in. My greenhouses are fairly well sealed, so that helps a great deal, but there is still the occasional mole tunnel that pops up and can provide an entrance.
I've considered making giant sticky strips to snag them, then taking them out and releasing them using a solvent, but never have.
I think a snake fence is a good idea and would almost be a necessity in areas with venomous snakes.
